Thank you for all these Mores and Lesses! I enthusiastically agree with Shelby about faux floral facades, both in Paris and New York. They were a cheerful antidote during the height of Covid, but it's time to say goodbye to all that plastic.
I would appreciate it if picture-taking was banned from museums. If someone likes the work, buy the book or the postcard in the shop, and instead, think about enhancing the experience and the appreciation of the art for everyone in the house.
🚫less Instagrammers on the street documenting what they are wearing and less bloggers recording their museum visits and spoiling the expo with their shallow chatter
👍 for me…more café sitting enjoying un verre ou café
I lived and worked in Paris for seven months in 1995 and *loved* it. I made every effort to speak French (probably sounding like a two-year old). I’d read French books on the metro and trains. I didn’t want to be identified as American. I don’t understand how anyone can live in (or visit) a country and not want to learn the most basic phrases. It’s the polite thing to do.
Lindsay I have been a long time fan, vocal Francophile and have at least one of your books. I struggle with your take here. You left the US, and presumably your citizenship(?) and highlight why others leave, for what you all feel is a better life in France. Now you take to complaining about Paris? WT…H?
It’s not that all your concerns are completely unwarranted. Oppy for improvement exists everywhere. Often, however, HOW we say something is at least, and sometimes more, important than WHAT we say. As a journalist I know you don't need me to explain that further.
Perhaps, rather than a list of complaints (even the👍 are thinly veiled complaints) the entire post could have been repositioned as a list of opportunities and you could have told us what you are going to do to effect positive change toward realizing those oppys…and by extension…what WE could also do towards that end. THAT is inspirational leadership by example. You have perspective and a platform. I would encourage you to use both to effect positive change rather than complain.
Signed, a lone representative of those of us back here in the US trying to inspire positive messaging and change in a country that need it now more than ever.
Hi Damon, I'm pleased to know you've enjoyed my work for many years. My criticisms of Paris/the country are not new, especially not in this newsletter, much as my criticisms of the U.S. are not new (I remain a dual citizen, to address your comment on that). And in both cases, I find myself aligned with the words of James Baldwin who spoke of his love for his country being the precise reason he insists on the right to criticize her perpetually. There is a lot to love about the France and the U.S. and its people but they both can and should do better. That's the message up for discussion here and elsewhere.
Sugar coating the challenges of living in either place or lending weight only to positive messaging that appeases when a) the moment might need something fiercer and b) it isn't in the author's style, is a matter of preference. You have that right! As do I in remaining true to myself and my contributions to both countries via storytelling, reporting, and conversations here and in my broader work that don't obscure the hard stuff. That you do not find it inspirational is also your right but the expectation should not be that a writer / artist bends to the methods preferred by each individual reader or viewer.
As for this particular More / Less missive, it follows a common format used at the new year and can be tongue-in-cheek or serious. I intended this one to be both. And the reality is that Paris is NOT a perfect place, as much as I (and the pals who contributed their thoughts) LOVE it very much. I don't believe there is only one way of affecting change.
Hi Lindsay thanks for checking in. In my failed attempt at concision I have already spilled more ink than I ever expected but I will try again and try to limit comments to major points of agreement and misunderstanding. In no particular order...I think...:
1. I appreciate your voice and perspective on Paris and even the broader Euro Scene. I even agree with your laundry list of wishes and complaints; Ban "Maison" etc, more respect and etiquette and resources for cyclists LOL! Though as a 40+ year cyclist and former racer I will say Rome is worse, in my experience! I also recognize that I have not commented on stuff I agree with. I will work on that. I think my only other comment was several years ago when disagreed about French pensions and retirement age. Not fair to only point out the negative, particularly when my ask of you was more positive action steps.
2. Where I take exception is that the post is largely a list of complaints. And as I have said, that is your prerogative. Sorry...Im being redundant. Again. Oops. The missed oppy I refer to around positive messaging is NOT about "Sugar coating the challenges of living in either place or lending weight only to positive messaging that appeases..." No one needs a Pollyanna. It is about offering up ideas and potential action steps that inspire others to fix the problems so many love to merely complain about. Some are easier than others of course.
