Arriving in Paris, I cannot say I initially found it too different from London. The weather, ironically, has been worse, but otherwise that same sense of conflicting old and new architecture persisted, as did the wonders of public transit. But after a brief period of accumulation, even the streets feel different. For one, they feel wider here. While London had tighter streets, Paris has confusing roads that go different directions on the same side. It’s all very fascinating stuff.
Of course, the actually interesting differences are the people. The cultures are strangely similar and completely at odds. For instance, with broad strokes, one could consider both the French and English persistent in the upkeep of their appearance. Both put on an air of what is to be English or French, and hold their heads higher above those who don’t. But the English want to appear posh, while the French want to appear, for lack of a better word, cool. Berets vs caps. It makes sense in context with how their histories unfolded, too. Of course the more hip French are going to buck authority and be attracted to new ideas, and of course the posh well put together Englishmen are going to take their time, and stick with their old principles. Purely subjective– but I give it to the French on that one.
Speaking on culture, I can’t say I find the French very rude? Everyone has been very nice to me, except for when they don’t realize I don’t speak French and just think I’m being rude.
Furthermore, another rather exciting difference I discovered between London and Paris, is the food. I liked food in London, I really did. But French food is a different beast. With a bakery on every corner, I’ve eaten more pastries in a few days than in my entire life. And it’s all sooo good. I have no idea how much butter they put in those things, and I’m not sure that I want to know. But hey, no preservatives, right?
It’s not purely French food either, there’s so much here. Especially near my apartment, there’s a long road north of us littered with restaurants and cafes. I was happy to find a number of Greek restaurants, including a Greek crêpe place. I visited a truly fantastic French-Japanese fusion restaurant, and it was life changing. I still think London wins on the burger front, but man. Nothing else really compares.
In short, London was great. Paris is better.