Saturday morning I sat down with a student from NYU to answer questions pertaining to her ongoing research for her thesis. She’s looking at the modern expat experience in relation to that of the 1920’s and 30’s as well as the perception of Paris as fantasy vs. reality. Embedded in her work are questions of identity, isolation, integration and home – all issues I’ve grappled with since I arrived five years ago. Her questions allowed me to articulate every aspect of my experience thus far, from the highs (euphoria) and lows (disillusionment) to the local evolutions I’ve seen around me.
Perhaps the most noticeable evolution has been in food and drink with the warmly welcomed arrival of foreign talent. American diners and burger joints aside, the spate of Anglo eateries can largely be attributed to the searing success of Rose Bakery. I had my doubts years ago when I first heard about the internationally-staffed organic canteen – how good could English food be, really? I know. I judged without trying, convinced that it couldn’t possibly be as noteworthy as everyone claimed. Expensive though it may be, it’s one of my favorite places to go for warm cheese scones and fresh…