For (one) example, how about suggesting this community build a website that lists and maps the establishments that meet the worthy criteria you suggest (No "Maison" xparant supply chains, etc) and lets your readers record and comment their visits? This would help your audience take meaningfully specific positive action toward the goals we likely all want to achieve. Speaking selfishly on your behalf, this could give you fairly hard data that would enable you to quantify the impact your audience has. There are too many benefits to list here. Claude could research and build the site for/ with you.
3. I recognize I am likely not your typical audience. I've spent the better part of a lifetime driving change. Complaints are a personal trigger...as I tried to illustrate in an example above about my boss' need for solutions rather than problems years ago.
4. I missed the subtle humor. My bad. Perhaps too subtle for my plebeian brain? (I am exceedingly direct) Perhaps because, as I said, I agree with your list? If, however, it was positioned in the context of a Frank Costanza Fesivus list of Air'd Grievances I would have gotten the joke; but there is always next year!
5. Please know Ive invested the time in this string because I believe in and value your voice and platform and I think you could do even more with it. If I didn't, I'd simply vote with my feet and keep scrolling.
That's an interesting perspective, Damon. As another long-time follower and fan of Lindsey's work, I've never interpreted it as seeking to pit Paris against the US or anywhere else. On the contrary, I see her as someone who stokes her genuine curiosity about her surroundings, the people she meets and the world at large. I see her Leaving America series not as a political statement that France is better so of course people would leave the US, but rather an exploration and exposé of people, like her, who have moved and the different paths and motivations that lead them to where they are today. Call me naive, but I find it much more genuine and innocent than you imply.
I do take your point about opportunities, although I'm on the fence about the assumption that journalists take on the responsibility of leadership. The more/lesses, which I don't find thinly veiled at all but rather overt, do remind me a lot of the retrospectives I used to run with engineering teams. Sometimes they would take the format of Keep doing, Stop doing, Start doing - and even the more classic Things that went well, Things that went less well, Things I learned, would end with some concrete next steps. Of course, engineering teams mostly have control over the things they can change, whereas I don't know how much control a journalist, no matter how influential, could have over the proliferation of mediocre coffee shops, for example. But it could be an interesting exercise to include things that the individuals want to do more or less of themselves. I like that.
Finally, I believe it's the right of journalists too (or anyone for that matter), especially in their independent newsletters, to let off a little steam at the end of the year and publish whatever they want, including complaints about a city, nay, a world that they love.
Signed, another American who has taken up long-term residence in France, misses America sometimes and occasionally complains about both.
Yes I know constructive criticism and "interesting perspectives" do not come off as a breath of fresh air and I can live with that.
My suggestion to Lead was not in her capacity as a journalist. Unless it's editorial they are generally not paid to opine, but to report. I get that and sorry if I wasn't clear. It was in reference to her role here and an independent voice.
While I am empathetic to the need to blow off steam I guess I question whether this is the right venue / medium for that. That is her prerogative of course.
If I have learned anything in my 40 some years of professional experience it is that when ever we get up to speak, we are auditioning for leadership. Whether We know it or not. Even more interestingly, our audience often doesn't consciously realize they are auditioning us.
So, said differently, no harm no foul, just a missed oppy for positive and inspiring messaging. Hopefully this is the kind of diverse dialog she is looking to inspire here.
I’m 100% with you, Damon, on seizing opportunities to inspire others and working to close gaps rather than perpetuate them. And yes, thanks for helping me off the fence by clarifying want you meant about leadership. I also agree that having a platform is a form of leadership and comes with responsibility.
Still, I don’t find it irresponsible or a lack of leadership to voice the kinds of opinions featured here. I get it, your profile says you’re a leadership consultant so I imagine (and sympathize with) the impetus you must feel.
