Though it is called the "City of Lights" I call it the "City of Love" There is something about the city that you can describe to anyone who hasn't been there, and the only time you hear negative about the city it is from people who haven't experienced the splendor of "La ville d'amour" The cafes, the bridges, the sites, and rush of the city just engulf you. When I was 22 I had the privilege of calling Paris my home. Though I was there for a short time I actually figured out who I was. I bought a plane ticket, found an apartment (two streets over from the Eiffel Tower) and found a french immersion class. 8 hours a day learning the most beautiful language ever. Not only did I live there, on January 9th 2008 the love of my life proposed on the Eiffel Tower at sunset. That my friends is romantic. It was my dream proposal. I have such a connection to that city that I cant describe in English.
I guess I would say the number one thing you hear is the French don't like Americans. I would say that is only half true. I believe they don't like the Americans that go over there expecting it to actually BE America! Are you kidding me? Let's review just 2 complaints I hear from those specific type of Americans...
1. "The service isn't good or fast"
All I have to say to that is ENJOY LIFE!!! It is not a McDonald's culture over there. It isn't a race to see who can eat the fastest. You are supposed to enjoy the food, each bite, savor the flavors of French food. And just because the waiter isn't over asking you ever 5 seconds if you want more water doesn't mean they are rude...they actually believe they are bothering you by coming up to you all the time. You are supposed to get your meal and enjoy it, if you need something just call them over. Also remember they aren't working for tips...you don't tip there. They get paid their salary and go home. All you have to do is realise it is a different culture and go with it.
2. "The French are just rude in general, and they aren't willing to help you"
LEARN THE LANGUAGE! I am not saying be fluent but if you learn how to say "hello", "goodbye", "thank you" etc. Then they respect you that much more. Imagine you own a store, a mom and pop shop, it is your life and a foreign person walks in and starts talking in their language and them getting upset that you don't understand them and conform to them. Does not make sense does it? All the mom and pop shops are owned by regular people and that is their life, it is like their home. When you enter someones home here you say hello and greet them, when you leave you say goodbye and you thank them for their time. Simple and polite right?
If you just remember these few things when you go you will have a different view of the French, they are great people and are willing to help if you need it. I have an idea, let's have a few "French words of the day"
1. Hello -- Bonjour
2. Goodbye -- Au revoir or Salut
3. Thank you -- Merci
4. I love you -- Je T'aime
There you go, that should get you started. Just walking the streets, taking the metro, stopping for a drink at a Bistro, walking in the parks, getting a baguette sandwich to go, going to Monmartre (The artist district) Hearing and seeing the little french kids play, watching families actually playing together at the park, the beautiful people you see, Seeing a play, the shopping, the picnic's, the music...it is what life is all about. It is something EVERYONE must experience once in their life at least, and trust me you will be hooked. Let me know when you are going, I will go with you!
Until next time everyone...
Au revoir!
