Emily in France 🇫🇷 What Does Your New Normal Look Like?
Spoiler: there's still a lot of Zoom in my future.
Here in Paris, as opposed to in much of the U.S., we underwent pretty strict lockdown protocols this spring. Perhaps as a result, when things opened back up in June, our COVID cases have skyrocketed. Today, Paris looks the way it often has: full and bustling, albeit with bigger sidewalk terraces and more masks.
It's become more difficult to know exactly how to move forward, now that there's less government oversight. And while of course plans can change at a moment's notice, here are five ways I'm staying both safe and sane in the French capital.
1. Lots of walks.
I had already given up my métro pass before lockdown even took hold in Paris, preferring to walk pretty much everywhere I needed to go. I'll be keeping that up in the coming weeks and months, despite new legislation that requires a mask everywhere in Paris – even in the street. My daily walks aren't just great exercise – they're also wonderful ways to get to know new neighborhoods in the city.
2. Zoom book clubs.
Since lockdown began, my writing group and book clubs have both gone online – and I've got to say, I love it! I actually joined my book club after lockdown, so I've never met the lovely ladies with whom I've discussed (so far!) The Color Purple, Americanah, and My Sister the Serial Killer. We'll probably be online a while longer, but I so look forward to these meetings, especially as I'm currently staying away from most in-person socialization.
3. La Ruche Qui Dit Oui
When it comes to gaining access to sustainable, local produce, there's nothing better than La Ruche Qui Dit Oui. My "ruche" (hive) is at the BHV in the Marais, and our organizer spends hours pre-packing bags with all of our delicious items so that we can swing by during our ten-minute appointment for nearly-contactless (and fully masked) pickup. Cantaloupe and tomatoes are giving way to apples and potimarron (my favorite winter squash). So excited!
4. Picnics.
I went to a few restaurants right when they reopened, and while many are still serving on sidewalks, current COVID case numbers have made this something I'm swearing off, for now. Luckily, Indian summer weather means that picnics in beautiful Buttes Chaumont park (see above!) are still possible.
5. Zoom apéro.
I'm not much of a phone person, usually, but following lockdown a few friends and I started regular Zoom calls. I'm looking forward to continuing to catch up with friends and family who are far away, especially as the days get shorter.
What I'm Eating
Aside from the aforementioned picnics, earlier this summer, I dug into a special menu at Rigmarole focused on pasta – including these little parcels of spring onion and ricotta.
What I'm Writing
1. We've no dearth of single-product pastry shops in Paris, including ones specialized in cream puffs, doughnuts, and cookies. I profiled Eclair de Génie, specializing in the eponymous éclair, for EasyJet Traveller.
2. As summer fades into fall, it's more important than ever to take good care of our immune systems. Here's how, for Eat This, Not That.
3. My Sister the Serial Killer was a much-hyped début that we discussed in my book club. While enjoyable, it wasn't at all what I was expecting – especially given as it was shortlisted for the Man Booker. More on the blog.
What I'm Reading
1. French cheese authority Jennifer Greco contributed a list of the ten must-try cheeses for David Leibovitz's blog, and trust me: it's a list the likes of which you've never seen before.
2. R. Eric Thomas offers a heartbreaking exploration of why "it doesn't matter if you are good" when racism is so rampant, for Elle.
3. Language relating to women and men is very different, and it doesn't need to be. The BBC delves into words that are normalized when discussing different genders.
A bientôt !