I met this middle-aged Eastern European lady who was very friendly and easy to talk to. She
seemed quite world-rounded. She came to Bangkok and she said she quite liked the city regardless of how the hustle and bustle the city is. I think that was the first trip she went out of the White continents. And just like other "tourists" who cruise around the cities and towns in Thailand or Asia, make friends with other White/Black tourist fellows and probably say hello to a few friendly Thai people along the way.
She then asked me about what got me here in Paris and I told her a bit of my story. Then she asked me with a concern in her face "What's it like to be in a place where you see all White people? It must be weird, right?"
Me: "No I'm fine actually." (with the facial expression of "No, I'm fine. What kind of question is that?")
Her: "Oh OK."
I could have tried to explain myself further and told her like "Oh well, you know actually I've
only dated so-called White men so far.", THAT could make her understand better but somehow I was afraid I would freak her out. (as well as whoever is reading this, probably)
It's just SO strange here in France to see some of these French/European people who, I'm sure that they have
seen quite a lot of Asians in their own cities or places they have been to...but
still seem to wonder how these Yellow people cope with their lives in a foreign land...or Oh wow how could you speak English so well?! (Well, education? hello?)...or some impression like wow you know this hip place?! you know these bands too?! It's like we Asians do not know anything about what's going on in this world. Or labeled as a person who comes from a Third World country who is supposed to be riding a buffalo to an office. (I could be exaggerating...it might just be an elephant.)
Well, I could be included in their category too maybe because I was like oh wow how could this Eastern European speaks English SO well!...Sorrrrrry, A few other Eastern European people I met did not really give me a good impression...
So maybe that's it!! I should blame on these Asian people that don't really give a good impression! Well, it's not like Thai women can hold any good impression anyway. I know, I know. But people in the Chinatown here need some makeover or something to better the image of the Asians here (and probably elsewhere too). After all, people generally judge you by the cover (and where you come from).I know some of you are thinking I'm so vain...haha
Since there is the "Fête des Jardins " going on this weekend, we decided it's another good opportunity to visit a park. A park that we had never been before... I regularly visit a park myself at least once a week...there are a few ones I usually go to since it is convenient for me to get there. This weekend, like said, we picked somewhere further than our usual areas. We picked Parc André-Citroën in 15th arrondissement. The park is on the site of a former Citroen car factory. It is divided into several parts, for example, a stone square where two modern glasshouses contain the Mediterranean garden and the center area is a big green field as a playground for the family members. Compared this park to the main ones in the center of Paris like Jardin des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg, it could be a disappointment as Parc André-Citroën reflects more of the modern concept instead of the image Paris is trying to maintain and portray.
However, if you can get past your expectation and just enjoy the park for the reason it is actually built for...this park, in my opinion, is a real park where
the family members come to play, have a picnic and lie down on the grass. We lied down next to this one family where the dad came with his 3 kids to play football...everyone was really having a great time. Kenji, my favorite kid of the day, ran and imitated the pose of professional footballers everytime he beat his dad, the goalkeeper. Lots of smiles and laughters going on among them and to see such a pleasant time they had, you just could not stop smiling either.
The Fête des Jardins has been continuing to pay homage and raise an awareness for nature and gardens for the 11th year now. All the parks and gardens both public and private are openned for a visit. Provided by educational activities like guided tours and gardening workshops as well as the entertaining acitivies like concerts, hiking, biking trails etc. for all the family member.