If my 53 (and a half) years on the planet, and a good chunk of my professional life coaching teams and other leaders, has taught me anything it’s that, 1) critical feedback is best offered in private, and 2) only when it’s your role to do so or you’re directly impacted by the consequences of someone’s actions, 3) and most importantly - because I used to do this all the time, and to be fair, I’m doing it now - is never, never tell people what they “should” do. I always got (and get) the best results when I share personal experiences instead, or approach whatever helpful idea I think I have with an “and” rather than a “but”. “This was interesting/insightful/whathaveyou, and what if you / it might be neat to, …” ya know?
Like what if you had said, “I’d be really curious to know what things you might be doing more and less of next year, and what you might be able to do to impact, in whatever small way, the things on your Less Of list.” That would have been really positive, inspiring and engaging.
And because text can veil tone and intention, please know that I am saying this with sincerity and genuine care for both you and Lindsey. I appreciate your engaging with me and wish you and yours a very happy new year :)
Re "Still, I don’t find it irresponsible or a lack of leadership to voice the kinds of opinions featured here." I dont believe I called it irresponsible. I think I referred to it as a missed oppy to use positive rather than negative messaging to inspire action that would create the change she seeks.
Re feedback in private, yes in a managerial position with people that work for and with me, or family or in a executive coaching engagement. Of course.
But this is not one of those venues is it? When we publish articles like this, arent we looking to generate dialog and surface different perspectives? I know I did. Maybe that was just me. If we just wanted to vent and didnt want dialog we would turn off the comments. Or go just to FB and vent with friends.
Im not sure my list of more ofs and less ofs are entirely relevant or significant. When I was 30 I had a ton of them, achieved the vast majority and am now blessed with a lifestyle and family that I never had as a kid.
Likely my most important more of is to have more of "everything" I need to emotionally, intellectually and physical support our trans-woman son who is also unemployed and has mild neuro psych disorders since childhood... There is little room for error on that front. But like I said not exactly relevant to this conversation.
More relevant perhaps, and ironicly timely, is Lauren Jackson's article in the NYT The Morning newsletter this morning titled Your Hopes. There is lots that jumped out there but a big one was Mister Rogers quote that "when things are bad look for the helpers."
The first Fortune 500 CEO I worked closely with was my boss' boss in 2000 I think. I was pulled into one of his direct report meetings to deal with a big problem I had experience with. Just as I joined the meeting, which the discussion had been swirling for about a half hour the CEO said "alright people we got enough F&^#$%g problems, what we need are solutions..."
I was equal part amused and appalled. I later asked my boss how he dealt with the CEO (they went to college or grad school together so knew each other well.). My boss said to me " I never bring him a problem with out also bringing him several possible solutions and also always give him my preferred solution. If we only bring him problems, then what does he need us for?" That was an enormously powerful lesson. Mister Rogers served up for adults...and I use that word generously.
Oh I love Mr. Rogers! I mean, who doesn’t? Another quote he is famous for is, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
To begin with, I did not perceive the More/Less list format as harsh as some have suggested. I subscribe to your Substack to read, comprehend, and learn about you as a writer, your unique voice, and the topics you cover. To be completely transparent, I previously worked in Corporate Human Resources, was a ballet dancer for a prominent ballet company in America, and am now a trained chef from the Napa Valley, with education in Paris, along with experience cooking in 1 and 2 Star Michelin restaurants. There is so much of Paris that I cherish, and I welcomed the More/Less format. My travels, education in Paris, and brief experience at a Patisserie there have deepened my affection for the city. While I did encounter aspects there that are also found in other major cities around the globe, I found it invigorating to gain insight into your perspective and that of others you hold in high regard.
In my humble opinion, should you seek solicited feedback, I would share my thoughts if felt I had something of significance to contribute. Generally, I prefer to refrain from imposing my preferences regarding how an author choose to convey their message to their audience.
Bonne annee and may this world aspire to more kindness and peace.
