I lived in New York for a decade, and got to see on a daily basis that tourists experience only a fraction of what the city really is about by going where every other tourist goes and living in hotels. That said, I wanted a place where one might not bump into a single tourist for a broader and more authentic experience of Paris.
I was glad i chose this place in a working class neighborhood that is slowly gentrifying, because for the time being I felt like I lived in paris. In retrospect, it did feel a little bit like a friend opening her home to me, handing over the keys to her flat and saying, 'i'm sorry i won't be able to take you around, but really, call if you need anything' because kay was easy, accommodating, and warm. (and btw, i did call for anything, and responses were quick). As a woman travelling alone, I was happy for the activity on the street late at night and for the corner grocery for food runs. It's nice to come home, after a full day, to a tastefully decorated hearth where one can unravel to music and books, cook if one wishes, and wake up leisurely to coffee, email and breakfast before starting anew. I had a really happy experience in that flat!