I can definitely confirm that being visibly pregnant in Paris opens the door to a whole world of unexpected commentary. I’ve had strangers exclaim “Are you having twins?!” and other charming inepties. That said, I’ve often felt these comments come from a well-meaning place, a clumsy attempt to acknowledge the “work” of pregnancy.
But that Kinder Surprise comment… I gasped. I almost feel the need to apologize on behalf of that woman (though of course, I have no grounds to!). Paris really does have its own unfiltered logic when it comes to public remarks and pregnancy seems to make you fair game.
Wishing you all the best as you navigate these last few weeks. May they be filled with small kindnesses!
My god the comments you’re getting from strangers! As unnerving and inappropriate as it is, may it give you good stories and new insights into the human condition 😂
All the best with the driving-test. I wasn’t a natural, either. It’s been a liberating lesson to learn you don’t have to be a natural at something to be able to learn enough to be good enough. Just takes a little bit of determination and lots of practice. Good luck with it all 😀
Great piece, and thanks for all the juicy tips. Just one thing: London, for me, is much more aggressive than Paris. The proxemics are indeed different – as is true in all "south" cultures, Parisians are more comfortable in tighter, denser spaces, more in-your-face, more likely to start shouting at you for doing something silly, BUT I never see any escalation to violence, which, I swear, I see at least once on every trip to London. No one throws a punch. I've never seen a headbutt.
Hannah you were always a great writer and a great Observer of Paris and of our condition on this Earth. But I have to say I think this pregnancy has actually made you a better writer and observer! I can't wait to read your pen friend letters because your future is going to be so exciting and bright. And your child will be the beneficiary of the diverse backgrounds of their parents. What a fortunate child! And I too love Wes Anderson. The Royal Tenenbaums is one of my favorite movies. And I love Agnes Varda and watch her movies often on Turner Classic Movies in the states. And as far as a book about trees, I think most of us would agree we'd rather live near trees than near other humans.
"And this our life, exempt from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything."
I can definitely confirm that being visibly pregnant in Paris opens the door to a whole world of unexpected commentary. I’ve had strangers exclaim “Are you having twins?!” and other charming inepties. That said, I’ve often felt these comments come from a well-meaning place, a clumsy attempt to acknowledge the “work” of pregnancy.
But that Kinder Surprise comment… I gasped. I almost feel the need to apologize on behalf of that woman (though of course, I have no grounds to!). Paris really does have its own unfiltered logic when it comes to public remarks and pregnancy seems to make you fair game.
Wishing you all the best as you navigate these last few weeks. May they be filled with small kindnesses!
My god the comments you’re getting from strangers! As unnerving and inappropriate as it is, may it give you good stories and new insights into the human condition 😂
All the best with the driving-test. I wasn’t a natural, either. It’s been a liberating lesson to learn you don’t have to be a natural at something to be able to learn enough to be good enough. Just takes a little bit of determination and lots of practice. Good luck with it all 😀
Beautiful.
Great piece, and thanks for all the juicy tips. Just one thing: London, for me, is much more aggressive than Paris. The proxemics are indeed different – as is true in all "south" cultures, Parisians are more comfortable in tighter, denser spaces, more in-your-face, more likely to start shouting at you for doing something silly, BUT I never see any escalation to violence, which, I swear, I see at least once on every trip to London. No one throws a punch. I've never seen a headbutt.
Hannah you were always a great writer and a great Observer of Paris and of our condition on this Earth. But I have to say I think this pregnancy has actually made you a better writer and observer! I can't wait to read your pen friend letters because your future is going to be so exciting and bright. And your child will be the beneficiary of the diverse backgrounds of their parents. What a fortunate child! And I too love Wes Anderson. The Royal Tenenbaums is one of my favorite movies. And I love Agnes Varda and watch her movies often on Turner Classic Movies in the states. And as far as a book about trees, I think most of us would agree we'd rather live near trees than near other humans.
"And this our life, exempt from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything."
— As You Like It, Act 2 Scene
My favorite cut from the Royal Tenenbaums; https://youtu.be/5WLQxqdkqSU?si=QiT-8iVpD8CvfWTM
Really awesome piece