Your Survival Guide in Paris for Kubecon EU 2024

Survival Kit 🦺

1. Mastering the Metro - A Da Vinci Code Experience

First off, the Paris Metro is your best friend and worst enemy. Think of it as Kubernetes: incredibly powerful but with a learning curve. The maps may look like someone spilled spaghetti on paper, but fear not. Just remember, “Sortie” is your exit strategy from the underground maze, not a fancy French dish.

2. Coffee - Espresso Yourself

Parisians take their coffee seriously - it’s small, strong, and often consumed standing at the bar, much like the way you’ll debug code after attending KubeCon sessions. If you order a "café," you're getting an espresso. Anything larger and you might as well wear a sign saying, "I’m not from around here."

3. The Art of the Baguette Duel

Baguettes are not just food; they're a cultural icon. Picking your boulangerie (bakery) is akin to choosing your cloud provider: everyone has their favorite, and they will defend it fiercely. Pro tip: wield your baguette with pride but beware of baguette duels during rush hour on the Metro.

4. Language - Parlez-Vous GitOps?

Fear not the language barrier. Throw in a "Bonjour" here and a "Merci" there, and you're practically a local. If all else fails, describing your problem using Kubernetes terminology may confuse Parisians enough to offer assistance out of sheer fascination.

5. Cuisine - YAML Ain’t Markup Language, but Food’s Still Code

French cuisine is like a well-structured codebase: intricate, refined, and sometimes mysterious. Don't shy away from trying something new. After all, you didn’t understand K8s overnight, did you? Approach escargot like refactoring a complex system: with curiosity and a dash of caution.

6. Fashion - The Parisian Pull Request

Paris is the GitHub of fashion: everyone’s pushing their style commits. You don’t need to dress like you're attending a fashion week after-party, but do aim for smart-casual. Think of it as your personal UI: keep it clean, functional, and with a touch of flair.

7. Sightseeing - Avoiding the Tourist Trap(Exception)

Finally, while you’re here for KubeCon, don’t miss the chance to experience the city's rich history and architecture. But remember, time is of the essence, and tourist traps are like poorly optimized functions: they drain your resources. Choose wisely.

For Foodies 🥐🧑‍🍳

For those of you attending KubeCon and wishing to embark on a culinary journey, here are some must-visit spots that offer an authentic taste of Paris and beyond. These are personal favorites, so you’re in for a treat:

1. Chez Prosper - Paris 20 / Nation

Dive into the quintessential French brasserie experience without breaking the bank. Chez Prosper offers a charming atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious dishes, all for around €20 per person. A perfect spot for those who appreciate simplicity and quality.

Address: 7 Av. du Trône, 75011 Paris

2. Kintaro - Paris 2 / Opera

For fans of traditional Japanese cuisine, Kintaro is a gem in the heart of Paris. Authentic dishes that will transport you to Japan for roughly €20 per person. It's an ideal place to decompress after a day of tech talks.

Address: 24 Rue Saint-Augustin, 75002 Paris

3. Hokkaido - Paris 2 / Saint Anne

Claimed to be the best place for handmade Japanese Gyoza in Paris, Hokkaido is a must-visit for enthusiasts of this delicious dumpling. Priced around €20 per person, it’s a culinary experience you don’t want to miss.

Address: 14 Rue Chabanais, 75002 Paris

4. Cedric Grolet Opera - Paris 2 / Opera

For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in some of the finest French pastries by Chef Cedric Grolet for approximately €10 per person. A delectable way to treat yourself without the guilt of a hefty price tag.

Address: 35 Av. de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris

5. Marsan by Chef Helene Darroze - Paris 6

Embark on a gastronomic journey to the South West of France with Marsan. If you're a fan of duck and wish to experience French food from the southwest in a luxurious setting, this is the place. Expect to spend around €120 per person for an unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 4 Rue d'Assas, 75006 Paris

6. Atelier Maitre Albert - Paris 1

For those who savor grilled meats, Atelier Maitre Albert offers a convivial atmosphere in a building dating back to the 15th century. It’s a delightful blend of history, charm, and culinary excellence, with an average cost of €70 per person.

Address: 1 Rue Maître Albert, 75005 Paris

7. Baranaan - Paris 10 at Bonnes Nouvelles

A unique spot where spicy Indian cocktails meet delicious naans. Baranaan is a favorite for an evening of exotic flavors and creative drinks, all for around €20 per person. It's a vibrant way to unwind and spice up your Parisian adventure.

Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris

8. Pierre Hermé Paris - Paris 3

Renowned as a temple for macaron aficionados, Pierre Hermé is the go-to destination for some of the most exquisite and innovative macarons you'll ever taste. Located in the heart of Paris, this patisserie invites you to indulge in a variety of unique flavors that elevate the humble macaron to a work of art. Expect to spend around €15 per person for a delightful tasting experience that will surely make your Paris stay extra sweet.

Address: 4 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

Bon appétit :)

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So there you have it, your guide to surviving Paris during KubeCon. Embrace the experience, the chaos, and the beauty of both the city and the conference. Bon voyage, or as we say in the cloud-native world, happy deploying!