My Life by Metro

Metro is the way to go in Paris. The first line was put in at the turn of the Century, and Parisians have never looked back. In general the system is clean, fast and extremely efficient. Having driven in Paris a few times (actually Greg drove, I was driven) we really appreciate the excellence of this public transport. And it also provides wonderful opportunities to people watch!

In general, Parisians are not chatty in public, including on the Metro. This is a function of extreme politeness and an effort to maintain some privacy in one of the busiest cities in the world. However, this rule seems to relax a bit on the Metro. People will exchange a small smile or eye roll when something annoying happens, and there are inevitable 'pardons' when trying to get out or when you accidentally trod on someone's toe. But the other unusual thing that happens on the Metro is that you may find yourself subjected to 'The Stare'. You'll feel yourself being watched and look up to find someone staring fixedly at you. They don't blink. They don't look away. Its like they are trying to memorize your features for a later quiz show. The only solution is to give them a quick smile and look away....or stare back!

Since Metros are the primary mode of transport for almost everyone, we've also seen some funny stuff being transported on them. Baby carriages and shopping carts are normale, as are various purchases from the local department stores. This vision is so commonplace that few people gave me a second look when I and a friend lugged two floor lamps on board, tied together and carried coffin style!

Using this mode of transport makes us realize anew how badly Ottawa needs to put in light rail! Its shameful for a city of the size and importance of Ottawa to have such poor and inefficient transportation. Besides, think of all the missed opportunities to give and get 'The Stare'!