I was recently invited to speak at the Marketing 2.0 Conference in France. I was fortunate to be able to spend a full week there and travel with my roommate around the beautiful country including cities like Paris, Rheims, Lyon and Annecy. It was an amazing trip. I couldn’t help but notice some stark differences between France and the US. Here’s a list I compiled with the help of my roommate. If you’ve been to France, please add to this list. If you’re from France, I’d love your thoughts/reactions!
- Coke is sweeter
- People are ruder (atleast to Americans)
- Tips aren’t expected
- Everyone is thin
- Air conditioning not included in hotels
- Cabbies will only drive you if in the mood
- Eating raw beef is a delicacy (it’s called Beef Tartare)
- Eggs are added to everything
- Butter doesn’t come with bread rolls & should be scraped and not dug into
- Can’t turn right on red lights
- Fish is called by its true name: Poissons
- Patisseries are found on every corner
- Saw many Muslims but not not one Mosque
- Pedestrians do not have the right away
- People speak softer
- Coffee comes in smaller portions & is much stronger
- Bueno Bars found in the Metro are muy bueno
- Credit cards are smarter (come with smart chips)
- Citywide automated bicycle rentals are genius
- Higher ratio of good looking men
- Everyone walks everywhere
- Big fashion trend was shorts with tights even in freezing weather
- Cathedral architecture is awe-inspiring
- Female pheromones are used for “sexual confusion” to keep male butterflies from mating in vineyards
- Stinky cheese is really really stinky
- You can get mobile reception everywhere, even in underground tunnels in the metro
- Every kid is dressed adorably
- Tourist attractions have carousels nearby
- Everyone smokes
- McDonald’s has an automated self-ordering system
- Direct eye contact for even a second means you’re interested
- Take out = Takeaway, Rental car = Road car, Elevator = Lift
- Highways have speed limits for both sunny & rainy weather
- Was told “I Love Paris” shirts were a “hot new fashion”
- I could see myself living there for a short while! Could you?
I was shocked by number 5.
About number 22, I’ve also seen it here in Estonia even with -10 degrees, I still can’t believe it!
I love #31. On my first visit to Paris years ago I was warned about the rudeness of the Parisians. I was determined not to experience that trait – I found that if you have a flirtatious exchange – no matter how minute as much as possible then quite the opposite is true of the Parisians. You should try it next time. J’aime Paris ♥
I think a more appropriate title for this post is something along the lines of: “35 GENERALIZATIONS ABOUT MY TRIP TO FRANCE LOL”
Paris is a magical place.
France, in general, but especially Paris.
Went as a kid…fell in love, been trying to get back ever since.