With only two weeks left in France…I met a guy. And not just any guy…but one I really like, right as I sat contemplating “Something New. “…Mali walked into my world.

One week ago, I was sitting at the bar with Alexis and Sydney when he entered and I was instantly attracted to him. I mentioned it to Alexis and she called him over. We talked the entire night. We have been hanging out almost every day since. Long walks on the canals…French movies…late night dinners…and, yes, lots of kissing. He calls me “Ma Chérie” and signs his text messages with “kisses.” He’s attentive and so far not afraid to share how he feels.

As for the something new part he is what the French would call “métis”…mixed. (more…)

I’ve never questioned my preference for black Men. Since coming to France, I have had to open myself to Something New. This happened for several reasons…first, I wanted to be open to finding love despite its packaging and secondly…out of necessity. What does that mean? After being here for a few months, I realized that when I was out French brown men did not approach me.

Even when my French friend Gail’s boyfriend Leonelle whose parents are from Martinique—(read brown skin) introduced me to his friends, I would not be telling the truth if I didn’t say I noticed that all of his brown friends were with French women (read: not of color). (more…)

Whenever I get caught up in my own life- you know anxieties like ‘what Am I going to be when I grow up?’ Or better yet…’when will I grow up?’- I always find it nice to take a step back and help others. It’s always an easy way to get over myself. Today I headed to American Cathedral in Paris to serve lunch to the homeless. I am not sure if you have ever volunteered at a soup kitchen…(I hadn’t until I arrived in Paris) but I always envisioned long lines and big pots of soup.

As with everything…the French have put their own spin on serving the homeless with the Mission Lunch Program. I have to say that this soup kitchen reminds me more of a restaurant! (more…)

I was out with my French friend Gail last night. She is the first person I knew in Paris. Even though she is three years younger than me I somehow feel that she slightly more mature…more practical. Gail lives with her Copine (Boyfriend) Leonelle. After four years, they still have the type of relationship that makes you envious—very affectionate and supporting.

At dinner, I was telling Gail that this is the year that I settle down and have a committed relationship. I then went on to give her a rundown of my prospects with their pros and cons. She listened. And then like the sage she is told me in French that (more…)

I don’t consider myself superstitious but…when all the signs are pointing in one direction I normally don’t go the opposite way. Every time I don’t listen to my hunch…I live to regret it.
.
My friends invited me to pass a long weekend with them in the United Kingdom. I was planning to go down for three days. My friend wanted me to stay a day longer. I agreed but had reservations.
.
The train from Paris to London was uneventful. I then had to take another train from London to York. I pick up my ticket and within 20 minutes I promptly lose it. I go to the desk to ask for it to be replaced and am told that I have to buy a new full priced ticket! What to do? I thought about buying a ticket to go right back to Paris! Did I mention that I am not a big fan of the UK? But I knew that my friend would be disappointed.
.
So, I spent a two hour train ride adjusting my attitude and telling myself that I would not let losing my ticket ruin my weekend.

Day 1

I arrive at the train station. My friends Jeff and Bill are there to meet me. The first thing they tell me is that Jeff and his mom are in a big fight and BTW I will be staying with his sister Debbie whom I have never met! I try to stay positive. (more…)

I have a confession…in the 10 months that I have been in France I have worked out one time. This may not mean much to you but in New York I spent a quarter of my life at New York Sports Club. I was….let’s just say a little obsessed with not gaining weight.
.
Part of living in Paris is adopting the culture and working out at gyms is just not French. The French are more interested in champagne, pain chocolate and foie gras than running on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Considering the French look pretty in shape to me I set out on own investigation…an unscientific study of sorts. I decided to indulge in all the amazingly rich foods that I found in France…and worry about any extra pounds when I returned to the States in 2009! (more…)