Raison d'être

I recognize that's quite a lofty term for the purpose of a blog, but because it's French, universally applied by English-speakers, and because Voltaire is dead, I thought I could get away with it. It's nevertheless an appropriate term. It conveys the vagueness of my purpose for writing while also lending it some credibility.

I moved to Paris in November after receiving a TEFL (Teaching English) Certification to begin my professional life in Paris and also be with my girlfriend, whose family and I live in the southern banlieu (suburb) town of Villejuif, just a stone's throw from the thirteenth arrondissement. Though not officially Paris, Villejuif occupies what used to be the sun-drenched vineyards supplying Paris proper and its rulers with wine since those passable days of Gallo-Roman antiquity. It's the Forest Hills to Manhattan, if you will, a sprawling and diverse community with limited cultural and bureaucratic autonomy given its centrality within the greater Île-de-France and its enviable proximity to the "City of Lights."

So as I've been giving private English lessons and translating French web sites, more than one close friend has suggested that I write it down so as to not forget my experiences. I was also encouraged by a dear friend's political blog (visit) and the fun we have exchanging our opinions. But although bantering and journaling are reasons enough to start a blog, I'd like to insert my own defense. I don't believe any one needs a predetermined reason to write, so long as its honest. Without being cliché, a firsthand and forthright account of any experience or culture abroad is valuable, if not just for the richness and diversity human experience and thought can provide. So without reservation, I'll imprint on this blog my own personal beliefs, conjectures, reactions, photos, and interests with respect to Paris, its institutions, and its people.

That should be raison enough, in my opinion. Enjoy!