This is more like an open letter to the tourists that will flock to Paris this year. Now please don't get me wrong, I was once you, a tourist to this fine city. And now that I live here and have been on both sides I want to share a few tips. 1. We all know you're in a new city and you probably have no clue where you're going. Perfectly acceptable, what is not acceptable is when you pull out your map and stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Just dead in your tracks! Not cool. When you're driving you wouldn't stop in the middle of the street to look at your map would you? No, so don't do it on the sidewalk either. Pull over! And if you don't pull over, don't look at me like i'm the jerk because i bumped in to you! You're the one who stopped dead in your tracks.
2. You're probably visiting Paris with someone, that's great! But if you roll with a large crew, don't take up the whole sidewalk. The sidewalks in Paris are small enough as is, sometimes barely big enough for one person to walk on, let alone two in passing. So think about that when you and your crew are walking down the street, it's ok to walk in pairs or even single file. We all know you're a tough gang ok? You don't need to own the sidewalk, share the sidewalk please.
3. It's ok to ask for directions! Yes, I know I look scary and mean (moi?!) But if I can help you, I will point you in the right direction, even though most of the time I have no clue! But the point is that most Parisians will actually help you with directions, they're a lot nicer and friendlier than people think.
4. Yes, I know most North American cities don't have an underground metro system and figuring out the Metro can be tricky at first. The ticket buying procedure can also be challenging for first timers so please do us all a favor, if you and you're posse could just take up one of the stalls and leave the others open for us who have places to be that would be great, thanks!
5. Don't tip! I know, it sounds crazy especially from those of us North Americans who are used to tipping. The tip is included here and it's absolutely not necessary for you tip. IF you want to tip a few coins, like your change that's fine but none of that 15-20% stuff here. That's a rip off, don't get ripped off. Do however, tip your bell hop if he brings your bags up. Don't tip the waiter or the cab driver unless they were awesome.
6. If you're near the Champs de Mars (the grassy area by the Eiffel Tower) or on the Champs Elysee and some woman comes up to you and asks you if you speak English, say NO. You'll think they're asking YOU for directions or something but they're not. They will show you a picture of some kid who is "sick" and "needs surgery". This is a scam, they will try to get money from you either by your guilt or my stealing it while you're distracted.
7. Also, if some guy is walking towards you and suddenly bends down to pick up a ring off the ground then comes to you and asks you if you dropped it, say NO. First of all these guys are idiots, if they are walking towards me and see a ring on the ground IN FRONT of me then how did I drop it? Did I throw it? No, these are scammers stay away.
8. If you visit the Montmartre area (the artsy area & near Moulin Rouge & Sacre Coeur church) if some guys want to show you a "trick" with string, say NO and walk away fast. Their trick is to tie up your hands somehow and while you're mesmerized by their magic they rip you off.
(None of these things have actually happened to me {knock on wood} but i've seen them)
9. Pointing to order food is perfectly acceptable! Don't be afraid to try to speak French but throwing in a point to the food or the menu won't hurt either. At least there's no confusion!
10. Meat is not fully cooked here! I got sick one time from a hamburger at a restaurant because i'm not used to meat being so rare. It's ok to ask for it well done (Bien cuie) It's better to have the meat cooked than be sick after, at least in my opinion it is!
11. ENJOY Paris! Eat lots of bread, cheese and chocolate! Drink lots of wine! Go shopping! Explore! Smile! I promise I will try to do more of these things too ok?
Bon Voyage!
