I love me some America

After spending some time outside the country, there some definite differences that should be noted.

Paris-
1) people outnumber toilets 1,000 to 1. Seriously. I am not sure how the small of bladder survive here. And, the consistency of what a "toilet" should be was less than desirable. At one stop it would be a large bowl with no seat, a wall, a tiny closet with air tight door that trapped in every foul smell imaginable.
2) Smoking. The national past time. While an occasional smoker is to be found, or a cluster of them outside a "no-smoking" location, everywhere in Paris was a designated smoking area.
3) No fat people. No kidding. This seemed amazing as one could easily weigh a million pounds eating the pastry alone however, those morbidly obese people were no where to be seen.
4) Public transit. It was a way of life. Hardly anyone drove and if they did, it was a scooter or a bike. The metro/RER were crammed full and definitely the travel of choice. We watched people get on the Metro with strollers, groceries and small kids. I can think of no greater horror than cramming a kid on the crowded Metro on a Saturday.
5) Personal space- I found this to almost be non-existent. While in America, we go out of our way to stay away from the every awkward grazing of a stranger's arm, the French really didn't care.
6) Gas stations- we saw one. With two pumps and one person using it. The ENTIRE time.
7) Grocery stores- I am not really sure you can call them "stores" as they are about as big as a 7-11 but, they serve their purpose. I was alarmed by the bags of baguettes and how many human hands had touched the bread. Exhibit A was the old dude, who would choose a loaf, place it under his undeniably ripe armpit, then decide that one was no good, sweaty loaf back in the bag and select another one.
8) Night life- people eat dinner late and dessert even later. I was surprised that on more than one occasion I figured it was about 8 pm based on the activity and bustle but nope, it was really closer to 11.
9) Cleanliness is not next to Parisian-ness. The place is straight up filthy. Dust bunnies adorned the steps where the Winged Victory was housed, dust on every square inch of the Saint Chapelle and the smell of urine at every corner (see number 1). I assume that most people were not noticing the dust but rather the art and opulence. I have to give props to Thanksgiving Point for running a pristine establishment.
10) Wearing a bright colored shirt immediately means you aren't from Paris.
11) Watching French TV-  opening credits, sex scene, boobs. I will say, I prefer Nicholas Cage in National Treasure with the subtitles.

I think these experiences are good ones. Reminds you what to be grateful for one you are back in the states. It feels comfortable here. I like driving a real car. I like having my personal space. Don't get me wrong, Paris was an amazing experience and we have the Blackhursts to thank. Dave navigated the Metro like a champ (that alone would have stressed me out). Aish kept us on a schedule, booked a fab hotel, and outlined an amazing trip. With all that said, Paris is a great bridge to Europe and I can't wait to go back!