20 reasons why you should live in Paris
I wrote many bad things about Paris, not because I hate it, but because I believe that there is enough written about the beauty of Paris. I just want to show different perspective. But now, as I saw this city so many times in TV, I can’t help it to express my true feeling about this City of Light. It's been four months since I left Paris, my second home. Like most of us, the dream living in this city is so tempting. I worked my ass off until finally I reach my dream. And here I wanna tell you some reasons why you should live here so that all your effort, paid off..
You can brag.
Admit it, saying "I live in Paris" (use French pronunciation to be more dramatic. So you say "Pach-ri" as if fish bone stuck in your throat) is cool as fuck. Put your hands on your hips and congratulations, you look like a douchebag but people won't mind. "I live in Pachri'!!!”
The effect is greater to Asian.
"OMG, you live in Paris? So cool! Such a romantic city. I dream to live there". Those are some example what people said (especially Asian) when I told them I live in Paris. Well, you have no idea how dark is the dark side of Paris, darker than Gotham (have you ever seen superhero live in Paris? Even Batman will give up). But what they know is Paris is beautiful. End of story. So bragging 2.0 activated. Myth said the greatest effect are from the Japs and Korean. So if you want to have GF like KPop member, live here first.
Paris is romantic as hell
Some say it depends on "with who" not "where", but walking along the Seine while sharing ice cream with your crush is awesooooome!!! I feel a hippopotamus in my stomach. Especially when it suddenly rains so you hold her tighter under the umbrella. Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? Then you walk together crossing the Pont des Arts, the bridge famous with its love padlocks, then see the Eiffel sparkling from far. Or you buy sandwich in St. Michel then sit in Jardin de Luxembourg with her where you can proof that Einstein's theory of relativity is true. Time flies so fast if you talk to a beautiful girl.
Wait, wtf did you say? "And then I wake up?"
It's true story you jackass! It was true story!!! Trust meeeee!!! It was trueeeee!!!
You can brag.
Admit it, saying "I live in Paris" (use French pronunciation to be more dramatic. So you say "Pach-ri" as if fish bone stuck in your throat) is cool as fuck. Put your hands on your hips and congratulations, you look like a douchebag but people won't mind. "I live in Pachri'!!!”
The effect is greater to Asian.
"OMG, you live in Paris? So cool! Such a romantic city. I dream to live there". Those are some example what people said (especially Asian) when I told them I live in Paris. Well, you have no idea how dark is the dark side of Paris, darker than Gotham (have you ever seen superhero live in Paris? Even Batman will give up). But what they know is Paris is beautiful. End of story. So bragging 2.0 activated. Myth said the greatest effect are from the Japs and Korean. So if you want to have GF like KPop member, live here first.
Paris is romantic as hell
Some say it depends on "with who" not "where", but walking along the Seine while sharing ice cream with your crush is awesooooome!!! I feel a hippopotamus in my stomach. Especially when it suddenly rains so you hold her tighter under the umbrella. Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? Then you walk together crossing the Pont des Arts, the bridge famous with its love padlocks, then see the Eiffel sparkling from far. Or you buy sandwich in St. Michel then sit in Jardin de Luxembourg with her where you can proof that Einstein's theory of relativity is true. Time flies so fast if you talk to a beautiful girl.
Wait, wtf did you say? "And then I wake up?"
It's true story you jackass! It was true story!!! Trust meeeee!!! It was trueeeee!!!
People only know Paris
Most common conversation:
"where do you live?"
"I live in France"
"cool, in Paris?"
"nope, but It's near Paris"
“What's the city name?”
Choose one: St. Nazaire, Limoges, Clermont, Poitiers, Angers.
“Hmm, I've never heard that before, How far from Paris? Is it close?”
“Oui très trop very close. Only five our by TGV” (remember never pronounce 'h" and end leter)
“Wait, isn't TGV runs 300 kmh?”
(take a deep breath)
“btw, Is there any Carrefour there?”
“Casse toi!!! or with polite English translation means "Go fuck yourself!"
Hehehe sorry guys.. But seriously, we Indonesian only know Paris. Exception for guys who like football.
Paris is home of the best university.. La Sorbonne :P
I'm proud to be Sorbonner muahahahahaha... Hell, the first time I say if I meet my soon mother-in-law is not my name, but I'll say, "I graduated from Sorbonne." BAM! 100% she'll say "Marry my daughter, quick" :P
And the fact that the name is so long add extra coolness.
Where you study?
"UI" (university of Indonesia), not that cool.
But say, "I finish my Master Economie et Psychologie from Universite Paris Ang Pantheong Sorbonn". That's what I call fucking cool! (remember, it's not pronounced Sorbong, but just Bon because end with -nne. If just -n then you say -ng. There I gave you most important French lesson)
Hey you should proud of your almamater!
Most common conversation:
"where do you live?"
