No Place is Perfect but There is Something to Love Everyewhere!

It's been a little over 3 years since I have lived in Montreal and I think that I more fond of it now than I was before.  Leaving home has helped me become aware all the wonderful things my city has to offer.  What we often think of as usual is actually particular to where we are, but there is no way to know that until we leave and delve into new places.    Below are the things I love most about Paris and the things I miss most about home.

The things I miss most about Montreal are:

1. How casual the people are.   I like the easygoing nature Quebec has.

2. Appliances.  I miss real working ovens that don't have built in microwaves and I miss having a dryer.

3. Kale.  There isn't much kale to speak of in France.  In fact, there is no word for kale in France!!

4. Sprouted Grains.  I miss the guiltless feeling of eating really healthy grains.

5.  The beauty of the Canadian natural landscape.  Now granted, this is not exactly Montreal but rather all of Canada.  I just remember the magnificence of being in an outdoor spa, in the middle of winter, while deer roam around in plain sight.  Whether you see Mountains on the West Coast or  the middle of a white, snowy and frosted forest in the East, Canada's natural beauty is truly unique and breathtaking.

6.  The ease and fluency that come with being at home.

7. The BYOB restaurants and the variety of Restaurants Montreal has.  I also love the all the new and innovative ways Montreal Chefs put stuff together.

8. The people.  I always miss the people I leave behind.

The things I love most about Paris:

1. How sophisticated and knowledgeable the people are.  There is a real interest in global issues, culture and the arts here.

2. The incredible transportation system Paris has.  There is a vast array of choice when it comes to getting from point A to point B: Metro, Bus, Velib (community bikes), RER (intercity trains)and Autolib (community cars).

3. Cheap and wonderful wine...and cheap and wonderful cheese of course.

4. Fresh baked Baguette from the Bakery...everywhere…on the corner of every block…in every neighborhood!!! No shortage or inconvenience there.

The guilty pleasure of eating warm French baguette! :)

5. Paris has the most amazing cultural scene I have ever witnessed EVER! There are so many posters and free newspapers advertising what is happening in this city, it could make your head spin.  You name it and you will find it: music, art, fashion, dance, sport or dining.  You will find something special happening on any day of the year.

6. The unknown and the excitement of discovering new things.

7. The fact that you can walk into a restaurant randomly and that chances of the food being yummy are favorable.

8. The people.  A lot of people travel through Paris.  Even though I have only been here a short time, I have had many wonderful reunions here already…and…well… 

I always miss the people I leave behind.