Friends, pals, companions? - Bloggers' Breakfast at the Palais Royal




Friends. Pals. Confidants. Companions. Partners in crime.

Whatever you call them, if you've lived in the same place for years you probably have a network of friends with whom you can share whatever is going on in your life. Friends understand you and you understand them. It's not necessary to tell them how you met your spouse, where you went to school or how many children you have because friends already know. Likewise, you know that they're worried about their aging parents, scared of thunderstorms and inclined to start singing after a couple glasses of wine.

Imagine moving to a big city where you don't know anyone. Where would you go to find new friends? If you don't have children or are an empty-nester, you can't connect with other expats at the international school because teachers are immediately suspicious of lone women lurking around the school grounds trying to blend in with the real moms. You could join one of the local organizations, like the American Women's Group or WICE, but unless you enroll in a class, you'll probably find that it's hard to get to know anyone during the short excursions or coffee mornings. Plus, people are inordinately busy in Paris - forever coming and going - making it even more difficult to build relationships.

That's why I'm really thankful to Aussie in France for organizing periodic get-togethers for expat bloggers in Paris. Most recently, she hosted a breakfast at her apartment overlooking the Palais Royal. In between munching on some kind of a baguette/croissant crossover and sipping robust coffee, we chatted about blogging, some exciting new projects and life in France, of course!

If you aren't already familiar with the following websites, I encourage you to check them out because all of the bloggers have a unique view of life in the most beautiful city in the world.

Aussie in France - An Australian married to a Frenchman, Aussie is longtime resident of Paris and has a gîte, a self-catering holiday accommodation for two, in the Loire Valley.
Denise from Bolton - An English woman who lives in Bolton yet manages to visit Paris every chance that she gets. Her blog is a diary of her journey through life.
Femme Francophile - An Australian who has been learning French since 2001. Passionate about France and all things French, Femme Francophile divides her time between France and Australia.
Paris Weekender - An amazingly energetic American lawyer who somehow manages to have a blog, renovate an apartment in the Marias and work full-time. Her secret - she doesn't sleep.
Un homme at une femme - An American who is on a mission to bring kale, the healthiest green vegetable, to Paris. Be sure to check out The Kale Project. I'm already dreaming about all of the delicious salads that I'll be eating as soon as the first crop is harvested in September!
Carams - An Australian photographer whose artistic photographs will have you longing for a trip to Paris, even if you're already here. She's about to launch a new project that I hope to be able to share with you in the near future.

Some of my blogging buddies: Femme Francophile (front), une femme and Aussie. As I was so absorbed by the conversation during breakfast, I completely forgot to get a group shot. My apologies to Denise, Paris Weekender and Carams.

Comments

  1. Apologies if this comes thru twice.

    How about MATES?!

    Great post and photo - very jealous of you all in Paris! Thank you for sharing your morning.

    Cheers from across the Pond.

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  2. MATES! Of course! (I'm hitting my forehead with my hand right now) How could I have forgotten about "Mates", especially since there were more Aussies than Yanks or Brits.

    I wish that you could have joined us. We'll have to organize a bloggers' breakfast the next time that you're in Paris!

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  3. Hi Mary Kay,

    I'm so happy that Aussie in France organised yesterday's breakfast and we got to catch up again. Fingers crossed I have news to share soon....there was a very positive trans-Atlantic chat today and I have one more on board. :)

    I'll keep you posted when there is more happening.

    PS. Belated birthday wishes to you too.

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    1. LOVE THIS SECRET UPDATE!!! CONGRATS!!!

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    2. Me, too! Congratulations, Carina!!! Please keep us posted and let us know when we can share your project with everyone. I'm so pleased that everything is going so well for you!

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  4. What a great idea Mary Kay! Mates is a great term and it really does sound like Paris has an abundance of Aussies at the moment.

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    1. Yes, meeting other bloggers (mates!) is turning out to be the best perk of blogging. When are you coming to Paris?!

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  5. I live in hopes of getting together with fellow bloggers sometime. Sadly there aren't any close by but one day I will get organised enough to go and meet some. Definitely. Starting in Paris I think!

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    1. Steph, you'll have to let us know when you're not busy delivering huarizos so that we can plan another bloggers' get together in Paris. I was hoping that we would be able to meet if Caiti went to uni here but that won't happen now that she's going to Bordeaux.

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  6. Thanks MK for for the great post and thanks to Aussie in France for organising this wonderful morning.

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    1. It was good to see you again, Kathy, and to hear more about your exploits in France. I'm truly impressed by your adventurous soul!

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  7. Lovely picture and a nice memory of a great breakfast get together. Great to meet the "mates" Thanks MK, I had a wonderful time. I now have MORE must read blogs...how will I ever get out of the house!! LOL!

    Denise Love from Paris.

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    1. Yeah, the "mates" are a good group! As the honorary Parisian blogger from Bolton, I'm so happy that you were able to join us for breakfast.

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    2. LOL! Right after I posted my comment, I noticed your new signature - "Denise Love from Paris". I LOVE it!

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  8. This looks like so much fun! I only wish my place was bigger so I could host Paris blogger parties as well. I know most of these names but I'm off to check out the couple that I haven't heard of yet :)

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    1. It was a lot of fun - plus, it's always great to hear more about other bloggers' projects and plans. There are some amazing expats in Paris.

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  9. It was so great to see you MK and thank you to Aussie in France for inviting me and hosting a lovely morning! While I look a bit sleepy in that photo, the view was lovely. Also, MK, thanks for your support with The Kale Project... it means so much! I promise to have kale parties when we have product in the fall! x

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    1. Of course, you have my support! It's commendable that you're so passionate about kale and are working so hard to bring this healthy vegetable to Paris! It's admirable that you're making your dream a reality rather than sitting at home complaining about what you don't have in Paris.

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  10. And now I have everyone in my Google Reader!

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