"I live in France"
"cool, in Paris?"
"nope, but It's near Paris"
“What's the city name?”
Choose one: St. Nazaire, Limoges, Clermont, Poitiers, Angers.
“Hmm, I've never heard that before, How far from Paris? Is it close?”
“Oui très trop very close. Only five our by TGV” (remember never pronounce 'h" and end leter)
“Wait, isn't TGV runs 300 kmh?”
(take a deep breath)
“btw, Is there any Carrefour there?”
“Casse toi!!! or with polite English translation means "Go fuck yourself!"
Hehehe sorry guys.. But seriously, we Indonesian only know Paris. Exception for guys who like football.
Paris is home of the best university.. La Sorbonne :P
I'm proud to be Sorbonner muahahahahaha... Hell, the first time I say if I meet my soon mother-in-law is not my name, but I'll say, "I graduated from Sorbonne." BAM! 100% she'll say "Marry my daughter, quick" :P
And the fact that the name is so long add extra coolness.
Where you study?
"UI" (university of Indonesia), not that cool.
But say, "I finish my Master Economie et Psychologie from Universite Paris Ang Pantheong Sorbonn". That's what I call fucking cool! (remember, it's not pronounced Sorbong, but just Bon because end with -nne. If just -n then you say -ng. There I gave you most important French lesson)
Hey you should proud of your almamater!
This city never dies
You can find any concerts, circus, plays, anything. You will never get bored (if you have money). But the best is in sports. Here in Indonesia, people willing to pay €200 to see 50 years old fatass-retired player or even just to see the player. Just-to-see. That's ridiculous! here, I watched France vs Germany, behind the goal. I can see Oezil's big eyes and Ribery's scarface with just €10. Oh, I went also to Muse and Jason Mraz, and other concerts with half priced than in Indonesia. But for classical music or Opera, the Mecca is still in Vienna.
You can find any concerts, circus, plays, anything. You will never get bored (if you have money). But the best is in sports. Here in Indonesia, people willing to pay €200 to see 50 years old fatass-retired player or even just to see the player. Just-to-see. That's ridiculous! here, I watched France vs Germany, behind the goal. I can see Oezil's big eyes and Ribery's scarface with just €10. Oh, I went also to Muse and Jason Mraz, and other concerts with half priced than in Indonesia. But for classical music or Opera, the Mecca is still in Vienna.
The food.. So trebong!!
At least once a month, I buy Groupon to eat in little bit fancy resto with discounted price. Of course with a girl, why you even asked? How pathetic eat in fancy resto alone. Yes it hurts to eat food you can finish in one shot but cost your three days meal budget, but this is Paris! Food is art for them! They eat longer than work. And you can find all kind of foods from any countries. My fave is Mexicano!
At least once a month, I buy Groupon to eat in little bit fancy resto with discounted price. Of course with a girl, why you even asked? How pathetic eat in fancy resto alone. Yes it hurts to eat food you can finish in one shot but cost your three days meal budget, but this is Paris! Food is art for them! They eat longer than work. And you can find all kind of foods from any countries. My fave is Mexicano!
Nothing can beat the French Pattiserie
I've been looking for baguette here in Indonesia but all taste like flip-flops. And try any other dessert. Mousse au chocolat, Maccarons Creme Brule or any cakes in boulangerie, damn they taste like heaven. But the greatest feeling was when you go to school then cross the boulangerie with freshly baked croissants smell up in the air. And the baker politely say Bonjour to you. Make your day.
Fashiongasm
Are you fashionista? Then you have to live here. Paris is Mecca of fashion. And during sales period, you should see the fire in girl’s eyes. Like Eagle preying for rabbits. Unfortunately, I don't give a shit about clothes. I spent less than €200 during two years I lived there. It was nothing compare to almost €16.000 I spent for traveling :)
The best for Anger Management therapy.
Living here make you more patience, more tolerant. You have loud noisy asshole neighbors, people smack you to enter the metro or when you forget you stand on the left, or when the metro stop working on your very important day. But the worst is when annoying tourists ask you to take a photo for them but they complaint they look ugly and ask for another one and not saying thanks. After leaving Paris, you will as calm as Buddhist monk.
Hot girls. Hot girls everywhere
A very mind blowing about Parisian girls are they all slim! I rarely see fat girl but if I found one, she must be a tourist. You can find all types of hotties. Asian, brunette, blonde, but I love most from eastern and northern europe. But in terms of hot girls, Paris is nothing compare to Prague. But still, after tired from school and then an excruciatingly beautiful hot girl sit in front of you make you tiredness gone in instant.
Coffee time in café with your besties
Just buy the cheapest espresso then sit and talk for hours with your best friends. That's national sport for French people. Starbucks? You still drink that horse piss? A real Parisian drink un café noir sans sucre even it tastes bitter as fuck.
