Read about the rest of my time in Paris here and here.
Read about my work and play in Fontainebleau here and here.
See my photo post here.
There’s an episode of Sex and the City that is (sort of) about the weirdness of eating alone in a restaurant. I remember thinking of this episode when I started university, when sitting at a cafeteria table no longer made you look like an outcast or a weirdo. You were just taking a meal break in between (or during) studying and classes. Eating was a necessity, and sometimes you have to do this alone.
Now not in university, eating alone has become kind of weird again. A coffee and muffin over a newspaper here and there isn’t too bizarre, but sitting down to a full-out meal can be nerve-wracking. So I decided to conquer this totally irrational fear, and have a nice sit-down lunch in a roadside café to take advantage of Paris’ people-watching opportunities and, of course, have a taste of French food.
I had an amazing salad with four kinds of cheese, meaty walnuts and a creamy dressing, along with about half a baguette and a refreshing glass of limon pressé. I ate slowly, savouring the “salad” (which was more like cheese with lettuce – fine by me!) and trying not to wonder if people thought I was a loser or not. I had a lovely lunch, and even stayed to enjoy a coffee.
And later, I unwound with a little company over a beer (Christoph had peanuts) and a very interesting book before taking the train home.
Overall, I enjoyed the peaceful time alone in Paris and wish I had had more of it. But at the same time, I kept wanting to share what I saw and thought with WB, and I can’t wait to come back with him. And, actually, Icould share a little bit of Paris with WB: I brought him buttery croissants for Sunday-morning breakfast!
