An American In Paris: Amani Dorn

Because TXOJ is for UT students, by UT students (I just gave a whole new definition to the acronym FUBU) I thought it would be appropriate to hear from UT'ers that are studying abroad. Funny UT'ers, studying abroad--let's not be confused. Without further adieu, Amani Dorn:

Hey people! TX-OJ France correspondent here! I must say many many thanks to TX-OJ for keeping me updated on UT while I’m over here with the Frenchies!

Now, I could write about all my rich cultural experiences…but…there are guidebooks for that…so whatevs…my one cultural tip would be to get an art student pass at the Louvre so you get in the museums for free! Plus you feel super cool when you get to bypass all the tourists.

Anywho, here are some non-monument/museum related tips and observations I’ve picked up along the way:

When you’re talking to a guy at a bar and you say you’re from Texas there are several probable reactions from the French that pretty well sum up their knowledge of our state:

“Texas? Oh! Like George Bush?”

“Texas! Uh… Houston? Dallas?”

“Texas! Like…cowboys?”

To which I generally respond, “No, not like George Bush. George Bush is from Connecticut,” “No, Austin a.k.a. the capital and most badass city ever!” and “Well…yea…there are some cowboys I guess…”

Don’t be surprised when the answer to where you’re from sparks a political debate, but if you’re like me, your French will be so broken and elementary that grown-up conversations can only go so far and you can stick to pleasantries like the weather and what you’re doing in France. But hey, if you like debating you’ll find no shortage of opponents here, so knock yourself out! I, personally, prefer to avoid the bitter subject of politics when I’m drinking a 10 euro cocktail that is oh so sweet.

Yes 10 EURO cocktail…that’s like…a million dollars!...damn exchange rate!...which leads to my number 1 rule in Paris which is to PREPARTY, PREPARTY, PREPARTY. If you try to get a solid buzz going at a bar a couple of times a week you will be broke in a month, so…get yourself a 1-2 euro bottle of wine, meet some friends on the Seine and enjoy before going to the bar to get your groove on!

As far as fashion goes, sorry ladies but the t-shirt and running short ensemble will not fly. If you wanna fit in, getcha some skinny jeans, dark colored dresses, skirts, shorts and tops, an endless supply of black tights, some flat leather boots and whatever scarf or scarves you want. I still rock on occasion my American/Texan fashion sense…usually because all my more appropriate clothes are dirty…but that means getting used to people staring at my purple Ugg boots as if I had my feet up the asses of live sheep.
Going running in your Nike shorts will no doubt send out the secret signal to the French creeper society who will strategically place creepers in your path to yell “Aw vous êtes très sportive!” “très belle!” “please…lady…” or just the classic blowing of kisses.

Actually, just being a female in a public place is enough to beckon the creepers, so it is essential to perfect your stink face. Just stare straight ahead with a disgusted look on your face like you’re walking through a fish market. Whatever you do, DON”T SMILE! You might as well walk around singing the chorus of Lady Marmalade (you know…voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir…I love that song…)

DO NOT drunkenly give out your number thinking the guy won’t call. He will call and he will text. Everyday, many times a day, and it will be awkward. Those who know me know I like to give out my number downtown like candy on Halloween, but after about two weeks in France, it became apparent that this behavior was leading to a missed call history saturated with calls from Creeper at Bar number 1, 2 and 3 and classic Mr. DO NOT ANSWER.

Anywho…creepers notwithstanding, Paris is a blast and if you can, STUDY ABROAD! Just do it, it’s awesome! As my good friend Lauren Conrad so eloquently put it after her life-changing, relationship-ending week here (4 days), “Paris changes everything!” …I don’t know if I would put it so boldly after a week…but maybe I would if my “reality” TV show set me up with some French rock star to drive me around on his Vespa…

SO, head to http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/ and get some info on some sweet study abroad opportunities…or just head to the study abroad office on 24th street! Tell Lia Haisley I say heeeeeeeeeeeeeey!