Internet Zone: Great Niagara Falls Views

while in the park, Cleo and I had an interesting chat today about our career paths. Although she was living in Paris, she decided that there were more opportunities for her in London and has since moved back. I, on the other hand, felt that Paris had more to offer. She is a theater girl (so London is a natural fit!) and I am fashion (and Paris is the capital!). Despite our different parcours, Cleo and I are the best of friends because we both defied the "American in Paris" of "English Gap Year" expectations. It is not uncommon in the 6th to meet a young woman from the US or UK studying English at the Sorbonne with plans to go home and start working at the end of the year. Cleo and I were those girls, but we decided to stay on longer. Years later, after all the other americaines and anglaises had come and gone, Cleo and I were still loyal, adopted parisiennes. Neither of us bought into the idea that Paris was a short chapter before entering the "real world." So we stayed. Sure, at times we fell into our old study abroad ways, but we also worked (interned), spoke french fluently, embraced the culture and came to view Paris as home, not just a lay-over on the way to adulthood! As an etrangere, Paris can be like Neverland, but the days of scooter rides and picnics in the park are behind us and we now have a different appreciation for our beloved city.