Hot take? Maybe. But after living in New York for a year now, I stand by it and will continue too. As much as I love New York, there is something about getting an espresso and walking around with a baguette… and maybe a cigarette here and there (sorry, mom).

Things that surprised me about Paris:

1. I hate that I was surprised by this. But, everyone was reallyyy nice. I don’t speak French and everyone was friendly. Someone even went out of their way to help me and Kosta in the Metro when we couldn’t figure out the ticket machine. IDK don’t listen to stereotypes

2. Parisians are built different. Listen, I’m from a freezing cold state. I grew up having school canceled for snow days, and COLD days (think, -30 degrees F). Paris in the winter is freezing. We went out of our way to buy wool socks in the middle of the day because we thought our toes were gonna fall off. And meanwhile, Parisians are sitting outside, with light coats on, no gloves, drinking wine or beer, and sitting with their friends. With no heat lamps, may I add. If you’re French and you’re reading this – really what’s your secret?

3. My ego was hit hard in Paris. I have always considered myself good at languages…and then I tried learning French. I can’t tell the difference between the word for “water” (un) and the word for “one” (eau) in French. Not to mention every time I tried to order one coffee, they thought I said two. Which… I can’t exactly complain about getting MORE coffee.