C'est Moi: Just another 20 something: 29 August 2011- Paris/Grenoble

Today was our last (half) day in Paris. We caught the train to Grenoble and were greeted by the vivacious Miss Boulangerie all decked out in her “Paris” outfit. To explain, Miss Boulangerie is originally from Grenoble, but has lived in Paris for the past year working hard in a marketing firm. She quit her job and is due to travel to Argentina in three weeks’ time- but in the meantime, she is back home. In Paris, people pretty much wear a “uniform” that consists of black, chic, and more chic black or white/navy and white striped top teamed with skinny leg jeans folded up twice plus white loafers. There’s a lot of cement, the weather ranges from steaming hot to rainy and grey, and the streets are narrow and crowded with cars and people. In Grenoble, it’s colourful, casual and perhaps not so coordinated. There are green rolling hills, the constant presence of the French Alps and blue skies. People are friendlier and the town square is much smaller.

Whereas, in Paris, we saw Miss Boulangerie decked out in the black two piece, Grenoble saw her go a little crazy in a paisley jumpsuit. As she says, “I couldn’t wear this in Paris- people would think I was crazy!” There’s a definite difference-- and in some way, the clothes people wear are pretty reflective of each city’s general atmosphere and approach.

Sartorial observations aside, after Miss Boulangerie picked us up, we drove to the top of a mountain and took some crazy photos. From memory, the building at the top of this hill was a former prison- Bastille (it’s at the top of a massive mountain for a reason- no easy way out for the unfortunate prisoners, who, ironically, were blessed with a picturesque view). We took a gondola over the city before joining Miss Boulangerie’s family and friends for an unforgettable night of eating, Chartreuse (a super strong alcohol that is distilled from a flower that is collected from mountain tops by monks in the French Alps) and singing.

Miss Boulangerie’s parents are the epitome of the glamorous French couple. Her mother is a musician with a silken voice, movie star looks, stylish bob and brilliant smile. Her father is a tall, athletic man with silvery hair, big strong arms and a serious face with a twinkle in his eyes. He set up a car wash business twenty-five years ago (Le Tunel), and they both work together to make it the success it is today. Meanwhile, her brother is a magician studying engineering who, at the tender age of twenty has already set up his own business- taking his tricks around to parties and functions.

The entire family is so welcoming and generous (with excellent English/French/German to match) and as we eat and talk on the back patio, accompanied by the French Alps, we understand why Miss Boulangerie was so miserable in Paris. It’s a warm and comforting change from the sometimes grumpy rush of the people of Paris and we look forward to the next two days here.

[Grenoble- blue skies and French Alps:]