Please do enlighten! All of us have lived in Paris 15-20 years. And keeping Paris, Paris might mean, in this case, not bringing in garbage like Dunkin Donuts. En vrai, le pas mal pour tout est fatiguant, même pour les français.
« Keeping Paris, Paris » does echoe very conservative stances, pour ne pas dire frontistes. You can simply rant about garbage food without MAGA-type catchphrase. I'm sorry, but «Keeping Paris, Paris» implies much worst political views than a common Dunkin Donuts-rant. Paris est une ville vivante et le mouvement est dans son code génétique. C'est une ville révolutionnaire, bouillonante et pleine d'avenir, malgré des conditions socio-économiques de plus en plus difficiles (mais elle n'est pas la seule, c'est un phénomène qui touche toutes les grandes villes occidentales). Je trouve ça triste de formuler les choses ainsi, surtout venant d'un expatrié. Cela sous-entend que cette personne est venue pour le décorum et les vieilles pierres. Les habitants apprécieront. Pour le « pas mal », il est naturel dans mon expression, comme j'imagine l'understatement pour les britanniques et je trouve fort de café qu'on vienne me le reprocher. Sinon, votre blog est plaisant à lire et soulève des sujets intéressants, surtout pour un parisien natif. A lire cet article, je constate que la détestation du tourisme de masse (et celui des américains très très fortunés) est partagée par les expatriés anglo.
The point about concept shops vs actual restaurants really landed. There's this weird pressure to frame everything as a "concept" when sometimes a place is just...good at what it does. I've worked with a few food entrepreneurs who struggled with this exact thing where investors wanted a scalable model instead of letting quality speak for itself. Also totally agree on the UHT milk situation ruining otherwise solid coffe shops. It's such an easy fix but nobody seems to care.
Thank you for all these Mores and Lesses! I enthusiastically agree with Shelby about faux floral facades, both in Paris and New York. They were a cheerful antidote during the height of Covid, but it's time to say goodbye to all that plastic.
I would appreciate it if picture-taking was banned from museums. If someone likes the work, buy the book or the postcard in the shop, and instead, think about enhancing the experience and the appreciation of the art for everyone in the house.
🚫less Instagrammers on the street documenting what they are wearing and less bloggers recording their museum visits and spoiling the expo with their shallow chatter
👍 for me…more café sitting enjoying un verre ou café
Bonne année
Agreed, Elizabeth! Let’s see how this turns out :) Bonne année!
I lived and worked in Paris for seven months in 1995 and *loved* it. I made every effort to speak French (probably sounding like a two-year old). I’d read French books on the metro and trains. I didn’t want to be identified as American. I don’t understand how anyone can live in (or visit) a country and not want to learn the most basic phrases. It’s the polite thing to do.
Merci beaucoup!
Lindsay I have been a long time fan, vocal Francophile and have at least one of your books. I struggle with your take here. You left the US, and presumably your citizenship(?) and highlight why others leave, for what you all feel is a better life in France. Now you take to complaining about Paris? WT…H?
It’s not that all your concerns are completely unwarranted. Oppy for improvement exists everywhere. Often, however, HOW we say something is at least, and sometimes more, important than WHAT we say. As a journalist I know you don't need me to explain that further.
Perhaps, rather than a list of complaints (even the👍 are thinly veiled complaints) the entire post could have been repositioned as a list of opportunities and you could have told us what you are going to do to effect positive change toward realizing those oppys…and by extension…what WE could also do towards that end. THAT is inspirational leadership by example. You have perspective and a platform. I would encourage you to use both to effect positive change rather than complain.
Signed, a lone representative of those of us back here in the US trying to inspire positive messaging and change in a country that need it now more than ever.
You are a breath of fresh air and said all the things I don’t think I could have. This was a kindness, JB. I am grateful!
Hi Damon, I'm pleased to know you've enjoyed my work for many years. My criticisms of Paris/the country are not new, especially not in this newsletter, much as my criticisms of the U.S. are not new (I remain a dual citizen, to address your comment on that). And in both cases, I find myself aligned with the words of James Baldwin who spoke of his love for his country being the precise reason he insists on the right to criticize her perpetually. There is a lot to love about the France and the U.S. and its people but they both can and should do better. That's the message up for discussion here and elsewhere.
