J’aime mon quartier, mais je ne ramasse pas

A book came out not too long ago called A Year in the Merde. It was about an American’s year living in Paris, and his not-so-pleasant encounters with dog poop on the sidewalks. It’s definitely a problem. There’s a little sign right by my apartment that says, J’aime mon quartier, je ramasse (“I love my neighborhood, so I pick up [after my dog]”). Heh. Really? Things have gotten better since the city started imposing very heavy fines for those who don’t bag, but if you don’t keep an eye on the ground in front of you as you walk, before long you will find a very unpleasant surprise on the bottom of your shoe.

Of course, keeping your eyes trained on the ground means you miss out on seeing Paris. I’ve perfected a darting-up-and-down movement of my eyes as I go so I don’t miss anything. I might look vaguely like I’m about to have a seizure, but hey, at least my shoes are clean.