Paris V Dubai
I really enjoyed my 8 day vacation in Paris, but of course its also nice to be home. Back in the sandpit and back with the kitties, who I missed tons. It is also cooling down now a teeny-tiny smidge which is fabulous news I’m sure you’ll agree.
[me at the Arc de Triomphe]
The things that make Paris so different from Dubai really struck me on this trip, perhaps because we stayed a little longer this time.
And I don’t just mean the weather and the obvious stuff but more things like:
- the number of sirens you hear there, all day and all night, be it the Police or an ambulance;
- not hearing the call to prayer 5 times a day;
- being able to sit at a pavement cafe, or in the park on a picnic, and enjoy a glass of wine;
- walking your a** off everyday, and really only buying what you can carry from the store;
- the very comprehensive bus service, no matter where we wanted to go there always seemed to be the right bus nearby;
- the small speciality shops everywhere, every few streets there is a bakery and a cheese shop and a butcher and a wine shop…;
- how helpful and friendly the residents are to one another on the bus or on the street;
- how many homeless people there are, and beggars too;
- how many people mutter to themselves as they walk along the street, quite a few crazies out there;
- that there is always something going on, turn a corner and there is a fete, or a protest, or a street party for Breast Cancer Awareness;
- how great the farmer’s markets are and how well supported, the fresh produce is outstanding and such good value;
- how many people cycle, to work or just around on the rental bikes (great system);
- how stylishly dressed the Parisians are, even the kids;
- how in some places you don’t feel that safe walking around.
Now before I get a load of grief this isn’t about which is the better city, obviously there are things on that list I miss when in Dubai, and there are things that I don’t. That will be true no matter where I choose to live, I have yet to find nirvana.
Ultimately for me it is about new experiences that enrich my life and leave me feeling like I learnt something. And that’s enough for me.
Have a good day.