Sugar coating the challenges of living in either place or lending weight only to positive messaging that appeases when a) the moment might need something fiercer and b) it isn't in the author's style, is a matter of preference. You have that right! As do I in remaining true to myself and my contributions to both countries via storytelling, reporting, and conversations here and in my broader work that don't obscure the hard stuff. That you do not find it inspirational is also your right but the expectation should not be that a writer / artist bends to the methods preferred by each individual reader or viewer.
As for this particular More / Less missive, it follows a common format used at the new year and can be tongue-in-cheek or serious. I intended this one to be both. And the reality is that Paris is NOT a perfect place, as much as I (and the pals who contributed their thoughts) LOVE it very much. I don't believe there is only one way of affecting change.
Hi Lindsay thanks for checking in. In my failed attempt at concision I have already spilled more ink than I ever expected but I will try again and try to limit comments to major points of agreement and misunderstanding. In no particular order...I think...:
1. I appreciate your voice and perspective on Paris and even the broader Euro Scene. I even agree with your laundry list of wishes and complaints; Ban "Maison" etc, more respect and etiquette and resources for cyclists LOL! Though as a 40+ year cyclist and former racer I will say Rome is worse, in my experience! I also recognize that I have not commented on stuff I agree with. I will work on that. I think my only other comment was several years ago when disagreed about French pensions and retirement age. Not fair to only point out the negative, particularly when my ask of you was more positive action steps.
2. Where I take exception is that the post is largely a list of complaints. And as I have said, that is your prerogative. Sorry...Im being redundant. Again. Oops. The missed oppy I refer to around positive messaging is NOT about "Sugar coating the challenges of living in either place or lending weight only to positive messaging that appeases..." No one needs a Pollyanna. It is about offering up ideas and potential action steps that inspire others to fix the problems so many love to merely complain about. Some are easier than others of course.
For (one) example, how about suggesting this community build a website that lists and maps the establishments that meet the worthy criteria you suggest (No "Maison" xparant supply chains, etc) and lets your readers record and comment their visits? This would help your audience take meaningfully specific positive action toward the goals we likely all want to achieve. Speaking selfishly on your behalf, this could give you fairly hard data that would enable you to quantify the impact your audience has. There are too many benefits to list here. Claude could research and build the site for/ with you.
3. I recognize I am likely not your typical audience. I've spent the better part of a lifetime driving change. Complaints are a personal trigger...as I tried to illustrate in an example above about my boss' need for solutions rather than problems years ago.
4. I missed the subtle humor. My bad. Perhaps too subtle for my plebeian brain? (I am exceedingly direct) Perhaps because, as I said, I agree with your list? If, however, it was positioned in the context of a Frank Costanza Fesivus list of Air'd Grievances I would have gotten the joke; but there is always next year!
5. Please know Ive invested the time in this string because I believe in and value your voice and platform and I think you could do even more with it. If I didn't, I'd simply vote with my feet and keep scrolling.
Bonne année and please keep doing what you do.
Thank you for this, Damon. I appreciate it :)
That's an interesting perspective, Damon. As another long-time follower and fan of Lindsey's work, I've never interpreted it as seeking to pit Paris against the US or anywhere else. On the contrary, I see her as someone who stokes her genuine curiosity about her surroundings, the people she meets and the world at large. I see her Leaving America series not as a political statement that France is better so of course people would leave the US, but rather an exploration and exposé of people, like her, who have moved and the different paths and motivations that lead them to where they are today. Call me naive, but I find it much more genuine and innocent than you imply.
