Having spent some time in France now, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my ponderings of this life. This is a quick, short list.
Some of these ponderings stem simply from experiencing a different culture. Some ponderings are simply from not knowing. Still other ponderings are from trying to get it right, and still getting it wrong. It is all in good humor and jest. Perhaps these ponderings will give you a smile or even a chuckle.
1) Lunch is sacred. Most shops and services close for midday. People stop and dine for a big lunch. In South France, parking meter spaces are free from noon to 2pm, so everyone may enjoy their lunch.
2) The French are known for their “joie de vivre” and relaxed present moment living. On the road, however, is where they must take out their inner demon frustrations by driving fast, close, and taking risky chances.
3) I have found the French very friendly and helpful, yet they are private people. They don’t go for a lot of small talk and “chit chat.” They like to be direct, which might be misinterpreted.
4) They respect their land, tradition, and culture. They work and use the land, borrowing it from their children and grandchildren. Organic methods are practiced and popular. Farmers, fishermen, winemakers, and artisans of food are held in high regard. Market days are part shopping, part social, and part traditional celebration.
5) Recycling is taken very serious, and exactly spelled out as how to recycle. Most villages have a designated spot for recycling paper, glass, and plastic. Household non-recyclable garbage is picked up once a week. Landscape greens, construction materials, used household items have to be taken to the nearest dump which is free with a processed card that proves you are a resident.
6) The number of croissants a boulangerie bakes for a day, is meant to sell out in the morning. Almond croissants are not baked by every boulangerie and tend to go very fast. Consider your day special, if you get an almond croissant.
7) Since many of the homes, villages, and buildings are very old, I mean hundreds of years. They are quite good at fixing and maintenance. They like to keep things in good working order as best they can. I think that they prefer fixing old over new. There is certainly a respect for those who came before them.
8) The cost of living is fairly low. Water, insurance, and internet is very reasonable. Electricity is very expensive. Electricity is more common than gas now. Induction cooktops are very popular.
9) They love their dogs and smoking, two of their favorite things.
10) Days are nice and long, with late sunsets. The heat of the day usually comes around 4:00 to 5:00pm. Dinner starts later because of their midday lunch and relaxation break. There is always room in the day for cafe time.
11) Weather can be a little more dramatic with hard fast rain, thunder, and lightning. There are varying degrees of Mistral winds in South France, which can blow sometimes for days or with big gusts that catch one off guard. I was at a flea market one Saturday morning, where local vendors had beautiful mirrors and paintings falling down right and left from the wind gusts.
12) School children have Wednesday afternoon off, and can go home for lunch twice a week, if they are picked up. School lunches are multiple courses, with fabulous cheese, etc. French food culture is taught early, to be delicious, quality, and in courses. I can see the smile on Alice Waters now. France has a national program, free for all children, to learn how to swim.
13) The French take great pride in their country, but you won’t see them waving French flags. It is just a given. They do love a good protest, too.
14) French love their gardens. If they don’t have garden space they may have flower boxes, pots, and usually climbing roses on the front of their homes.
15) You often hear more “non” than “oui.” One has to get use to that, and understand the “non” to get to the “oui.”
16) The color “French Blue” is alive and well.
17) French people are masters of quality, style, and good taste in every aspect of living. It is a real joy to observe and experience this. Vive la France!
