Name of Your Paris Blog
paris (im)perfect
Sion Dayson is paris (im)perfect. Writer, dreamer, I moved to France on – no exaggerating – a romantic whim. As you can imagine, a lot can go wrong (and very right!) with such a (non)plan. These are the stories that result.
Your Blog URL
http://parisimperfect.wordpress.com/
When you say the word “Paris,” people picture a postcard: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre. Charming cafés and cobblestone streets.
Paris has all of these things, but a lot more, too. Making someplace your home involves the daily drudgery as well as the tiny triumphs. There is beauty and wonder, but also difficulty and disappointment. Everywhere has its hardships and its own brand of magic.
In short, Paris is not perfect.
And nor would I want it to be. I enjoy the offbeat, the idiosyncrasies that make a place unique. I’m interested in what they don’t tell you in guidebooks.
My blog focuses on discoveries in random corners of the city. I cannot live in a pristine and perfect image, the Paris of only old museums. But Paris’ quirks make me believe I have a place here. I can be happy in a city as imperfect as me.
The ‘imperfect’ is also a verb tense. Learning French is such an important aspect of living in Paris that I wanted to give a nod to the language, too. The ‘imperfect’ is used for an action or condition in the past that is ongoing or incomplete. It sets the scene.
This little adventure I call living here is still incomplete. I’ll keep telling my stories as long as I’m here.
Advice
- Be open, honest, and generous
- Share your mistakes – not only do people appreciate (and learn from) them, but they usually make for the best stories, too
- Find some angle that is uniquely yours. Paris has been covered so many times in so many ways, but only you can tell your particular story
- A sense of humor goes a long way
What Does Your Blog Focus on? What makes it unique?
A mix of personal stories and helpful hints: Tips focus on non-touristy aspects of Paris and “Faux Pas Fridays” cover the (funny) missteps when living in a different culture. I make a real effort to offer an interesting story, not only write a journal of my experiences. Though it's that, too!
Why Did You Start Your Blog?
A common response when you talk about challenges here is: “but you live in Paris!” True, Paris’ beauty and charm can make up for a lot, but like anywhere, it has its pluses and minuses. I love telling stories and offering a window into the real experience of living in such a world-renowned city.
