Navigating Paris, France as Women of Color

When we went to Paris, the second European country we visited, we were fully equipped and ready. Having learned valuable lessons from our previous adventure in Italy the year before, we felt prepared for whatever awaited us. If you haven't had the chance to read our story, I highly recommend doing so after reading this.
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Rather than claiming that France was a complete 360-degree shift from Italy, I must admit that it represented a distinct 180-degree turn. While Italy had its challenges, France proved to be a different experience altogether. The imaginative shields we brought along to safeguard ourselves during our time in France, as it turned out, were entirely unnecessary.

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Stereotypes and Assumptions

Prior to our journey to Paris, France, we were well aware that it would be more culturally diverse than Italy, given the differing immigration patterns. However, we underestimated the extent of its diversity, and it was our own assumptions that had misled us. The moment we set foot in Paris—and I mean, right upon our arrival—we were instantly amazed by the remarkable diversity of its population. 
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Being part of a diverse community means not prompting any surprised reactions or enduring prolonged stares. In their eyes, we were simply one among many, and as a person of color, one truly appreciates that sense of belonging.

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One of them

While on our train rides and daily tourist escapades, we were consistently greeted by a vibrancy of diversity. Not only did we encounter diverse groups of friends, but also diverse families, further celebrating the richness of cultures and backgrounds. It was incredibly comforting to approach anyone, irrespective of their race or gender, and likewise, others felt at ease approaching us to seek directions or engage in conversation. We can genuinely assert that we felt like natives, transcending the boundaries of race or ethnicity. The only instances when we received a slightly longer gaze were when we spoke, but even then, it was simple curiosity someone might have when hearing an unfamiliar language.

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Navigating the crowd

One aspect that I truly appreciate about non-English speaking European countries is their emphasis on teaching English as a second language. It was remarkable how frequently service personnel demonstrated proficiency in English, enabling us to effortlessly purchase transportation tickets and order food, with the occasional assistance of a translator. This language bridge made our experiences considerably smoother and more enjoyable.