Melting Pot

Egyptian manifestation in Paris.

In the United States, immigration has been a huge issue of controversy. For years, the U.S and Mexico have been in constant battle with immigration.  I’d never imagined that immigration was immense in Paris.  Like the U.S, Paris is also a melting pot.  Since many different countries surround Paris, its immigration composition is very vast, and different from the United States.  

The majority of immigrants that I’ve seen/ noticed in Paris are Turkish and other Middle Eastern people.  The first day in Paris, I was able to notice the diversity.  A friendly Indian guy made my first Parisian crêpe.  Most crêperies around our neighborhood are owned or operated by Indians. There are also a large group of Turkish eateries, I remember assuming that it was Greek food, but then the man behind the counter affirmed it was Turkish food.  Not only is their food delicious and also it is very well priced. I’ve also met vendors at the open-air market in the 12th arrondissement, who are from Morocco.   There are also many Algerian vendors at the market who are very competitive about getting customers to buy their goods. Surprisingly Parisians seem okay with immigration. Or at least that’s the impression that I have.

Everyone is so friendly, and for the first time ever, people have asked me where I come from. They don’t automatically assume I’m Mexican, like back home. I’ve been mistaken for Brazilian, Italian, Persian and even Española…OLE –well, there is some Spanish background in me, so I guess I can stick to being Española for a change :)