Written in December 2008
It only took me three months to figure out how to get the French people in Angers to warm up to me, but I found the secret this morning! I bought yarn yesterday so I can knit on the plane ride home to avoid boredom and I randomly decided to knit on the bus knitting. Not only did EVERY older woman on the bus beam at me, but the older woman next to me talked to me about knitting and I could finally practice my French with strangers. I’ve been trying to start “small talk” everywhere during my time here and was continually given the cold shoulder by strangers until this bus ride. An older man smiled at me before he got off the bus and told me that my knitting reminded him of his mother. It was wonderful, FINALLY!
My favorite spot in Angers (when it wasn't raining)
Beyonce came on the show “Star Academy” last Friday, as well as Enrique Iglesias and Jason Mraz. Beyonce represented the states better than Brittany Speares had (surprise surprise) in her conversation with the host after her performance. I think the main difference in Beyonce’s word choice in her answers to his questions and her presentation as she displayed poise and class. One part of the show was unlike anything I’d seen on a serious TV show before: during the judges reviews and feedback after a performance the two blond women judges got into a verbal cat fight. They were completely inappropriate in their behavior and sudden lack of maturity and the poor male host tried desperately in vain to gain control of the situation and keep the show going. It was really entertaining.
Peacoats are the mode (thing/fashion) here for men, women and children on a daily basis. A number of women wear white pea-coats, which I think look very chic, and almost all the peacoats, especially for the women, have belts around the waist. Most people back home wear heavy, practical coats or snow jackets during winter on a day-to-day basis; few men sport the peacoat and women primarily only do when dressing up. I can’t imagine pairing a peacoat with my sweats and flip flops, but then again I haven’t seen sweats or flip flops worn here. The men’s jackets and peacoats here play down the shoulders of men, making them look narrower and the overall build appearing even more petite than they already are. Back home (men, correct me if I’m wrong) men’s jackets/coats are designed to have the opposite effect- they play up the shoulders, making them look broader (and in my opinion more masculine). I think this may go back to that statement I made weeks ago about things being big in the states is important (big cars, hamburgers, buildings, shoes, houses etc.) whereas here most things are small; or played down (tiny roads, simple meals, small homes, etc.)
In my classes we’re been countering the holiday happiness with reminders that many people are suffering, enduring hardships and many hate this time of year. It’s not cheery, but it’s reality and I wanted to share a few statistics with you, some of which I was not aware of:
*300-400 people currently live under a tent in Paris because they lack a house for a home
*130,000 people in France are positive for HIV
*In France 5,000 people are contaminated with that virus a year
Other Info from Class Discussions:
*French in general have good ideas, but then don’t run with them because of their fear for mistakes so others get the credit. One example is a Frenchman developed the I-pod in the 1990s at a quality good enough to sell, but the banks wouldn’t take a chance on it so someone in a different country got the fame.
*In Quebec, the French accent is different than that in France. For example, the Rs are rolled, but this is also done in some French country towns, there’s a “z” sound at the end of “d”s and an “s” sound at the end of “t”s.
*In Quebec French the tip is called “le tip” (from English) and in France it’s “le pourboir.” Tips are included in the price of food, so paying additional money for a tip is optional in France, but not optional in Quebec.
In closing, after living in France for three months I think I will want to live primarily in the United States after I start my career, but I still learned and used aspects of French culture here that I’m taking back with me: my new connoisseur skills for good wine, chocolate and cheese, use the beautiful French language whenever I can, read French books and, if God so decides, if I have children in my future I would like to speak and incorporate the language with them at a young age so they can have a head start later in life if they decide to pursue a language. The simple, yet well thought out meals is another trait that I appreciate. On that, there are facets of my life with my parents, especially with meal time, which I didn’t realize are French until I lived here. I value them and want to follow my mum in these ways such as frequently eating baguettes, a lot of fruits and veggies, good and a variety of cheeses, almost only all homemade foods and only fresh foods. Also making a big deal about the “ambiance” and “presentation” of special meals. Meal time is about everyone being at the table and enjoying each others company with good conversation instead of eating in front of the TV or stuffing quickly and leaving the table. I’ve developed even more appreciation for my mum and her French ways being over here. Finally, the last bit of French culture I’m planning on bring back is the great fashion I saw here- we’ll see how long that lasts before the flip flops and comfy sweats return 
