SEINE MACHINE
le clown bar is so over
Happy Friday, friends!
This week, I dove into policy-making theory…to mixed results. Those who read the letter in full had positive reviews, but most of you didn’t finish it. Substack stats ratted you out and showed me that engagement fell by half on that topic! It’s fine, we’re learning we’re vibing, we’re recalibrating. Onward to personal updates!
Today, I share what I’m reading/listening to and write about my short stint in Paris, covering highlights and recommendations for bakeries, cafes, restaurants, things to see and do. Recs behind the paywall……….but I disclose the name of the studio + ballet teacher(s) that (accidentally!) made me go viral. I shared this list with my American friend in Marseille visiting Paris and thought I should post it. Vintage shop recommendations will come in July.
Press Play: “The Most Wanted Person in the United States” by 100 gecs
I’m going to be so forreal with you right now. I think I mostly like this song because of that baseline which samples Sublime’s “Caress Me Down” which sampled Wayne Smith’s “Under Me Sleng Teng” (nostalgia is so hot right now) and the California reference. Something about being in France has really turned up the volume on my patriotism. WHAT THE F IS A KILOMETER?!
Borrow from ur local public library: Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change by W. David Marx
I borrowed this from the NYPL using that one app that lets you check out books from your local library and started reading it between sips of wine in Paris. It interrogates taste and style in pursuit of status through a holistic lens (sociology, neuroscience, economics, etc.). I’m really enjoying it so far.
Anti-algorithm news: “Dear Venture Capitalists: You’re blowing it” by Dan Primack (Axios)
He’s so disappointed in you!
What I’m up to: By now you know I’m in France for three months (based in Marseille). I eased into this temporary relocation by spending five days in the French city I know best: Paris! Cutting-edge, I know. With a laissez-faire approach, I let the city guide me. I find the best way to experience a city is by keeping an open mind to new experiences and people. My hack for beating jet lag is to exploit your travel adrenaline rush to power through on the first day. Let yourself go to bed early if you must, but don’t nap on that first day.
I bought tickets to Don Quixote at the Opéra National de Paris’ for my first night to adjust to the CET time zone. Have you ever seen someone do the thing that they love? These ballet dancers have dedicated their lives to mastering this art form; they ARE the best in the world. I laughed and I cried and I beat my sleepy demons into submission. I spent the rest of my time visiting my favorite bakeries (though I did try two new ones), meeting friends for drinks, and taking long walks. I also danced a lot of ballet (poorly).
Paris wasn’t all bliss. One place served butter wrapped in foil that transported me to 2AM at a Hollywood IHOP (derogatory). I also left my debit card in New York City. I’ve been spoiled by cardless ATMs (thanks to granddaddy JP Morgan + uncle Tim Apple) and learned the hard way that France ATMs aren’t compatible with Apple Wallet. A market failure if you ask me. Most places accepted credit cards, but some enforced card minimums (i.e., Le Petit Vendôme Place), and others only accepted cash (my ballet teachers!). I got by through critical thinking, grace, and goodwill. Is this too earnest for you? It’s true! My first ballet teacher let me pay her through a bank transfer. Servers at places with card minimums let me slide with a wink and a smile. My second ballet teacher let me take his class free of charge with the caveat that I return to his class when I’m back in Paris next. I’m humbled! I’m grateful! I’m where I’m meant to be (for now).
Are you going to Paris? Do you want to eat your weight in croissants, dance off the calories, and let art move you? Do you trust me? Here’s what you should do (linked to Google Maps):
Three (3) friends told me this Annie Ernaux photography exhibit is their current favorite in Paris (ideal if you're fluent in French or accompanied by a patient translator).