May 10, 2008
-
Parisian Parks
After weeks of suffering from chronic disconnection as a result of
having no internet, I find that a Paris WiFi hotspot has been just
sitting here within spitting distance of my apartment. Parisian parks
are a bit of a mystery to me, since they consist firstly of large lush
patches of grass you’re not allowed to sit on, and secondly large
swarths of gravel which you are. Also, Parisian parks are apparently
the only places where dogs are not allowed to roam freely, despite
being allowed on posh shipping streets and the metro. In this
particular park there is also a generous collection of benches, a
gazebo, and jungle gym equipment. I can’t help feeling regarded as a
little bit suspicious when I strolled in here with my laptop and an
older lady with her grandkids stared at me for much too long. It didn’t
help much when I began skyping to my boyfriend in that fun mix of
Turkish and Japanese that I hope to one day baffle a native speaker of
either with when I’m on my phone on the metro. I don’t think I look all
that suspicious but all the same I’m going to refrain from taking a
picture of the place.Since this is a residential and not a touristy neighborhood, the park
is missing one key element I’ve seen in every other- sleeping
backpackers monopolizing all the benches. Honestly, it just isn’t a
public space unless theres an unshaved, shower deprived twenty
something snoozing in the shade with all his worldly possessions
underneath him.I find I don’t have as much to do on the internet as I thought now that I have it. I guess its just the feeling that I can’t use
it that really makes me nuts. Also, this internet is pretty spotty and
unsecured so I’m not going to start youtubing or online banking or
anything like that.It’s really weird seeing so many kids. I mean, I know I wasn’t exactly
in a family neighborhood when I lived in Tokyo, but everyone knows that
theres no children in Tokyo anyway. Certainly I never saw a bunch of
dads at a park toting strollers and diaper bags and mothers squatting
in sand and waiting at the bottoms of slides. I just didn’t.
Comments (2)
I still write…only i hoard.
if i can get my laptop to a wifi area/get a decent medium to transport materials…you can has what i’ve been tossing around.
gives me email.
I really enjoy to read about your life in Paris.
I almost forgot how splendid and difficult living in foreing counties.