Peanut Butter & Jelly

In my continuing assimilation in Paris, something was missing. Sure, I miss Target (still!) and there are lots of little things that remind me I’m not home. But there are things, customs, gestures that I love more every day I’m here. But something was missing. My friend, Cynthia sent me a package containing creamy Skippy Peanut Butter. I then proceeded to have the most delicious, most decadent peanut butter and jelly sandwich on toasted fresh French bread! If that is not the best of both world’s someone tell me what is! Cynthia, I bow down and thank you for making my Friday the best! Now, if I could get these people to sell Apple Jacks, I’m never leaving!

I walked down the Champs-Élysées today, in order to meet a potential new language partner (the loss of my stipend made my French tutor too expensive!). I was reminded again the glorious majesty of Paris (even while admitting I hate this world’s most famous street – it’s too commercial, too filled with people, and just too…). My meeting was an interesting reminder of the different ways that men and women relate to each other here, versus in the States. Remember, part of living here is re-learning all the things you spent a lifetime learning at home. Sometimes the learning curve is steep; other times, it’s a mere puddle to jump over.

One of the main words I’d use in all situations is the need to seduce; there is a subtle seduction that goes on here: from the grocer, to the baker to the candlestick maker. If you do it well, things are much easier. Or perhaps, it is like the old saying: God looks out for children and idiots. And I ain’t no kid! Whatever it is, I find the art of learning how to seduce a lofty ambition. I’ll let you know what happens!! Let’s just say that for now, I get great produce!