BAGGY PANTS
Frenchmen wear their pants fitted over their mighty fine behinds. Even students at the Sorbonne wear their pants at or near the waistline.
SWEATCLOTHES WORN IN PUBLIC
The French are too fashion conscious for this.
SHUDDER...OR THIS.
WHITE SNEAKERS
I found out the hard way on my first trip to Paris, that white sneakers label you as American, making you the perfect target for beggars. Black or brown sneakers do not.
BREAD IN PLASTIC BAGS
It's a culture shock to see breads, rolls and pastries unwrapped both in the stores and in the hands of Parisians as they carry their groceries home.
SHOPPING MALLS
There are a few large department stores like Galleries Lafayette or Carrefour, but most shop at neighborhood stores that deal with one brand or item. A wine store or cheese store or butcher shoppe or stationary/paper store. We did find a supermarket that had little plastic carts one dragged like a suitcase. The grocery store had four aisles the length of my living room and two cash registers.
Galleries Lafayette is a large department store in what was once an opera house. It's gorgeous, crowded and an all day shopping experience. Here's the top of the building's stained glass window. There is a McDonalds on the fourth floor and a restaurant on the sixth.
PICKUP TRUCKS
At $8.00 a gallon for gas, drivers chose the smaller vehicles or motorbikes.
PARKING LOTS
Land is scarce and never used for parking lots. Instead, you're more likely to see sights like this...
or even this...
PAPER CUPS
The French always drink coffee from ceramic cups. The less trash, the better.
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETS
Until next time...
HUGS y'all!!!
14 comments:
I must admit--and it grieves me to do so--that I think the French have it all over us in all those examples!
Most every country has its good and bad cultural examples. These were things I noticed during our time there. Also, since I'm a slow eater, I love that the French take hours for their evening meal. But could I handle it on a daily basis? Ah...don't think so, but from time to time it is a nice treat to set the world aside and sit and talk with one's companion.
Good Morning, Vonnie,
$8.00 a gallon for gas...I know I'm dating myself here, but I used to have a canary yellow 1976 AMC Hornet (I l-o-v-e-d that car!). Once a week, I'd fill my gas tank. I would hand the attendant $5.00, and he always gave me change.
Great tips and observations. Didn't know about the tennis shoes...I won't make that mistake. As for the baggy pants (what a great pic), a cop friend of mine say they make it impossible for kids to run away from the law. Funny.
Glad you had a great trip, Von. Well-deserved!
Great blog Vonnie! Love the pictures. The first time I went to Europe was about 25 yrs ago and much of this was true then, too!
Angela, I remember those days. We used to say to the gas attendant, "Fill it up or five dollars, whichever comes first."
Rolynn, the first time I went to Paris I took white sneakers and black loafer-type shoes. Every time I wore those white sneakers, beggars and gypsies stopped me to beg for money. Some were rather insistent. I had to use my "mother voice" to make them leave me alone. I started paying attention to shoes along the Champs Elysee. Every one who wore white sneakers were targeted, just as I'd been.
Thanks for stopping by, Susan. I love the difference in our cultures. Visiting other countries is a great educational experience, isn't it?
I love your parking photos, and no there is no way I'd ever try to park a car, or even drive one in Paris. It's a few years since I've last visited but it was always the same - complete mayhem! though most European cities are pretty similar. Your holiday sounded like a blast!
Thanks, Nancy. We did enjoy it. And, you're so right, driving in Paris is a death wish. LOL
Yes that the Paris I like. When we wanted to spot Americans we looked at that their feet. Sneakers? That's the one. Your post brought back nice memories. I'm due for a visit. I miss the delicious crepes and baguette au jambon.
I'm just jealous. :) Thanks for sharing these insightful tips and observations. Vonnie. White sneakers? Wow.
Lovely blog, Vonnie, makes me want to go, to see the sights. Your pictures of that ceiling were gorgeous and I bet the picture didn't do it justice. I'd love to hear more.
Wish I never had to see ugly sweats, butt-crack showing yoga pants, or sagging-underwear-showing men's pants in public EVER again. lol!
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