<p>I don’t know xiggy… some people LOVE living in Paris. I was one of them. I’d move back in a nano-second. I didn’t find Parisians rude - just different in their demeanor. I don’t get the washing reference since I smell plenty fragrant Americans on the bus to work. I agree about the grey skies and rain, and poky apartments, though that’s hardly a reality reserved for Paris alone.</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>Oh, that might be a bit of literary "libert</p>
<p>I showed up in Paris for the second time (had been on exchange there) with a fellow hitchhiker. The hostel was full but they directed us to a nearby hotel…as I recall we paid $5-10 each per night to share a room (just the two of us). That was pre-Euro, in fact it was in the mid-80’s. My fellow hitchhiker was making sidewalk art with chalk for money and doing very well at it.</p>
<p>I feel nostalgic just thinking about it, see what you can do in 30 years OP? ;)</p>
<p>Some of the rudeness of Parisians is a response to what they see as our extraordinary rudeness. For example if you go into a small shop, you are expected to say Good morning before you tell them what you want. Here’s a nice site that talks about French etiquette (including the tip about how to behave in stores). [French</a> Etiquette: (How not to Act Like Such a Tourist).](<a href=“龙珠体育mg捕鱼（中国）有限公司官网”>uc8彩票在线（中国）有限公司) I’ve always found the French to be quite friendly, but like OHMomof2, I’ve spend a lot of time in NYC!</p>
<p>(I spent one summer in Paris at a friends apartment - great location on the Isle St. Louis, but the apartment was … interesting. The bathtub was part of the kitchen and the toilet was outside in the courtyard shared with other apartments. It was a hole in the ground - it did flush - and the tp was cut up newspapers. Needless to say, I used it as little as possible!)</p>
<p>I agree that a lot of French ‘rudeness’ is just culture clash. In France it’s pretty rude to ask someone (a stranger) a question without beginning with “excuse me sir/madam, might I ask you a question?”. Even in shops you have to begin politely. Anglo-American manners seem awfully brusque and rude in comparison to this.</p>
<p>But rudeness does seem to be a thing in big cities that are declining or have declined in importance. You can see it now with NYC.</p>
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<p>I think that’s kind of rude anywhere, to be honest. I CERTAINLY preface a question with “Excuse me” and very often with the entire phrase above, anglicized.</p>
<p>xiggi-- that was depressing, thanks and I shouldn’t have read this thread at night be/c my anxieties about cost are coming back, thanks. </p>
<p>Anyway, Paris has gotten better and there is no city in the world where I can walk home from class and pass by the Louvre and La Seine! I found the locks of love bridge today by accident–also on my way home. I really want to stick this out and keep positive thoughts in my head. Classes actually end in April so its really only 3 full months that I’ll actually be here. This city is gritty—but I was born and raised in NYC–all cities are. I actually LOVE that Parisians do not smile at you as you pass on the sidewalks. I personally hate having to make contact with strangers when I walk on the streets of NY, Cali, and other parts of the US that I frequent. </p>
<p>I havent smelt bad smelling Parisians either.</p>
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<p>You missed my point, a little (I wasn’t very clear). My point was that in the US, it’s perfectly fine to ask someone on the street “excuse me, which way is blah blah”. Just saying ‘excuse me’ is polite enough.</p>
<p>But in France, that is regarded as rudely terse. Those who do that are likely to be regarded as badly brought up. British and American tourists in Paris are a bit like Chinese tourists in the US who don’t line up. Just a cultural difference, but it comes across as very rude.</p>
<p>My point was that is sounds like the the other roommate did the legwork to find a place and to find somebody to check it out. Sure…there should have been some dialog about who sleeps where ahead of time. But if not, it would have made no sense for her to start on the couch. From here there should be some discussion. </p>
<p>My son did almost all the legwork and negotiation to find summer sublet (3 students total) in Boston last year. He also did much of the driving/moving. He did take the bigger room, but there were pros/cons to them all. </p>
<p>To decide on fair rent split for different room variations, they used this helpful app - [url=<a href=“http://splitwise.com/]Splitwise[/url”>http://splitwise.com/]Splitwise[/url</a>]. (In their case it came out so close that they did an even split). They liked the app so much they continued to use it all summer to track rent deposit, food expenses, etc. Then they evened up at the end of the summer.</p>
