By mcbitter
One great thing about doing a semester abroad is that you're there long enough to get a true feeling for the city and its neighborhoods, not just the tourist attractions. (Don't get me wrong, I love the Eiffel Tower, but there's only so many times you can go!) While I've been here, I've found a few small businesses to which I'm a loyal customer. When you're living in a new place, they can really make you feel like you've made it your home!
- My local boulangerie, or bakery. There's at least four boulangeries within three minutes of walking from my apartment. I've made a point to try all of their baguettes though, and I have to say, the one right down the street is perfect. I've never been disappointed by their pastries either (helloooo, pain au chocolat) so I'm sticking with that one!
- Proxi. Oh, Proxi. So this is basically the 7/11 of France. Why am I writing about a convenience store, you might ask? Well, this is the ONE store that is open on Sundays, meaning that it's been a lifesaver for my roommates and I! (Most grocery stores in France are closed on Sundays, so if you don't have something like a Proxi near you, you're simply out of luck.) Proxi has also been the go-to place when we're craving something spontaneously like ice cream, chocolate, or any other junk food you can think of. We go there so often that the cashiers recognize us...yeah, we probably go there a bit too often.
- Stratto. This is the go-to for lunch between classes. They have a million baguettes sandwiches, paninis, pizza, you name it. They even have this thing called an Italian cheeseburger, which is ridiculously huge (not sure what makes it Italian, but that's okay). They also have student pricing that combines a drink with your sandwich for a discount, which is nice because food in Paris adds up quick. Stratto is also good for a quick espresso before class in the morning.
I'm going to miss these places when I head back to the States. When my family visits (they're coming in two weeks!), I'm definitely going to take them by these places - except maybe Proxi. Yeah, probably not...!