Rue Dussoubs - my neighbourhood + more shopping...

this is the exact building I'll be staying at!
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I've already written a bit about my neighbourhood, but I'm updating to say I found an incredibly cool site that will give you a picture of any address in Paris, plus views from that address (like across the street, down the street...)

http://photos.pagesjaunes.fr

I'll be doing a LOT of looking, and not a lot of buying...

This is the building across the street..
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Amazing what you can find on the internet!  I clicked around and saw all the neighbouring buildings, a brasserie, and a Tabac (the french equivalent of a north amercian variety store, I suppose).  One notable thing is the lack of cars, so I'm guessing rue Dussoubs is a pedestrian street, yay!

It's good to have so many conveniences a few doors down.

The street originated in the 11th century (if I remember correctly) and I think my building was created in the 1600's - let's hope the plumbing has been updated!  It's in the 2nd arrondissement, near Les Halles.  It's one of the few quiet streets, but very close to the action, being a mere 900m away from the Louvre, and steps away from busy cafes, restaurants, etc..  It is also serviced by many, many metro lines, which will avoid the need for transfers.

this is "the street" - very quiet!
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An added bonus, I've discovered, is that one of the largest prostitution centres (2nd only to the Pigalle district) is about 2 blocks south lf my apartment.  AND the metro station nearby (Les Halles) is considered to be one of the more dangerous ones after dark.  This just might put a damper on my nightlife plans - but since I am what they call "stupid brave", I'll likely go about my business as planned.

I also found out that the last time I was in Paris, the hotel I stayed at (Clichy)  was in a really REALLY dangerous part of the city.  I must admit that I did wonder why the sidewalks were covered in vomit at almost all hours of the day...yes, Paris is not always "fresh"... if you were several hundred years old, you'd not be fresh either.  Oh, that reminds me - apparently France uses the least amount of soap per capita in the entire world.  (This is a fact.)

the brasserie a few doors down..
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This past week I've been carrying on with my French lessons, and reading the Shopping Companion to Paris.  I haven't yet booked train tickets anywhere.  Shopping in Paris is not like in North America.  The only reason they seem to have malls is to appease tourists.

In Paris you will find shops that have specialties.  Shops that have been passed down from generation to generation and have perfected very specific things such as leatherworks, linens, costume jewellery etc..  and the prices reflect the quality.  In other words, I'll be doing a LOT of looking, and not a lot of buying.

I think one differnence between shopping in Paris (or much of Europe) and shopping in North America is the quality and longevity of the item.  For instance, purchasing a set of linens in Paris will cost 300 euros, but will likely last your lifetime.  Purchasing linens in North America will only set you back about $80-100 on average, and will likely last about 3 years if you're lucky.  It's quality versus quantity I suppose.  If you buy something in Paris, hopefully you won't tire of it anytime soon!

If I do splurge on something in Paris, it will be something I've fallen in love with and will be with me for life.  With dresses that cost 3000++ euros, and handbags in a similar range with 18 month waiting lists (Hermes Kelly bag), much of Parisian shopping will sadly out of my league.  (Recall the scene from Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts gets kicked out of the boutique!)

However, I will definitely be hitting up the Laduree shop for their famous macaroons.  They also sell hot chocolate that is pretty much melted fine chocolate in a cup.  There is also a store that sells real fine silverware by the kilogram, off-season outlet stores, and something called "Tati" that is a discount store I'll try to check out.

I also still have hope for that outlet "village" on the outskirts of Paris.  Which is near EuroDisney.  Eurodisney (now called Disneyland Paris) is 35 euros for admission - I think I'll pass on that but if you see any pictures of me with Mickey Mouse wearing a beret, you'll know where I've been!

Other things to shop for in Paris, besides food:

- fine linens

- table and kitchen accessories

- jewellery, both fine and costume

- fine, classic clothing

- antiques (a true antique is 100+ years old, and will have papers to prove it)

- cosmetics, particularly perfume

I also have learned a fair amount about how to get the VAT (value added tax) back from your purchases.  You must spend 175euros in one shot at one store.  The shopkeeper will then help you fill out the paperwork.  It's very easy, I've done it before in Switzerland and it was a no-hassle way to get about 13% back from your purchase.

Until next time...enjoy the pictures of my quiet little neighbourhood...