MEET – Karen Decter
Each month we will be sharing an interview of a Parsons Paris faculty/staff member; their favorite spots in the city, around campus, etc. Get to know your Parsons Paris community!
What do you do at Parsons Paris?
I work in Administration and I am the Event Organizer. Hopefully at the other side of covid we will have more of those.
How long have you worked at Parsons Paris?
I started in August 2017 so 4.5 years.
What’s your nationality?
American and French
How long you’ve lived in Paris?
I spent my junior year in Paris and returned after graduation. It is already 34 years!
What is your favorite thing about this city?
The architecture, the long summer days, the food, and feeling that my small life will forever be a part of the history of Paris.
Name one of your favorite places to eat at close to campus.
I like Bowly on rue Gomboust for their homemade soup and vegetarian poke bowls.
What is your favorite arrondissement and why?
Nation. My side of the street is the 11th, across the street is the 12th, and one building down in the 20th. It is fun to live at a crossroads. There are lots of large boulevards and green spaces and we have amazing transportation options.
Name is your favorite cultural spot(s) in Paris.
The first night I arrived in Paris as a student, my roommates and I went out after dinner and walked to Notre Dame. It was the oldest building I had seen thus far in my life. It is still my favorite. I stare at it and contemplate how multiple generations of nameless, faceless people spent their entire life building it, with only a few basking the final result. They made something that might still stand for thousands of years and who even knows if they were paid. It gives me perspective.
Who is your favorite musician/band? Favorite album? (It can be French, but does not have to be!)
At the moment I am listening to a lot of Simply Red. I have tickets for their show in November. They have pop, rock, ballads, reggae, R&B and a little funk. I find Mick Hucknall’s voice range amazing. Generally, I love Motown R&B Groups, one hit wonders of the 1970s, songs from the 1980s and early 1990s. My favorite French song is ‘Voyage, Voyage’ by Desireless. The year I spent ‘studying’ in Paris, I took their advice and didn’t stop moving =)
What is your favorite activity to do in Paris?
The most enriching activity I do in Paris is walk my dogs. I can go out for hours discovering new places for them to sniff where I would not have otherwise ventured. It is an easy way to meet neighbors who either have a dog, love dogs or have kids who want to meet them. It provides an immediate topic of conversation (other than the weather) to create a bond. It makes me feel very at home in my neighborhood.
Do you have a secret tip/advice/spot to share with new visitors to the city?
I love walking along the quais of the Seine. In the day people are running and cycling and in the evenings there are places to dance or sit and enjoy a drink. The ambiance changes every 100 meters and the views are amazing.
Anything else you would like to share?
A great way I have met people in Paris is via www.meetup.com. I joined an international triathlon team, found an English speaking running group and took yoga classes. I know people in Paris who have joined hiking groups, wine tasting groups, or groups for residents from their home country. As above with the dogs, having an activity in common with others creates an easy way to start the conversation. It is amazing how many fascinating people live in Paris. It is free to participate. People post activities and you join if you want to. Once you belong to a group, you can propose activities as well. And if you don’t find a group among the hundreds that exist, you can start one. I highly recommend having a look!
Thank you, Karen!