16

 "Shopping" in Paris

When I look around me here in central Paris, I notice that shopping is a (large?) part of tourist experience for many. I maintain a sufficiency list and try to avoid consuming things that are not part of it. Perhaps try is a wrong word though, because it does not require any effort. Consuming minimally has become part of my being in the world which I enjoy. Soon I am leaving Paris, and a 2-day journey across Germany, Denmark and Sweden is upcoming. Travelling with very few things gives me a sense of freedom.

Here in Paris I got a canvas bag (at the conference reception), tea, a bar of soap and a water spray for very hot days. 

When I am away, I mostly avoid eating out. It feels stressful. I get most of my food at supermarkets. Usually it's just fruits, vegetables, bread, nuts. 

Something that I bought which was rather expensive, wasteful and unnecessary, but interesting in terms of its packaging, was lavender flavoured water. It is evident that the company tries to avoid single use plastic. In France (as well as in Germany) it is safe to drink tap water, so I will not buy this kind of flavoured water again and simply use my reusable water bottle.