Very easy to couchsurfing and it is the best way to get new friends
I hosted 10 groups of people from CS. If you feel lonely and want to have new friends from around the world, just invite them. Some of my guests are now become my best friends. Now I have friends from 40 countries. And the next time you visit them, boy that will be awesome!
Magical Eiffel..
I've seen her thousands times. And as Parisian, she's a big meh. But when you see her for the very first time, arrogantly standing high above among all and especially when she's sparkling, that's such a magical moment. I love to see my friend's face first time they saw it. You must see at least once in your lifetime. And go to the top at night. And see the reason why Paris is called The City of Lights. And seeing my mom crying and thank you that you can take them there was the best moment in my life.
I've been looking for baguette here in Indonesia but all taste like flip-flops. And try any other dessert. Mousse au chocolat, Maccarons Creme Brule or any cakes in boulangerie, damn they taste like heaven. But the greatest feeling was when you go to school then cross the boulangerie with freshly baked croissants smell up in the air. And the baker politely say Bonjour to you. Make your day.
Fashiongasm
Are you fashionista? Then you have to live here. Paris is Mecca of fashion. And during sales period, you should see the fire in girl’s eyes. Like Eagle preying for rabbits. Unfortunately, I don't give a shit about clothes. I spent less than €200 during two years I lived there. It was nothing compare to almost €16.000 I spent for traveling :)
The best for Anger Management therapy.
Living here make you more patience, more tolerant. You have loud noisy asshole neighbors, people smack you to enter the metro or when you forget you stand on the left, or when the metro stop working on your very important day. But the worst is when annoying tourists ask you to take a photo for them but they complaint they look ugly and ask for another one and not saying thanks. After leaving Paris, you will as calm as Buddhist monk.
Hot girls. Hot girls everywhere
A very mind blowing about Parisian girls are they all slim! I rarely see fat girl but if I found one, she must be a tourist. You can find all types of hotties. Asian, brunette, blonde, but I love most from eastern and northern europe. But in terms of hot girls, Paris is nothing compare to Prague. But still, after tired from school and then an excruciatingly beautiful hot girl sit in front of you make you tiredness gone in instant.
Coffee time in café with your besties
Just buy the cheapest espresso then sit and talk for hours with your best friends. That's national sport for French people. Starbucks? You still drink that horse piss? A real Parisian drink un café noir sans sucre even it tastes bitter as fuck.
Very easy to couchsurfing and it is the best way to get new friends
I hosted 10 groups of people from CS. If you feel lonely and want to have new friends from around the world, just invite them. Some of my guests are now become my best friends. Now I have friends from 40 countries. And the next time you visit them, boy that will be awesome!
Magical Eiffel..
I've seen her thousands times. And as Parisian, she's a big meh. But when you see her for the very first time, arrogantly standing high above among all and especially when she's sparkling, that's such a magical moment. I love to see my friend's face first time they saw it. You must see at least once in your lifetime. And go to the top at night. And see the reason why Paris is called The City of Lights. And seeing my mom crying and thank you that you can take them there was the best moment in my life.
Heavenly garden..
During summer time, Parisian love to picnic in the garden. Hang out with your friends, bring some chips and cola, and just sit in the grass, talking and enjoying the sun. I miss it so much. Yeah you can do that here in indonesia, but it's equal to saying welcome to cancer.
Endless option to travel.
Paris is ideally located in between. To Benelux, Iberia, UK, even to North. And with your bestbud Ryan, you can go anywhere. I once bought a plane ticket just €7 to Venice! seven! It's same price with kebab. And if you under 27, buy reduction train card. During 30 months in Europe, I've been to more than 200 European cities. Jelly? So go get your ass off and fight for the scholarship!
Each season has its magic
When you see the first drop of snow, then the whole city turn white. Wunderbar!
When the spring comes, flower starts to appear, the days start getting warmer, leaving freezing winter behind.
When summer where all people suddenly become happy and you can smell happiness in the air.
And when autumn where the yellow leaf start to fall while you holding hand with your crush. Holy vache..
During summer time, Parisian love to picnic in the garden. Hang out with your friends, bring some chips and cola, and just sit in the grass, talking and enjoying the sun. I miss it so much. Yeah you can do that here in indonesia, but it's equal to saying welcome to cancer.
Endless option to travel.
Paris is ideally located in between. To Benelux, Iberia, UK, even to North. And with your bestbud Ryan, you can go anywhere. I once bought a plane ticket just €7 to Venice! seven! It's same price with kebab. And if you under 27, buy reduction train card. During 30 months in Europe, I've been to more than 200 European cities. Jelly? So go get your ass off and fight for the scholarship!
Each season has its magic
When you see the first drop of snow, then the whole city turn white. Wunderbar!
When the spring comes, flower starts to appear, the days start getting warmer, leaving freezing winter behind.
