Grab a grocery cart!

Day one! We made it thanks to Air Canada, perfect directions to the hotel (we took the RER and metro) and a quick nap at the hotel. I (starving) asked the hotel clerk where the "super marche" (supermarket) was and within walking distance, I was out to venture on my own! Carefours is a supermarket near our hotel. I already miss it. I went in alone, going up & down each aisle laughing hysterically to myself because I wasn't quite sure what half the stuff was. I realized a couple of things about Paris on that first trip:

1. Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Ginger Ale seems to be the main (and sometimes only) soda you can find there. (Diet varieties too) For around a euro or less, you can pick up a can. Remember I said that when you go to a cafe and to get a similar amount, you're paying 5 to 5 euros. Its also usually poured over a fresh lemon slice. Opt for "le vin" (wine) especially the house brand. You can score a glass for around 3 euros. Also, there are no such thing as free refills in Paris. Even cheaper, order the tap water, its perfectly safe.


2. Schweppes Acrum has a fan page on facebook for a reason. Fans begging this delicous soda to come to the States. I suggest you join too.


3. Peach tea? Really? I'm from the SOUTH. We believe in a cup of sugar per gallon! Although, I actually became addicted to this while over there. Also, lack of ice. Hope you are staying at a hotel with a BAR. They have ice. Just keep this in mind on your first day there, not the second to last like we did. Duh, right?


4. PRINGLES!! You will find a few "American" staples that you will probably pick up, just to have it. Surprisingly enough, it tastes even better.


5. Wine is cheaper if purchased at the Supermarche.


6. Yes, the eggs are not refrigerated. Good observation.


7. Cheese and baguettes. These are perfect for picnics! Cheaper than at the bakery too! Also, the chocolate crossaints are cheaper at the supermarket too. Typical crossaint runs about 2 euros at the bakery, or you can get four for 3 euros at the super marche. We lived off of them.


8. The fresh flowers in the markets smell amazing. They will look even more amazing in your hotel room.


9. Explore, explore, explore! Ask the French what they suggest. Maybe dig a recipe or two (if you are staying in an apartment). Try something different. Get a box of cookies or try a new fruit. You are in Paris! Be adventerous!


10. The currency is extremely easy. Their money works the same as ours. The bills are smaller, and they start at 5, 10, 20, etc. The one and two euros are actually coins. They also have pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. So, if your grocery bill is 33,25 euros, then you give them a twenty, a ten, three one euro coins and a quarter. Easy! :)

So that's the supermarche tips I wanted to provide. Now, let's move on to day one.