A Chat with Amy Thomas

A View of Expatriate Life in Paris by Amy Thomas

Parisian Guide talked to Amy Thomas about what it was like to forge new beginnings in the most romantic city in the world.

As an associate creative director for Ogilvy & Mather, she was recruited in 2009 to work on Louis Vuitton’s digital advertising. In addition to gleaning two years’ worth of delicious memories, Amy has managed to write a book about her experiences, Paris,My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate).

Aside from contributing to publications such as the New York Times, New York Post and National Geographic Traveler, she also maintains two blogs: www.godiloveparis.blogspot.com and dessertfordinner.com (Photos by Lindsey Tramuta)

What made you move to a new city? What made you choose the French capital?

I had a years-long love for and obsession with Paris. When the opportunity to move there for my job walked through my door, I was all too happy to say yes.

What were the most difficult things about moving here?

Leaving my friends and family. Leaving comfort and security. Fear of the unknown.

What was the first Parisian thing you fell in love with?

The sound of an ambulance. I was 19, it was my very first day in Paris – I spent a semester at the AmericanUniversity of Paris – and when I heard the siren, I knew I was very far from home.

How did you cope with homesickness?

I blogged.  And ate sweets.

How did you go about building a community of friends in a new city?

The great thing about moving to a new city is that you have to put yourself out there like you normally don’t. I was more open to joining language or expat groups, being outgoing, chatting with people and giving everything a try at least once. You stay busy, but it’s not always fulfilling – you’re connecting with people based on one interest rather than on a ‘soul to soul’ connection you have with friends.But I did get there. In my second year, not only meeting friends through other friends and at my job, I met a whole community of expat bloggers who were just wonderful. I’m still very close to a handful of them.

How did you deal with the language barrier?

You just try your best. I studied the language. I always tried to speak in French, whether at a store, restaurant, on the bus, at the office. You just have to overcome your fear of sounding dumb and study and try!

What is one thing that every expat should do in Paris?

Whatever speaks loudest and truest to them—Paris is a different feast for everyone.

What were the best and worst things that you discovered?

The worst: how positively blasé the French can be – shrugging their shoulders, impassive face, peu important. The best: they really do pursue pleasure – there’s so much for Americans to learn there!

What touristy thing would you love to do but haven’t yet?

Paris Authentic. It gives tours in those old 2CV cars and I just love the idea of being driven around the city. Paris is such a walking city, and I love roaming and Velibing, but it would be such fun to be chauffeured around while seeing the sights!

Any money tips or advice for new expats in France?

If you’re keeping funds in the US, find a bank that won’t charge you for converting dollars and euros and vice versa. Similarly, restrict your ATM and credit card usage as the fees can be crazy.

Would you mind sharing some of your favorite places?

Rue Montorgueil, a wonderful pedestrian street, for its food shopping and people watching. Nearby, I love Experimental, one of the very first cocktail bars in the city, which has fabulous drinks and bartenders. There’s a lunch chain called Cojean that I love for its easy, healthy sandwiches and salads. Café Flore and Café La Palette, both in Saint Germain, are quintessentially Parisian. My favorite chocolates are from Jean-Paul Hévin, and at the top of my pastry list is Du Pain et des Idées, Stohrer and Boulangerie Julien.

How would you contrast Paris and New York? How are they the same and in what ways are they different?

Each city is so seductive for its own reasons. New York has scale, energy and passion. Paris has grace, romance and history. New York, for instance, has skyscrapers, lofts, Central Park, yellow cabs, Grand Central, FDR, Brooklyn Bridge and never-ending avenues. On the other hand, Paris has La Tour Eiffel, the Seine, the grand plane tree-lined boulevards, hidden courtyards, the Vélibs and hôtel particuliers. As for places to eat and drink, New York has everything from bakeries, delis and pizza joints to cocktail dens, mega-restaurants and pretzel carts. Paris, meanwhile, has comptoirs, chocolatiers, patisseries, boulangeries and outdoor markets. The differences are dramatic, but both cities appeal to people for their architecture, food, fashion and art.

Where can one find the best French food in Paris?

Just about anywhere – all the specialty shops. I love the salads in cafés and a good old Nutella street crêpe. Some of my favorite restaurants include La Régalade Saint Honoré, Café Constant, Bistrot Paul Bert, Chez l’Ami Jean, Derriere and Le Verre Volé.

You have a very important guest coming over and you have to take him or her to somewhere  quintessentially Parisian. What’s the first place that comes to mind?

Luxembourg Gardens. They’re so iconic. They’re regal yet relaxed and scream “Paris” to me.

What should expats know about the locals?

Paris is the most visited city in the world. The locals, understandably, can be nonplussed about the “foreign invasion.” Be self-aware: at least try to speak their language and practice – or  at least respect – their customs, such as politesse and dress codes.

Can you name a fellow Parisian you’d love to share a drink with?

Alex Lobrano, the journalist and author of Hungry for Paris. I met him at a reading once. He has a warm, relaxed disposition, but he’s positively worldly and plugged in. I’d love to talk to him about dining in Paris and all of his European travels.

You’re surviving on your last 30 euros. How would you spend it?   

I’d create my own moveable feast. I’d walk and walk and walk—maybe start in the fourth arrondissement, cross over to the 12eme, 11eme and 10eme. I’d stop in boulangeries and patisseries for pastries and une demi-baguette. I’d get a Nutella crêpe somewhere along the way, some chocolates, and perhaps une tranche of quiche and then have a quiet little picnic along the canal, amidst all the bobos doing the same.

List 5 things that should be in one’s Paris survival list.

Plan of Paris, Converse, a bike helmet, Skype, and a sense of humor.