There are many things that surprised me this time around.
Position of the light switch: For one, returning to the US, I didn't realize how high the light switches are. I keep fumbling around lower, fingers searching for the switch, only to enter the room and find it a good 10 inches higher. I suppose Americans are just plain taller than the French!
Food portions: No wonder Americans struggle with their weight. OH MY GOODNESS! The portions at restaurants are simply amazingly large. I've often looked at the waiter with a look of incredulity like, Um, you think I can eat all this? And since we're transient, we can't always bring home a doggie bag, so the food goes to waste. There's a book out there that's called something like Why French Women Aren't Fat. Want the simplified answer? They eat smaller portions.
Heat: Why oh why does Texas have to be so dang hot? Over a 100 ever since we've been here. Wow. But, if you want to know the truth--I LOVE it! Yesterday, my hands and feet were COLD because of the air conditioning. When I went outside, I smiled. No more coldness. I think I was made for the heat!
Stuff: There is so much stuff here. Stores galore. To be honest, I didn't know how to handle Target when I went there briefly. The sheer volume of choices is overwhelming. I wonder if there is a subtle stress all Americans feel (that we've gotten used to) when we walk into a store. All those choices make me dizzy. (Now don't mind me, I'm off to go shopping today...)
Kindness: I bumbled my order at dear old Chik-fil-A. I waited for a scornful, disdainful look from the lady behind the counter (that's how it is in France). Instead she blurted out, "It has been my pleasure to serve you today." I nearly cried. Nearly jumped over the counter and kissed her on each cheek, French style. I love, love, love the kindness and courtesy of Americans. I believe we're some of the most friendly people on earth. Oh how I miss the sweetness of customer service.
Position of the light switch: For one, returning to the US, I didn't realize how high the light switches are. I keep fumbling around lower, fingers searching for the switch, only to enter the room and find it a good 10 inches higher. I suppose Americans are just plain taller than the French!
Food portions: No wonder Americans struggle with their weight. OH MY GOODNESS! The portions at restaurants are simply amazingly large. I've often looked at the waiter with a look of incredulity like, Um, you think I can eat all this? And since we're transient, we can't always bring home a doggie bag, so the food goes to waste. There's a book out there that's called something like Why French Women Aren't Fat. Want the simplified answer? They eat smaller portions.
Heat: Why oh why does Texas have to be so dang hot? Over a 100 ever since we've been here. Wow. But, if you want to know the truth--I LOVE it! Yesterday, my hands and feet were COLD because of the air conditioning. When I went outside, I smiled. No more coldness. I think I was made for the heat!
Stuff: There is so much stuff here. Stores galore. To be honest, I didn't know how to handle Target when I went there briefly. The sheer volume of choices is overwhelming. I wonder if there is a subtle stress all Americans feel (that we've gotten used to) when we walk into a store. All those choices make me dizzy. (Now don't mind me, I'm off to go shopping today...)
Kindness: I bumbled my order at dear old Chik-fil-A. I waited for a scornful, disdainful look from the lady behind the counter (that's how it is in France). Instead she blurted out, "It has been my pleasure to serve you today." I nearly cried. Nearly jumped over the counter and kissed her on each cheek, French style. I love, love, love the kindness and courtesy of Americans. I believe we're some of the most friendly people on earth. Oh how I miss the sweetness of customer service.
9 Comments:
There have been studies showing how all the choices on grocery store shelves make North Americans more indecisive and stressed.
We really are friendly. I like that about us.
Fun post. Interesting thoughts.
I know exactly what you mean about the light switches, and I'm not sure if it's the same in France, but here in Spain they often put the light switches on the wall OUTSIDE the bathroom.
When I was in the States last year, I did the shopping for my sister--I felt guilty every time I came home b/c I had bought so much in one place! Not to mention the time I had wasted wandering down the aisles in a daze. The sheer choices of different brands of pasteurized skim milk (gallon or half gallon?) are amazing.
And yeah, now I'm surprised when the light switch is inside the bathroom!
Mary,
When I was in France, I looked at the small portions and thought "Where is my food? I'm paying how much for that?"
We walked down the grocery store aisles in shock . . . where are the Costco sizes?
I bit different, eh. But the women in France are beautiful. Smaller portions might be worth trying.
You think the French value the food experience--you know, ambiance and atmosphere, "the presentation" as much as "the portion"--more than just the food? I've never been there, but movies, books, and friends who have lived or visited there all seem to point to that difference in our cultures. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your shopping today! I keep checking your schedule against mine to see when I can get over to Lakepoint to see you guys. If you have any "free" time in Heath next week, I can always drag my two little ones with me to have coffee with you. I do want to see you while you are in the area!
Tricia, yeah, the portions and sizes of food items are definitely smaller over there. I am guessing there's a direct correlation between the size of food we eat and the size of the folks in the country. You don't see many overweight French people.
Kelley, hope to see you!
Wow, your insights from your time in TEXAS are very enlightening. Including the portion sizes. Sigh.
camy
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