28/07/24 08:30 

What have I learnt from this trip to Paris?  So much already in such a fairly short, but hugely adventurous and experiential space of time. 

The first thing I learned today is that I don’t need to find a boulangerie to sit in to write.  I can walk for 2 miles, pick up some pastries/viennoiserie and then just walk and sit on the sofa, instead.  So maybe I’ll walk to the nearest boulangerie – seeing as none of them within a 2-mile radius have any seats – pick up some pastries/viennoiserie and then come back to sit on the sofa, next time.  I bonjoured the lady behind the counter who then launched into a tirade of French at me.  I simply did my usual “Désolé, je suis anglais” whilst pointing at my French Abroad, unique and personally made “Je ne parle pas français” baseball cap and said I’d try in French but in English.  She put me at ease by saying she also spoke English, so I proceeded with the order.  Which, basic numbers aside, would have been French words, in French, with a French accent, that we would say in English, anyway.  I did decline the “ticket” in French, though.  So, there’s always that to be proud of in terms of accomplishments.  Small steps. 

Looking through Instagram feeds over the last few days, it’s been disheartening.  I follow a lot of people that are sort of influential within certain fields and the majority are expats; those that used to live elsewhere but are now essentially residents of Paris.  Over the last year or so, they all seemed to jump on the same bandwagon where the Olympic Games are concerned.  It was almost stated categorically that these were not going to be good for Paris, Paris wouldn’t be ready and they’d happily leave for other parts of the country/world until it was all over. 

And yet, there they all were, posting the most glorious photos of the build up, the opening ceremony and even partaking in events that were promoting the Olympics.  Each and every one that had rebuked the games were gaining popularity from them.  Now, don’t get me wrong, not everyone was being negative about Paris 2024, some were merely being cautious or worryful, but the naysayers were plentiful and they’ve been proved wrong.  The public forget easily, believe what they are told to and don’t think of the gains for the few from the many.  Hang on, this sounds like the General Election the UK had at the beginning of the month…