French People

Some observations and grievances:

• French people don't make eye contact, smile, or say hello on the street. Apparently it's considered a come-on. So much for the "Bonjour!" song from Beauty and the Beast.
• French people like to wear all one color or shade. For example, my langue teacher's favorite outfit includes a red sweater, red striped pants, red shoes, a red bag, and red earrings. Yet she still looks amazing.
• French people like black. You can never have too many black accessories.
• French people like to eat slowly. Whenever I eat out, I'm frustrated by how slowly our food and then bill arrives. 
• French people don't drink non-alcoholic beverages. A typical cup at dinner is about double the size of a shot glass, and that is just not enough water for me.
• French people are not gracious in public. This might seem petty, but I've noticed that no French boys hold the door open for me. They also don't make room on the sidewalks, so I'm forced onto the street.
• French salespeople always always demand exact change and act very annoyed if I can't produce any.
• French children are very well behaved and dressed more stylishly than me.
• French people are very cheap about heating their homes. This means I am freezing, all the time.

And yet, I love all these things. They are signs that I am in the real France. After visiting my friends in London and Dublin, I realize how lucky this is. 

I am having the authentic experience, surrounded by a culture deeply different from my own. I am forced to make concessions, to put up with things I don't like or can't understand.

And honestly, at this point, France feels like home to me. When I come back after a trip, it's a relief to hear the French language and be surrounded by French people. I think I maybe kinda like it here.

My host cat. He likes to sneak into my room and sleep on my bed.