10 things I hate about Paris*

*From the movie 10 Things I Hate About You

1. I hate your hard water that makes my hair all crunchy and my tea kind of icky. 
2. I hate that there are all too many beautiful places that nonetheless smell like pee.
3. I hate that you are so expensive. I never got used to paying nearly $7 for a cup of coffee.  Although one does pay exactly what it says on the tag or menu because tax is included.
4. I hate  how much of my French I've lost, and how understanding everyone has been of my grammatical and vocabulary mistakes.
5. I hate your fabulous bread, tempting me at every turn.  Ditto chocolate.  And crepes.  And cheese.  And...
6. I hate that I am now addicted to macarons.  Oh, you delicate confectionary temptresses!
7. I hate the Paris "look" that I could never quite capture, and that no matter how often I practised, I could never quite tie my scarf with the same élan as the Parisian women.  They must give special lessons at the lycée.
8. I hate the café culture I have acquired such a taste for, making it near impossible to go back to work in July.
9. I hate how the waiters don't hover over you as you eat and actually wait for you to finish one course before bringing you the next.  And that they don't put smiley faces on the bill to get a bigger tip, because it's included.
10. I hate the efficiency of the labyrinthian metro.  And how it's quiet because of the rubber wheels.  And that some of the stations are downright beautiful.
11. I hate that I'm leaving so soon.

All is forgiven, Paris!  I'll be back!

There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were or how it was changed or with what difficulties, or ease, it could be reached. Paris was always worth it, and you received return for whatever you brought to it." -- Ernest Hemmingway, "A Moveable Feast"

Off to Provence!