04 Mar Ask an Au Pair: Maggie masters connecting with Parisians
This week, we asked Maggie, a 25-year old from California. She is living with her host family in the 16th arrondissement. Here are excerpts from her responses.
What inspires you about Paris?
Culture!
What do you dislike most about living in Paris?
Speaking French all the time can be exhausting because it requires so much focused effort as a beginner. Also, public urination is totally out of control here.
What is the best way to meet Parisians?
The most effective way I’ve found personally is to go out on the weekend with only one or two friends. When expats socialize in big groups, I think it can be a little crazy. By reducing the size of the group, we become more approachable and also maybe a little less loud.
A lot of Parisians have struck up conversations with me because they hear my accent or my English and want to know where I’m from, but it happens way more frequently when I’m with one or two people, rather than… six or seven.
How do you improve or master your French language skills?
I’m nowhere near mastery yet, but daily reading, active speaking/listening, and intentionally thinking in French all help me progress.
What is the best meal you’ve had in Paris?
The formule Sunday brunch at Chez Justine in the 11th was magical: Eggs benedict and mimosas. Also, Chez Gladine near Place d’Italie does fantastically large portion of Southwest French food.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
The 11th arondissement and the Marais
What is your favorite café?
Pili Pili and Le 10 Bar
What is your favorite shop?
Omaya Vintage in Oberkampf and Episode in the Marais
What is your favorite museum?
Musee d’Orsay
What is your favorite secret Paris spot?
The bar behind Candelaria in the Marais. Just walk through the taco place and open the door to find a dimly lit, super swanky (though a bit pricey) bar. No sign or anything. Feels like a speakeasy.
Also, maybe not so secret, but the flea market at Porte de Vanves is a dream come true for lovers of old stuff. All prices are negotiable too, so it’s a good opportunity to gain some confidence in French!
What advice would you give to incoming au pairs?
Practice as much French as possible before you arrive and make sure you have money saved up for traveling.