How I Am Surviving during la Grève in Paris
Hey Au Pairs!
Especially hi to those of you in Paris who are surviving during this hard time! Usually it’s Hanna on the blog, but I (Edwina) decided to write a post today because la grève, aka the strike, has trapped me in my house and this is what it has come to… 😅😂
Having no metros in Paris, to an outsider, may not seem like a big a deal, but to be perfectly honest, it has had a huge effect on my quality of life and mental health. Not being able to see your friends or go to work and having to stay in a 9-meter-squared chambre de bonne is a modern day taste of solitary confinement.
SO. Here is how I am surviving…
You know casually sitting in the window frame… this is totally, very comfortable. Yup.
Use Bumble BFFs to meet people in your area
I had never used this app before the strikes hit, but I’m always looking for new friends. The best part is that you can set your parameters to 1-2km which means that whoever you meet is within walking distance! Meeting people, especially as an adult in a new city is hard, but on the app - everyone is in the same boat! We are all looking for new friends to hang out with.
2. Give out your number at your local restaurants
This might take some courage, but I’ve done it a few times and it really is a great way to meet people. I especially love giving my number to another woman if I hear they have a little accent when they speak to me in French simply because I know that they are probably new to Paris and are looking to meet new people, like me! It’s kind of funny because feels like I’m trying to hit on the server/bartender/etc, but it’s often worth it!
3. Go on dates
I will be the first to admit, I hate dating. But, the strikes have been really good for my love life because I’ve somehow found the motivation to go out on more dates! haha Very similar to Bumble BFF, my limits are always set to with 1-2km of distance from my place. Basically, if you don’t live by me or can’t drive to my area, you’re OUT. Deal breaker. I recommend not talking too much on the application itself because it’s a waste of time having long conversations with a person who you never meet in person! Lame!
Before you do go on a date, maybe watch this video for some tips! 😅😂
4. Find local communities and clubs
I’ve been looking for local dance groups and running groups to join and the strike was finally « la goute qui a fait déborder le vase » or the straw that broke the camels back! I finally was pushed to do an intense Instagram and Google search to find a running group that meets up by my place - another great way to put yourself in a situation to make new friends!
5. When you can afford it, take electric scooters
I cannot walk another step…. I have to bike an hour to and from work everyday and I am not looking forward to La Rentrée, when work starts back up and I’ll have to do this commute again! I started taking Uber electric scooters everywhere, which is not as expensive as I thought it would be. AND, I am even considering buying my own electric scooter. Of course, PLEASE be careful and be attentive to the rules of the road!
6. Call your friends and Skype
Lastly, I’ve taken this time to call my friends more. Even my friends who LIVE in Paris. It’s hilarious, but it’s also good practice for our friendship. I won’t be living in the same town as my friends forever, so it’s a weird way to foreshadow what is inevitably one day coming. Is that depressing…? I find it realistic and practical. If you can Skype with your friends, you know it’s true love! Haha And at this point, my moto has become « any type of socialising is GOOD socialising » lol.
7. Take this time to reflect on your life.
Finally, I am using this time to really write down my New Years Resolutions, my lists of pros and cons, to re-do my CV and to refocus and decide what it is that I want out of 2020. Trying to stay positive as best I can, and when I find it hard … I watch Friends or one of my favorite comedians on YouTube because, laughter truly is the best medicine.
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How are you surviving the Paris Strikes? Let us know in the comments!
Love you all! Bon début de 2020.
Xoxox
Edwina