It was always my dream to live in Paris and become Parisian. Picking up my baguette from the boulangerie every morning, heading to work wearing my beret, and date a very handsome French man. Little did I know that reality would smack me so hard in the face. Paris is nothing like the romantic dream that was sold to me through magazines and movies. In fact, it is the most aggressive city I’ve ever lived in. Paris taught me life. It was gritty and tough.
So off I went to embark on an MBA split between Paris and London. It was the first time in my life I enter into an educational environment that was so ruthlessly political and if you know me, you know I stay away from politics. I’m a straight shooter, there is no way I’m going to compromise my integrity to be liked but in France, the mentality is different. There is still that peasant mentality ingrained into them and anything that will wield them personal gain, they will throw all smidgens of their self-respect for it. Harsh, but true.
People around me didn’t like that I had a voice and that I questioned the status quo. I was expected to be obedient and respect my professors no matter what they say or do because exactly that, they are my professors. There was so much emphasis placed on titles and authority figures were not to be challenged. I didn’t know that at all but I had to adapt because I wasn't in Canada anymore. I wanted to learn so I questioned everything. It became very quickly apparent that I was different from this group of people and very quickly, I became socially ostracized. No one wanted the truth teller around to call them out.
I guess the social pressure to conform was high but I didn’t let them get to me. Paris was a completely different jungle. I went to museums, parks, protests, parties, and restaurants. In terms of entertainment, the city of lights didn't disappoint. I went out alone or with my close circle around the city. I ended making my most amazing and supportive friends outside of my student life. People who appreciated me and showed me very interesting corners of the city which I think stays true to the philosophy of following what you feel is the right thing. I had no material connection to these people but they treated me as family. Slowly, I started to become Parisian. I went to underground parties, I was rude, and I ate way too many baguettes.
And in the end I won the political game at school, because I stayed true to myself. I chose activities that would enrich my experience like the student union and I surrounded myself only with smart people who had goals and ambition. Truly, it was a dog eat dog type of environment. Paris gave me a new dimension to my personality, a city that taught me life and I will continue to have a love hate relationship with. I learnt many things from the French which I will keep for life. Their respect for elders, la politesse, their impeccable taste in food and fashion, and how hard they fight for their rights.
London was rather different. London taught me career. Everyone was chasing after something and had something to prove. It was energetic, diverse, and racing. There was no time to stop and breath because zipping underground around the city took most of my time. It was humongous and everything was so far away from everything. The London campus was reflective of London, quaint and professional. It reminded me of Harry Potter.
The city had an air of class and also grunginess. It was pretentious, yet, also so real. There were many moments where I felt the city was empty and I felt lonely often, but I knew it wasn't empty. It had something to do with that reserved British nature. You had to work like a dog to make it through. I liked London for the opportunities it had to offer and for being very accepting. The British were an interesting bunch. They slaved at jobs all daylong, only to spend the weekend getting belligerently drunk to forget it all. It was a very materialistic life. There was a lot of multiculturalism but ironically, every community stuck in pockets.
It’s difficult to identify any real feelings with London because like British food, it gave a bland feeling. It was lovely, yet empty. I couldn’t tell you exactly how I feel about London but now that I have left, I don’t miss it too much.
These two cities helped to shape me and I will forever cherish all the experiences and memories I collected from them.
#journalism #journalist #traveljournalist #writer #blog #parislife #londonlife #mbajourney