I do take your point about opportunities, although I'm on the fence about the assumption that journalists take on the responsibility of leadership. The more/lesses, which I don't find thinly veiled at all but rather overt, do remind me a lot of the retrospectives I used to run with engineering teams. Sometimes they would take the format of Keep doing, Stop doing, Start doing - and even the more classic Things that went well, Things that went less well, Things I learned, would end with some concrete next steps. Of course, engineering teams mostly have control over the things they can change, whereas I don't know how much control a journalist, no matter how influential, could have over the proliferation of mediocre coffee shops, for example. But it could be an interesting exercise to include things that the individuals want to do more or less of themselves. I like that.
Finally, I believe it's the right of journalists too (or anyone for that matter), especially in their independent newsletters, to let off a little steam at the end of the year and publish whatever they want, including complaints about a city, nay, a world that they love.
Signed, another American who has taken up long-term residence in France, misses America sometimes and occasionally complains about both.
Yes I know constructive criticism and "interesting perspectives" do not come off as a breath of fresh air and I can live with that.
My suggestion to Lead was not in her capacity as a journalist. Unless it's editorial they are generally not paid to opine, but to report. I get that and sorry if I wasn't clear. It was in reference to her role here and an independent voice.
While I am empathetic to the need to blow off steam I guess I question whether this is the right venue / medium for that. That is her prerogative of course.
If I have learned anything in my 40 some years of professional experience it is that when ever we get up to speak, we are auditioning for leadership. Whether We know it or not. Even more interestingly, our audience often doesn't consciously realize they are auditioning us.
So, said differently, no harm no foul, just a missed oppy for positive and inspiring messaging. Hopefully this is the kind of diverse dialog she is looking to inspire here.
I’m 100% with you, Damon, on seizing opportunities to inspire others and working to close gaps rather than perpetuate them. And yes, thanks for helping me off the fence by clarifying want you meant about leadership. I also agree that having a platform is a form of leadership and comes with responsibility.
Still, I don’t find it irresponsible or a lack of leadership to voice the kinds of opinions featured here. I get it, your profile says you’re a leadership consultant so I imagine (and sympathize with) the impetus you must feel.
If my 53 (and a half) years on the planet, and a good chunk of my professional life coaching teams and other leaders, has taught me anything it’s that, 1) critical feedback is best offered in private, and 2) only when it’s your role to do so or you’re directly impacted by the consequences of someone’s actions, 3) and most importantly - because I used to do this all the time, and to be fair, I’m doing it now - is never, never tell people what they “should” do. I always got (and get) the best results when I share personal experiences instead, or approach whatever helpful idea I think I have with an “and” rather than a “but”. “This was interesting/insightful/whathaveyou, and what if you / it might be neat to, …” ya know?
Like what if you had said, “I’d be really curious to know what things you might be doing more and less of next year, and what you might be able to do to impact, in whatever small way, the things on your Less Of list.” That would have been really positive, inspiring and engaging.
And because text can veil tone and intention, please know that I am saying this with sincerity and genuine care for both you and Lindsey. I appreciate your engaging with me and wish you and yours a very happy new year :)
Re "Still, I don’t find it irresponsible or a lack of leadership to voice the kinds of opinions featured here." I dont believe I called it irresponsible. I think I referred to it as a missed oppy to use positive rather than negative messaging to inspire action that would create the change she seeks.
Re feedback in private, yes in a managerial position with people that work for and with me, or family or in a executive coaching engagement. Of course.
But this is not one of those venues is it? When we publish articles like this, arent we looking to generate dialog and surface different perspectives? I know I did. Maybe that was just me. If we just wanted to vent and didnt want dialog we would turn off the comments. Or go just to FB and vent with friends.
Im not sure my list of more ofs and less ofs are entirely relevant or significant. When I was 30 I had a ton of them, achieved the vast majority and am now blessed with a lifestyle and family that I never had as a kid.
Likely my most important more of is to have more of "everything" I need to emotionally, intellectually and physical support our trans-woman son who is also unemployed and has mild neuro psych disorders since childhood... There is little room for error on that front. But like I said not exactly relevant to this conversation.
