Ambrosia Quest

“Dream a little dream…”

View from Tour Montparnasse

Welcome to my Paris Page

Paris is a passion of mine and is always on my mind. I feel I have spent lifetimes there. My emotion for this illustrious city runs deep, and I have barely scratched the surface in my exploration of her beauty and treasures.

I have recently returned from a 9-day trip to Paris (yes, only Paris), and I have a lot to share from that experience. I will be adding to this page and enhancing it regularly, so I hope you will check back to see what’s new.

First of all, I am going to tell you right up front: there are some very important things to know about Paris that the guidebooks just don’t tell you about.

From time to time I will read a post online in which the author describes what amounts to essentially your basic anti-American discrimination in the form of poor service, being seated with other tourists, and handed a menu in English. This can be avoided if you follow a few basic rules for fitting in and respecting the local culture.

Note: The French - lovers that they are - may seem to live an entirely carefree lifestyle, but dont’ be fooled. They are all about rules and structure. The rules just happen to include a lot of leisure and play time - on a regimented schedule, of course.

Another note: Contrary to popular belief, the French do not hate Americans.

There has been a love affair between the United States and France for centuries, and the occasional (and sadly unavoidable) bunch of loud obnoxious tourists, or tragically retarded, war mongering administration that is on its way out, are not going to destroy that.

Just keep in mind that the French have been occupied more than any other country on this planet. Preserving their identity and all that is French is critically important to them. If you consider that, and the fact that French was once the universal language long before English, you will understand why it is so important to the French that visitors at least make an effort to say hello and learn a few key phrases en Francais. This will take you a long way, and will help you to win great favor with the French people, believe me.

With a little practice, anyone can master a few basic phrases, gestures, and customs, and with some finesse, can actually fool the Parisians by appearing French - at least for a minute or two.

I will call this section “how to win French friends and influence French waiters”, or…

Paris 101

On Your Personal Presentation:

This is very important, and should not be overlooked in the least. Paris is a beautiful city, full of gorgeous art, architecture, gardens and fashionable people. Parisians take pride in their city, and it is my belief that they attempt to honor the beauty of the city by maintaining and presenting the most attractive personal appearance possible. There is no question that Paris is the fashion and beauty capital of the world, and for good reason. Looking good is important to Parisians. And, make no mistake about it, they simply abhor anyone that does not follow suit (pun!).

You do not have to sport evening gowns and furs or suits and ties at most places, but you do need to dress up your usual style, and show your personality through your distinctive use of accessories.

By all means, do not attempt to wear all of your accessories at once! You just need a few key pieces to round out your look.

For example, Parisian women do wear jeans, but they are designer jeans (often worn with gorgeous boots or stunning heels, and most likely a chain belt, silk blouse, and a stunning jacket), finished off with the ever present expertly tied scarf.

The most common jewelry sitings this season included one of a kind bold silver bracelets and earrings. With heavy layered gold (especially necklaces) among the very wealthy, as is the theme this year.

For men: Most U.S. travelers can get away some form of business casual. Bring at least one sports jacket and tie. If you plan to go clubbing, invest in a cool shirt or two by a designer you respect.

The weather in Paris is constantly changing, so dress in layers and pack accordingly.

Bags are designer. No fannie packs under any circumstances. Day bags are great for women. Messenger bags are for ideal men. Lucky Brand offers some masculine styles (think Indiana Jones), for the Alpha male. My husband sported a tote by Lucky Brand that turned out to be identical to the World War I Army tote. DKNY has some nice large totes for women at reasonable prices.

Important: Leave your sneakers behind!!!

Paris is a walking city, and you will put in several miles a day in the museums alone. You will need comfy walking shoes, but do not bring gym shoes unless you are planning to run or workout. Instead, invest in at least one pair of attractive walking shoes from a brand known for comfort and style, such as Merrell. Merrell, and similar brands can be found several places online or at Nordstrom’s.

For women: I recommend also investing in comfortable dress shoes like those from brands such as Sofft or Naturalizer. Forget the strappy sandals and 6 inch heels. And, flats alone won’t cut it. You will need cushion and support, believe me. You will thank me, later.

Almost everyone - male and female - wears an artfully tied scarf. Do the same, and you will blend in immediately.

Something else: I have never seen better dressed, coiffed or groomed men anywhere in the world. The men rival the women in Paris for both fashion and beauty. Both men and women should keep this in mind as they shop, pack and beautify in preparation for their trip to Paris.

MORE TO COME ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:

Greeting People

Dining in Paris

On Parisian Culture

Shopping in Paris

Getting Around Paris

The Parisienne Strut

When working on your style, it is important for both men and women to walk with a certain swagger or strut, as if you belong on the catwalk, but can’t be bothered. Seriously. I kid you not. You will see everyone worth looking at doing this. And, you too will get this sexy walk down after a few days in Paris, if you study and apply it diligently. (The important thing is to make it look like you’re not trying)

It is also common place to pose whenever you are standing still, so as to show off the best of all of your assets to any who may gaze upon you. When the French stare admirably or jealously, or give you the up-down with a smile or nod, you will know have succeeded at your walk and/or stance.