As an American, I am sure you’ve heard, and probably used the saying “quality over quantity” before, right? Well, after one month of being in Paris, that saying seems far more suitable here. Despite the countless boulangeries (bakeries) everywhere you look, and the infinite cafés and restaurants, there is not too much done in excess. There seems to be an order and reason behind the way of life that adds efficiency and quality to the (Parisian) lifestyle. Even McDonald’s is better quality in Paris, not that I would know, but a good friend of mine just LOVES their potato wedges 😉 The Frenchies really put quality over quantity, or as they might say, “la qualité vaut mieux que la quantité.”
Quality is very important; c’est trés clair. Imagine: You wake up in the morning and walk across the street to the bakery. After saying “Je voudrais un pain chocolat et un chocolat chaud,” and spending around 2-3 euros, you walk away with one of the best chocolate croissants and hot chocolate you’ve ever had. You exit the bakery and while walking down the streets, you would actually have to search the ground to see any litter, and even then you may not find any. When out to lunch with your friends, the portions may seem small from an American perspective, but you never leave hungry. The presentation of each meal is always purposeful and elegant. After two hours of nice conversation with your friends, you ask the server for the check.. There is never a rush in restaurants, which is why the waitstaff doesn’t bring the checks over. Yet, there is never a rush to get anywhere, really. The only time I ever see people running here is to get on the Metro before the doors close. Anyways, after getting l’addition (the check), you leave the restaurant. Later that night, you go to the grocery store and there is one woman cashing people out. At most stores, there are only a few registers and minimal workers, again reflecting upon the desire to not be excessive.
A final aspect of quality that has really struck me this past month is that not only are the buildings and architecture so extremely beautiful, but during construction, they will cover it up with something more pleasing. The first week that I was here, while walking by a huge building (I wish I knew what it was), I saw an Iphone billboard that felt so out of place. One of my friends told me it was to block the construction behind the billboard. In my personal opinion, in the United States we would not care that much to make the outside look pretty. Another example, in 2015-2016, one area of the Louvre was covered with paintings of Austin Mann for some time, again hiding construction with pleasing paintings of nature. There is a sense of more class and attention to presentation, which the French appreciate through the relaxed, unhurried nature of their lifestyles here.
While only here for a few fast-flying weeks, my admiration for this country and the quality of living here has only grown. There seems to be a purpose for how the French lead every hour of the day, and there is always so much to do and see. Of course, there are problems with the country just as there is any other, and sometimes there are inconveniences, but I have found respect for all of the differences whether I like them or not. I cannot wait to continue learning about the lifestyle and culture here over the next three months.
À la prochaine,
Julia
Julia's Journey in Paris 