Most days as an American in Paris are pretty humiliating, lol, but today I went to Monoprix (very small Parisian version of a Super Target) and returned 2 items and got 22,65 Euro back! From a woman who spoke no English! I feel like I won the lottery.These things have been staring at me, mocking me from their place on the desk for about 2 weeks now. I had read in a couple of different places that returns are not a given in France like they are in the US. I had a corkscrew that I bought just before coming home and finding one in my apartment. Also my daughter bought me an umbrella, then found a street vendor with a prettier one, so she bought that too. I was so relieved to finally get this chore over with.
Also, there is a very intimidating lady at the bakery where I get my baguettes. She starts off very nice, but the minute you hesitate, or hand her the wrong change, she gets this look. I can’t describe it, but believe me, you’d do anything to avoid it. The other day I saw a huge baguette, double the size of a normal one, and because I saw it at the last minute, I had trouble finding the words to tell her which one I wanted. I asked what it was called and she gave me the most disgusted look and said,”pain” (bread). I thought she was being snarky, because there is an entire wall full of bread behind her, but when I went back the next day and had time to look, the sign beneath it did in fact, just say Pain. Today I went in, gave my order, paid with exact change, and she actually wished me a “bon journee”. Usually it’s a curt “merciaurevoir” said all as one word while she turns to the next in line, not even giving you time to respond. I was so astounded that I said “you too” in English. Now I’m scared to go back. 🙂
And I was Facebook messaging with my son when he sent me this:
I’m pretty sure this is the most beautiful thing I will see all day today.
I still have hours ahead of me though, so I’m sure Paris will show me who’s boss by the end of the day. 🙂
TravelswithKelly 