College life is hard and stressful; adjusting to new professors, coursework, and exams are not easy transitions. On top of those, living in a large, bustling city is an extra adjustment. Even though I live close to New York City and visit frequently, actually living in a city is much different. I’ve learned many things, which follow below:
Cooking: At NYU Paris, there are no meal plans, therefore it our responsibility to cook meals. Before college started, I didn’t even think about meals I can actually cook-I only came perfectly knowing how to make pasta (but the directions are on most boxes, so...). After many unsuccessful attempts at cooking, like making way(yyyy) too much rice that fill 3 Tupperware containers and setting off the fire alarm, I’ve finally found my hidden skill at making delicious meals. Some of which include: mixed vegetables sautéed in coconut and lemongrass sauce (from Marks & Spencer) and salmon and vegetable quinoa.
The Metro: Oh, the metro. Whether it’s the RER B, M6, M1, RER C, or M4,(beaucoup, no?) I always need google maps to find the right metro to take to my desired location. Google maps prediction times of 40 minutes seemed extremely long in the beginning of the year, but now 40 minutes is a breeze. Rush hour is the worst-smushed into the small standing room and pushing people while saying “PARDON” over and over so you make it out the doors that literally stay open for 20 seconds. The metro is a skill you must master. Or you can take the bus-the bus is always a good idea.
Grocery Shopping: I am used to the grocery shopping I’ve always witnessed my mother do: eat all the food in the house until we desperately need to go to Stop & Shop, then make time for a 2 hour shopping trip with millions of coupons and plastic bags. This does not happen in Paris. I’ve learned that Parisians buy maybe 10 or less items at a time at the small marchés, and use their own stylish (but most times unstylish) reusable bags. I spend a lot of time in the grocery store on google translate, trying to translate the labels and actually find foods I came for. I’ve found my cheat though, Marks & Spencer. It’s a British grocery store that has so many delicious foods, and the best part is that every label is in English. I thought I was dreaming when I first found it.
Even though I am ending my first semester next week, I am still trying to work on perfecting the Parisienne I truly think I am (way) deep down. Hopefully, I’ll succeed next semester.