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<p>My post should not have been depressing. And it should not build more anxieties about costs. The purpose was to make you see that the all the lights and the glitter come at a price. You cannot live close enough to walk home and pass by the Louvre and cross the Seine and expect to live in a wonderful apartment on a student’s budget. That is the trade-off. Once you get used to the less than great housing deal, you will still have plenty of great scenery outside your apartment. Not everything looks like Disneyland, but that is the point. After all, being in Paris and staying holed in school or in front of your computer is missing half the fun.</p>
<p>As far as costs go, compare what you’d be paying for an amazing baguette in Paris with the cost in NYC! Bring it home, mix some hot cocoa with boiling milk, and enjoy the simplest two euros snack ever. The view from the couch might get better. :)</p>
<p>((((hugs)))))</p>
<p>colorado_mom-- that was NOT the case. she simply had a friend that was already abroad and told her to go to the address. I searched and found the place through an agent</p>
<p>It’s very surprising to us coming from even New York that Paris is so dark in the morning. Fix the jet lag and get on Paris time and I bet you will feel better. </p>
<p>You can do this. Explore, walk, visit the city – and the countryside. It’s an amazing place and you are THERE. Make the most of it.</p>
<p>Last spring I discovered a really upbeat thing to do in Paris. There is a company called Discovery Walks. There are 4 or 5 tours every day and you just show up at the location noted on the internet site. I especially liked the tour of the Latin Quarter and the one of Montmartre. The tour leaders are young Parisians who offer a lot of suggestions and provide you with amazing city history. These tours are FREE! When you have some free time, go meet up with Discovery Walks. It makes you feel like a local. Invite another student to go with you. It will be a good time!
It sounds like the allure of the city is starting for you. When you talk about the locks of love on the bridge over the Seine and walking near the Louvre, I can sense your amazement.
My Parisian cousin always says to wear a warm scarf around your neck to fight the frigid temperatures of Paris in the winter. That’s why you see so many scarves for sale on the street. They are inexpensive so you can start a little scarf collection to ward off the cold.
You have classic culture shock. Just remember that it is normal and that you will feel more “at home” in a few weeks.</p>
<p>strong - That’s great you found a place remotely…it’s not easy to do. I hope it all works out for you and your roommate. When you go into these sight-unseen situations, there are bound to be unforseen complications. But there might also be unforseen joys - hope that’s the case here!</p>
<p>strongbeans12, it’s great that you continue to post here and that you are settling in, you have realized April is ‘around the corner’ in terms of how fast this experience will go, and I am living vicariously through your posts because you are mentioning places I got to see on a short stay there. Just think how proficient you will be in French upon your return! Think of Paris in the springtime. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy as you adjust to all of the new experiences/culture around you. Have a great semester. 
And remember to ask for help/talk to others whenever you feel down. It will hopefully help.</p>
<p>I’d be totally OK with strongbeans keeping this thread alive while in Pris because I too am enjoying living vicariously through it :)</p>
<p>My daughter wants to go to a 2 year program in Europe this fall, and has never left the U.S., or the Northeast for that matter. This thread is helpful. Thanks and good luck!</p>
<p>Two thoughts:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Every room in Paris was small. I remember the culture shock from when I first flew over and was certain I’d “move” asap. You’ll adapt.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to Angelina’s at 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France (Louvre / Place Vend</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Beans, you might want to read this thread. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1534799-2-nights-paris-recommendations-please.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1534799-2-nights-paris-recommendations-please.html</a></p>
<p>I was one of the latest of the many similar threads posted on CC. Although directed at spending a few days only, the tips and suggestions might help you create a quick overview agenda. Of course, you will have plenty of time to revisit the sites.</p>
<p>PS I am quite biased about this place: <a href=“http://www.fauchon.com/[/url]”>http://www.fauchon.com/</a> and love their simple offerings. It might be the perfect complement to the hot chocolate recommended above. Both places are very close to the Louvre in … Paris walking terms.</p>