A recap: Partie Une

A little recap of the semester :

You know you’ve lived in Paris if…

• You can fend off any gypsy in a heart beat when they ask, “Speeek Eeenglish?” with one, fluid “Non, merci.”
• You’ve been molested/prevented someone from being molested at Duplex.
• When the Boulanger asks you “avec ceci?” you no longer get flustered and say “…oui…”
• You could navigate the metro system in your sleep (or a drunken stupor).
• You’ve lived through a variety of grèves and now know the meaning of “quasi-nul”.
• You know that BIA isn’t a rap term, but rather the best place to get pancakes and milkshakes.
• You’ve seen your share of famous people and maybe made a fool of yourself when your jaw drops.
• You know that if you don’t have a metro ticket, you can go to Motte Piquet and walk through the broken exit door.
• You have decisively chosen your favorite home/work boulangeries and have a favorite pastry (or 10).
• You know that Orly is so much better than CDG, not just for having “Orrrrlybus”.
• You know that the north and east banlieux are strictly off limits.
• You’ve gone to a small corner convenience store late-night to buy much needed food.
• The words “Le Relais de l’Entrecôte” have changed your life.
• You’ve enjoyed a bottle of wine with friends (and gypsies) on the Champ de Mars.
• You’ve tried blood sausage, pâté, and Roquefort.
• You know a myriad of curse words in French and how to use them most effectively.
• You’ve stepped in poo.
• You’ve enjoyed the variety of metro performers.
• You know what side you take in the G20/Franprix debate.
• While on line 1, you have a favorite stop the woman announces and you recite with her “Attention à la marche en descendant du train.”
• The policies of Nicolas Sarkozy have somehow affected your daily life.
• You’ve ever walked an inordinate number of miles because you couldn’t force yourself to go underground and miss the city.
• You’ve experienced one or more eventful Noctilien rides.
• You know that “L’Express” is synonymous with Cecilia Sarkozy.
• You still stop and look on with a smile when you catch the Eiffel Tower lit up and sparkling at the top of every hour.