More relevant perhaps, and ironicly timely, is Lauren Jackson's article in the NYT The Morning newsletter this morning titled Your Hopes. There is lots that jumped out there but a big one was Mister Rogers quote that "when things are bad look for the helpers."
The first Fortune 500 CEO I worked closely with was my boss' boss in 2000 I think. I was pulled into one of his direct report meetings to deal with a big problem I had experience with. Just as I joined the meeting, which the discussion had been swirling for about a half hour the CEO said "alright people we got enough F&^#$%g problems, what we need are solutions..."
I was equal part amused and appalled. I later asked my boss how he dealt with the CEO (they went to college or grad school together so knew each other well.). My boss said to me " I never bring him a problem with out also bringing him several possible solutions and also always give him my preferred solution. If we only bring him problems, then what does he need us for?" That was an enormously powerful lesson. Mister Rogers served up for adults...and I use that word generously.
Ok Ive gone on long enough. HNY
Oh I love Mr. Rogers! I mean, who doesn’t? Another quote he is famous for is, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
Hello Lindsey,
To begin with, I did not perceive the More/Less list format as harsh as some have suggested. I subscribe to your Substack to read, comprehend, and learn about you as a writer, your unique voice, and the topics you cover. To be completely transparent, I previously worked in Corporate Human Resources, was a ballet dancer for a prominent ballet company in America, and am now a trained chef from the Napa Valley, with education in Paris, along with experience cooking in 1 and 2 Star Michelin restaurants. There is so much of Paris that I cherish, and I welcomed the More/Less format. My travels, education in Paris, and brief experience at a Patisserie there have deepened my affection for the city. While I did encounter aspects there that are also found in other major cities around the globe, I found it invigorating to gain insight into your perspective and that of others you hold in high regard.
In my humble opinion, should you seek solicited feedback, I would share my thoughts if felt I had something of significance to contribute. Generally, I prefer to refrain from imposing my preferences regarding how an author choose to convey their message to their audience.
Bonne annee and may this world aspire to more kindness and peace.
«More keeping Paris, Paris» followed by an very anglo blame on «pas mal», i have not polite way of formulate my thoughs on americans living in Paris.
Please do enlighten! All of us have lived in Paris 15-20 years. And keeping Paris, Paris might mean, in this case, not bringing in garbage like Dunkin Donuts. En vrai, le pas mal pour tout est fatiguant, même pour les français.
« Keeping Paris, Paris » does echoe very conservative stances, pour ne pas dire frontistes. You can simply rant about garbage food without MAGA-type catchphrase. I'm sorry, but «Keeping Paris, Paris» implies much worst political views than a common Dunkin Donuts-rant. Paris est une ville vivante et le mouvement est dans son code génétique. C'est une ville révolutionnaire, bouillonante et pleine d'avenir, malgré des conditions socio-économiques de plus en plus difficiles (mais elle n'est pas la seule, c'est un phénomène qui touche toutes les grandes villes occidentales). Je trouve ça triste de formuler les choses ainsi, surtout venant d'un expatrié. Cela sous-entend que cette personne est venue pour le décorum et les vieilles pierres. Les habitants apprécieront. Pour le « pas mal », il est naturel dans mon expression, comme j'imagine l'understatement pour les britanniques et je trouve fort de café qu'on vienne me le reprocher. Sinon, votre blog est plaisant à lire et soulève des sujets intéressants, surtout pour un parisien natif. A lire cet article, je constate que la détestation du tourisme de masse (et celui des américains très très fortunés) est partagée par les expatriés anglo.
What you consider blame, I see experience and perspective of living in Paris
Fun list! I like seeing what other people would love to see less of.
The point about concept shops vs actual restaurants really landed. There's this weird pressure to frame everything as a "concept" when sometimes a place is just...good at what it does. I've worked with a few food entrepreneurs who struggled with this exact thing where investors wanted a scalable model instead of letting quality speak for itself. Also totally agree on the UHT milk situation ruining otherwise solid coffe shops. It's such an easy fix but nobody seems to care.