After nearly seven months, I will finally be headed home. It's hard to imagine, but I was last in the US all the way back in mid August. In between then and now I have travelled halfway across the world, tried to integrate into two distinct cultures, worked for a foreign company, tutored students young and old, seen sun-baked deserts, Asian seas, imposing mountains, holy rivers, and monsoon drenched cities, witnessed devastating poverty and imperial riches, slept in crumbling bug-infested rooms, and dined on foie gras, caviar, and champagne. I've seen a lot in the past year, but I have learned even more. Echoing something I've said before, "The more I see, the less I know." And upon arriving in Paris, I had to wage an inner war on the tangled mess of French stereotypes swirling in my American psyche. It has been a challenge, but I'm learning and adjusting.
Decadent Paris is a striking contrast to poor India and these perceptions came into astonishing clarity over the past few months. In Paris, everything is so nice (and so expensive). There are many old things, but they still project a regal atmosphere, while things are not so nice nor clean (but shockingly cheap) in most of India. For instance, a Parisian coffee costs the same as an Indian dinner and a new winter outfit in Paris equals my monthly expenditures in Asia.
Another contrast between the two concerns the amount of public romancing and sex in the everyday environment. Public displays of affection are largely taboo in India and showing cleavage on a billboard, in a magazine, or in a movie is still a little uncommon, even frowned upon by hard-line Hindus and Muslims. However, in France (as in NY too) your surroundings are saturated with images of sex trying to sell you everything from lingerie to liposuction to language lessons. Even on standard cable you can see porn after about 11 PM and the magazine sellers and newsstands gallingly display risqué titles such as “Busty” and “Hot and Ready.” Not that its all about lust or advertising either, for Paris is well knows as the City of Love. You can hardly look anywhere without seeing lip-locked lovers. On a sunny Saturday in the city, expect to see people basically making love in cafes, parks, and quiet areas near the Seine. A view of the Eiffel is a good enough excuse to make out with your lover no matter what you are doing or where you are. It’s a marked contrast to the conservative culture of the east found in India.
As far as the French Job is concerned, it just doesn’t appear that things are going to work out with this company I have mentioned in the past few updates. It is a difficult process to immigrate to a country and secure gainful employment. The effort is going to take time, patience, determination, and lots of paperwork. But I am not discouraged. When I return to France in two month’s time I will have more confidence, as my local business contacts continue to grow. And I know I can always offer the English lessons as a way to make a little cash.
Fortunately, my girlfriend is awesome and she has been very helpful, patient, and supportive of me. Even when I have been grouchy or miserable because of the cold winter weather or bizarre foods or issues with stupid, sad Frenchmen she has been there cheering me up. I’m grateful for her help and living with her has helped me grow and become a better person.
Finally, I will be coming home in about one week on March 4th. I plan on staying in the US for about two months and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to see my friends and family. While back in the US I will probably take two trips to New Orleans as well as attend a wedding in the Bahamas. I am truly a lucky man.
I may not have lots of money anymore, but I am rich in other ways. Rich with experiences and knowledge from around the world. Rich with friendships. Rich with love and support from the people around me. Rich with the little things in life that really matter. For these precious, incredible things, I am thankful.
Decadent Paris is a striking contrast to poor India and these perceptions came into astonishing clarity over the past few months. In Paris, everything is so nice (and so expensive). There are many old things, but they still project a regal atmosphere, while things are not so nice nor clean (but shockingly cheap) in most of India. For instance, a Parisian coffee costs the same as an Indian dinner and a new winter outfit in Paris equals my monthly expenditures in Asia.
Another contrast between the two concerns the amount of public romancing and sex in the everyday environment. Public displays of affection are largely taboo in India and showing cleavage on a billboard, in a magazine, or in a movie is still a little uncommon, even frowned upon by hard-line Hindus and Muslims. However, in France (as in NY too) your surroundings are saturated with images of sex trying to sell you everything from lingerie to liposuction to language lessons. Even on standard cable you can see porn after about 11 PM and the magazine sellers and newsstands gallingly display risqué titles such as “Busty” and “Hot and Ready.” Not that its all about lust or advertising either, for Paris is well knows as the City of Love. You can hardly look anywhere without seeing lip-locked lovers. On a sunny Saturday in the city, expect to see people basically making love in cafes, parks, and quiet areas near the Seine. A view of the Eiffel is a good enough excuse to make out with your lover no matter what you are doing or where you are. It’s a marked contrast to the conservative culture of the east found in India.
As far as the French Job is concerned, it just doesn’t appear that things are going to work out with this company I have mentioned in the past few updates. It is a difficult process to immigrate to a country and secure gainful employment. The effort is going to take time, patience, determination, and lots of paperwork. But I am not discouraged. When I return to France in two month’s time I will have more confidence, as my local business contacts continue to grow. And I know I can always offer the English lessons as a way to make a little cash.
Fortunately, my girlfriend is awesome and she has been very helpful, patient, and supportive of me. Even when I have been grouchy or miserable because of the cold winter weather or bizarre foods or issues with stupid, sad Frenchmen she has been there cheering me up. I’m grateful for her help and living with her has helped me grow and become a better person.
Finally, I will be coming home in about one week on March 4th. I plan on staying in the US for about two months and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to see my friends and family. While back in the US I will probably take two trips to New Orleans as well as attend a wedding in the Bahamas. I am truly a lucky man.
I may not have lots of money anymore, but I am rich in other ways. Rich with experiences and knowledge from around the world. Rich with friendships. Rich with love and support from the people around me. Rich with the little things in life that really matter. For these precious, incredible things, I am thankful.
Great post! Such a rich man - and at a young age too!
ReplyDeleteWill be great to see you! I'll have to buy you a sazerac in NOLA.
ReplyDelete