When summer where all people suddenly become happy and you can smell happiness in the air.
And when autumn where the yellow leaf start to fall while you holding hand with your crush. Holy vache..
Strolling the city by Velib.
Grab any Velib and get lost. Stop anywhere to take a photo or buy some crepes.
Grab any Velib and get lost. Stop anywhere to take a photo or buy some crepes.
You will realize Paris is not what you dream of, but then you find her real beauty..
You should live in Paris because you will be, in some way, disappointed by it. The image you have before about how perfect, how romantic this city after so many years watch the movie or looking at people photos will be shattered into thousand of pieces (you can read it on my other notes). And that is what makes life most beautiful, most engaging, most surprising. But in your disappointment, you will realize that there is something much more beautiful than sparkling Eiffel, fancy resto, or any other beautiful buildings. Your tourist phase will end after one or two months, and then you melted into the city vibrations, with all the good and bad mixed together. To have your expectations wiped away from your eyes and be left with the harsh reality is a funny way life play with you. Same like when you find a girl you love but you still love her even though you found that she's not as perfect as you thought. Same thing goes with Paris. The longer you stay, the more you can find her hidden treasures.
You should live in Paris because you will be, in some way, disappointed by it. The image you have before about how perfect, how romantic this city after so many years watch the movie or looking at people photos will be shattered into thousand of pieces (you can read it on my other notes). And that is what makes life most beautiful, most engaging, most surprising. But in your disappointment, you will realize that there is something much more beautiful than sparkling Eiffel, fancy resto, or any other beautiful buildings. Your tourist phase will end after one or two months, and then you melted into the city vibrations, with all the good and bad mixed together. To have your expectations wiped away from your eyes and be left with the harsh reality is a funny way life play with you. Same like when you find a girl you love but you still love her even though you found that she's not as perfect as you thought. Same thing goes with Paris. The longer you stay, the more you can find her hidden treasures.
And the last... You will miss the smallest thing in your life which you didn't realized before.
You will miss the simple trips to Lidl or Monoprix, moviethon with your crush in Bercy and then spend time at her place :P You will miss hunting books in Latin Quarter, window shopping in Champs-Elysees, walking around in Montmarte to see artist painting the landscape or just sit and talk for hours with your friends in some Jardin talking about nonsense and laugh like an idiot. You will miss how fun it is getting lost in area you never discovered or when a lady say “Merci” gratefully after you helped her lift the baby stroller down the metro stairs. Small, simple stuff. And one day, when you left this city, you will realize that these small things — not the shiny monuments — is really what has kept us so in love with this city for years.
Just like Owen Wilson said in Midnight in Paris: “When you look around, every street, every boulevard, has its own special art form"
You can't always understand arts. Some people may say it's good but some think it's bad. It's just up to you how you want to see it. But every arrondisement has its own uniqueness (especially 19th and 20th mind you).
And in the end, You will realize that it's not a matter where you live, but how and with who you spend your days. Paris without people I love, without my best friends, will be just empty meaningless city. It's you and with your beloved one that you can create your own Belle Époque, your beautiful story. And like hottest French girl Marion Cottilard said in the same movie, "For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe".
And for the rest of my life, I will proudly say that I was once a Parisian.
Paris, tu me manque..
Written on June 17, 2014. one year anniversary of the day we passed the defence and become Master. The last day I met all my friends. I miss you all guys.
You will miss the simple trips to Lidl or Monoprix, moviethon with your crush in Bercy and then spend time at her place :P You will miss hunting books in Latin Quarter, window shopping in Champs-Elysees, walking around in Montmarte to see artist painting the landscape or just sit and talk for hours with your friends in some Jardin talking about nonsense and laugh like an idiot. You will miss how fun it is getting lost in area you never discovered or when a lady say “Merci” gratefully after you helped her lift the baby stroller down the metro stairs. Small, simple stuff. And one day, when you left this city, you will realize that these small things — not the shiny monuments — is really what has kept us so in love with this city for years.
Just like Owen Wilson said in Midnight in Paris: “When you look around, every street, every boulevard, has its own special art form"
You can't always understand arts. Some people may say it's good but some think it's bad. It's just up to you how you want to see it. But every arrondisement has its own uniqueness (especially 19th and 20th mind you).
And in the end, You will realize that it's not a matter where you live, but how and with who you spend your days. Paris without people I love, without my best friends, will be just empty meaningless city. It's you and with your beloved one that you can create your own Belle Époque, your beautiful story. And like hottest French girl Marion Cottilard said in the same movie, "For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe".
And for the rest of my life, I will proudly say that I was once a Parisian.
Paris, tu me manque..
Written on June 17, 2014. one year anniversary of the day we passed the defence and become Master. The last day I met all my friends. I miss you all guys.
Bonus : Reason why you should live in Jakarta
Do not.
Do not.
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