What we HATE about Paris

Hey Au Pairs,

OUR BOOK IS OUT VERY SOON!

We’ve very excited about this news. So, we’re launching even more blog posts than normal with some exclusive content from the book. This all starts THIS week.

Today, we thought we’d MOAN about Paris a little…

A couple of weekends ago, Edwina and I spent some time in LONDON, England. It was a lovely weekend celebrating Thanksgiving together. Edwina took the Eurostar over from Paris and we met in St. Pancras. She was looking all chic and French in a new coat she just “found and threw on” and the sexiest beanie hat some French men have ever seen, apparently.

As we were in London for four days, we were discussing everything we love and dislike about the city. It gave us some time to reflect on what we do and don’t like about Paris too. I, Hanna, am much more in favour of London, while Edwina is a Francophile through and through.

We’re ALWAYS going on about what we love about Paris and France in general, especially on our Instagram (which just so happens to be run by Edwina!) So, in last week’s video, we’ve listed FIVE of the things we HATE about Paris.

Once again, we want to remind you that OUR BOOK IS COMING OUT THIS MONTH! SO KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR THAT. WE’RE VERY EXCITED!

Get used to secondary smoke

We’d be lying if we said we’d never at least TRIED a cigarette. But, it’s true to say that neither of has ever been a smoker. As a result, being surrounded by smoke in Paris all the time is my personal pet peeve.

Edwina may be over this fact now after having lived in the country for so long, but it winds me up no end. However, I recently learnt that France isn’t the top location in Europe for smoking..

Maybe I would be a little more tolerant if secondary smoke didn’t actually damage health… Rant over (until someone starts smoking on me again.)

It Smells Weird…

Okay, au pairs, you have to tell us, is it US? Whenever we’re walking around Paris, we occasionally catch a whiff of something far from desirable. Am I going crazy?

I find it’s always a similar, undistinguishable smell which pervades over the entire city… Have you experienced it? Please let us know in the comments of our YouTube video.

After some Googling, the smell I’m specifically talking about is “wet limestone” apparently. How bizarre. Okay, onto number 3…

Where are the PUBLIC TOILETS?!

This is a problem so often faced that there is now a BOOK called “Où faire pipi à Paris” and we thank you very much Cecile Briand because it’s a God send.

If you manage to find a public toilet, make sure to hold your nose, have your own tissues on hand and perhaps even 50 cents.

Are Parisians Judgemental?

We all know the stereotype of “arrogant French people”. Although, we know this certainly isn’t the case for most Frenchies, we have to ask - what’s up with those few that STARE at us on public transport?

Having arrived in Paris from New York and London where pretty much ANYTHING goes, I suppose we’re not used to the disapproving glances. We regularly feel uncomfortable on the metro if we’re wearing workout gear and clearly not heading to the gym.

It’s not just us either, as our wonderful Patreon patron Julia Mortley adds:

“I have purple running shoes and people give them the weirdest looks, they were fairly normal in Canada, but not here!”

Even though we HATE somethings about Paris, we have to love it really as it’s the city that brought us together! (Even if I do look like I’m in pain from Edwina grabbing my shoulder too hard… “smile”

Thanks so much for reading our blog and supporting Au Pair, Oh Paris.

Our book is out so soon. We’re currently facing glitches (who knew publishing a book was so hard!) But, we hope it have it with you ASAP.

If you want to help support us and keep this community alive, please consider becoming a patron. As little as $1 will help keep our website live (which currently costs us around $300 per year to run!)

Furthermore, if you need any help with the au pair process, make sure to join our Au Pair, Oh Paris Open Forum which both Edwina and I are active on!

That’s all for now.
Ciao! xo

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