I’m a National Public Radio/ Public Radio International junkie, and today I heard a story on their program “Marketplace” that piqued my interest. Eleanor Beardsley, whose life I envy for all of its jet-setting and living and reporting in Paris, tells us what it’s REALLY like to live in Paris with her American dollars. And it ain’t pretty.

The dollar, which started out on par with the euro at its inception in 2001, is now so pathetically value-less vis-a-vis the strong euro that our dear Eleanor can’t even window shop anymore. (Gasp). She’s become a haggler. (Double gasp). She winces when she realizes her 300 euro withdrawal from the ATM equals almost $500. That makes me wince too. That makes me decide that this year maybe I’ll vacation in Paris, Kentucky.

For a good idea of what life is like when you earn dollars but spend and live in euros, read (or listen to) Eleanor Beardsley’s report on PRI’s Marketplace.