Each time I field the question, “do you think you’ll move back to the States?”, I hesitate. I think it’s because I feel guilty about my answer and verbalizing it gives it more weight; makes it more real. No, I don’t think we will. My reasons are numerous but one of the factors, aside from wanting to stay where I can speak French at all times, is transportation. The only time I ever get behind the wheel these days is during annual trips stateside but surprisingly the skill (along with parallel parking-induced anxiety) returns the instant my key enters the ignition. My hands and feet know just what to do despite months of inactivity.

While I enjoy a good drive with the windows down, the music turned up and a fresh smoothie positioned snuggly in the cup holder, I’d much rather take public transportation for its ease, efficiency and eco-friendliness (note: did you know that body heat generated in the Paris metro will to be used to warm a public housing project near Beaubourg this year?). Aside from cities like San Francisco, New York, Chicago and D.C. which boast widely used subway systems, most of America is behind when it comes to public transportation that is accessible, affordable and well maintained. After five years of getting around by foot, metro, bus, train or bike, owning or being forced to rely on a car does not fall into my life plan.

Despite its frequent strikes and time displays that occasionally malfunction, the Paris metro and bus systems are undeniably efficient and reliable for navigating the city and its surroundings. For travel within France and much of Europe, high-speed trains, like the revolutionary TGV, offer a greener, relatively hassle-free way to travel in record time. It would appear that we’ll have more than just France’s SNCF trains to choose from in the near future with a Europe-wide network in development. The EU challenged France’s railway monopoly, forcing them to open existing lines to competition, primarily from Germany and China.
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