72 | Is Paris Just Marketing?
72 | Is Paris Just Marketing?
Hey Friends,
I've recently spent few days in Paris and inevitably my head was overwhelmed by memories given my life in France from 2010 to 2013. It took me some years to clear my head of what Paris wanted me to admire about it, and to notice what I preferred instead. So here's 4 things I learned:
🧘 1. Life doesn’t have to be hectic
In my 3 years of living in France, I noticed that people almost never seemed to be in a rush. Noticing something similar in Madrid but we'll leave that for a future newsletter. Always at the grocery store, I noticed people standing in aisles taking their time deciding what to buy instead of the quick glance and grab in other places such as London. That's obviously just one example but I noticed similar patterns at work and other social activities.
🎯 2. Be direct
The concept of making small talk for pleasure, politeness, or out of boredom just doesn’t exist in France. So if you go to Paris for example don’t be surprised when you get an odd glance from the mailman when you ask how he’s enjoying the beautiful weather today.
🚶 3. The power of walking
The French and walking go hand and hand. For example, Paris is a city built for walking. The world looks different through eyes versus through car windshields. It's like discovering all the time new things. I never get bored here. It's also fair to say that taking the metro is super common and in fact I've taken the metro more in 2 days in Paris than 6 months in Madrid.
✌️ 4. Keep things simple
Many European cities have an incredible architecture and France has some of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. Simple and classical. In fact many buildings in Paris haven’t been updated since they were originally built, and homes are smaller, cosier, and more classical. I like a lot the futuristic and modern. But, there is something very special about traditions.
Have a great week!
Alejandro
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Jocko Willink is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer. In this episode he discusses discipline and leadership in business, war, relationships and everyday life.
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