FAQ

Instead of answering your frequently asked questions, I will share this article with you from now on. This article will be updated frequently. Enjoy!

Living Alone in Paris

I was excited that day, because it was the beginning of spring 2017!

1) Do/can you cook?

Yes, yes, yes! That's the most common question so far. I do cook. Since I don't even have an oven, the meals are not fancy. So don't expect a roasted duck and mashed potatoes or some hard-core traditional food.  My meals are mostly sautéed, grilled and boiled. Keep it simple.

2) What do you eat?

Like I said, mostly healthy meals. For example: grilled salmon, plain pasta and sautéed green beans. I rarely eat junk food but when I do, it's brownies and chips. And I eat meat, see Question 9.

3) How much is your rent?

I swear that's a common question too. The answer is: too much! Too much for a small apartment. It's Paris, that's why. Even though I'm living far from the city center.

4) How long does it take you to go to college?

Less than a 10-minute walk then around 20 minutes in the métro.

5) How much are the college fees?

Less than my rent. Much less. For the whole year, insurance included.

6) Are French people really arrogant and cold?

Most of the people I've met are cold at first whether at college or even in the street, but five minutes later they're super helpful and friendly. And they joke and laugh with you, yeah. Some people must be arrogant the whole time but I've never had to deal with them, fortunately.

7) Do you face any racism or islamophobia?

No and no! The stereotype that France is a racist country is inaccurate. No-one has ever spoken to me in a mean way. No-one insulted me in the street or public transportation. There have been many Arab Muslims living here, for the past 30 years (not sure). French people must've got used to their presence I'm sure.

8) Are the ads 18+?

No not really. I know other European countries have graphic ads, but that's not the case in France.

9) Do you eat meat?

Yes, but only Halal. Halal meat is accessible. I find it in the hypermarket, local butcher shops, it's too easy to find. Even Halal restaurants are so common they're not just open for the Arabic public. In other words, Halal restaurants aren't necessarily oriental, there are many pizza shops and even fast food chains whose non-Muslim customers are sometimes even more than the Muslim ones.

10) Do you get bored while living alone?

"Bored" is not the correct word.

11) Are your parents with you?

No, but my dad accompanied me at first to make sure I settle in.

12) Do you even find Hijab-friendly clothes?

Yes! Even more than in Egypt! Way more. Which is really confusing. I can even wear a hat or an ice cap on my Hijab and won't be considered démodée. It's really cold so elegance isn't my priority, honestly.

13) Is there wine in everything?

Nope. I personally thought they enjoyed wine in bakeries and most dishes but no that's not the case.

14) Do you have a boyfriend?

No, Salma, I don't have a boyfriend. And I never ever bring boys to my place either, Nour.

Nose Piercing

1) Does it hurt?

It hurt me at first. My other two friends who got it the same day as me weren't in pain. So it depends.

2) How do you blow your nose?

Like before the piercing, using a tissue. Just like that.

3) Will it fall?

No. Why are you even concerned if it falls?

4) Did someone comment about it or harassed you in the streets?

No. Not yet?

Earring backs

5) Is there an earring back inside your nose?

No. My piercing looks like this when it's not worn actually. 

6) Why did you get a piercing?

Because I want to and I think it looks good on me.

Stud

7) Does it bleed [if you take the stud off] ?

At first only.