when traveling abroad one starts to appreciate their own country more each minute that they are in a foreign land.  it's true, you know. 

here's what I learned in paris:

1) Almost everybody speaks English. I don't know why they'd want to, because French is so much prettier. So the language barrier was non-existent. (But God forbid I pronounce something incorrectly in their language)

2) Metros give you the strangest desire for a bath.

3) people there don't appreciate the churches from 1066 that they walk past on their way to work every day.

4) france turns out some amazing artists

5) I wish I were still there