Comments on: My Culture Shock in France!

By: Clarissa Elzinga

Clarissa Elzinga — Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:48 +0000

Hello Aga,

I love your blog because I love Lyon, too. We are staying in Lyon for a year and we do not look forward to going back to the U.S! One thing I would at to your list of “shocks” is trying to get transportation early in the morning, say 5-6 AM. Trains don’t run till 7 and you never know if the Uber ride you booked will show up. It’s the French being blase’ about many things. It’s the French way!

Clarissa

By: jadorelyon

jadorelyon — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:11:28 +0000

In reply to Sophie. Thank you Sophie! Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! Lyon misses YOU!

By: jadorelyon

jadorelyon — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:10:01 +0000

In reply to Margaret. Dear Margaret, thank you for your feedback! French are so lovely particular!

By: jadorelyon

jadorelyon — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:08:41 +0000

In reply to Jim. Dear Jim, thank you so much for such an amazing contribution. Thank you for adding to my opinion and being so mind opened!

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 07:58:30 +0000

Hi Aga,
Nice to have the Polish view.
I am from uk and lived in south of france between Cannes and Nice 1994-2004 and again since 2016.
I can see changes between these times.
1. Most vehicles had dents or scratches before, something not common in uk. This is no longer true. People are also driving larger people carrier cars. But parking garage spaces are still very small. My small car finds street parking spaces big cars cannot use.
2. Few ready meals in supermarkets before and no vegetarian ones. It is not a problem because I would rather buy the fresh produce, which is better quality than uk.
I agree with most of your points.
Bread – traditional meal in uk would have one bread roll on a side plate and soup would be served with bread. You could ask for more and some places will charge. The price of a baguette in france is government regulated, I heard, and cheap so plentiful. Because it is a catholic country – Give us this day our daily bread.
Opening hours. There are more things open on sunday than in the past including supermarkets, morning only. And some shops then close Monday. I think my bank is open Monday and my GP is available every weekend. So I guess this depends where you live with bigger cities opening more. It is inconvenient sometimes but it makes the day into a real day of rest. My work contract forbids me to work sundays 🙂
I was not really familiar with a bidet either. I find them a wate of space as you can use bath/shower. Look them up on wikipedia for more explanation.
Every culture has its own customs and I find the french formal, reserved, cold. But this is the Cote dAzur and may be like Paris, with some dislike of foreigners. I ignore it and plough on as I speak good french so the language is no issue. Same is true in uk where I who come from the north see Londoners/southerners are reserved.
In the north of uk, we will greet strangers in the street. A bus driver might speak to an older lady and call her love/petal/flower/my dear – I would not hear these terms of endearment in London.
I love this region for the mountains, sea, climate, food but not at all for the people. I find Italians to be more welcoming.
Regards,
Jim

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 09:32:52 +0000

We are a Scottish couple so hugs were the norm but not when in town and you meet someone it was usually just a hello..
Found the Sunday with all shops closed very odd. Also the two hour lunch especially when we had a few places to go all before noon. Totally immersed now and love the French lifestyle.

By: Sophie

Sophie — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:57:32 +0000

The “No Hugging, instead Kisses” & “The LONG Meals” this two things got me the most!!!!!! How can I not give hugs and how am I supposed to eat until Minuit?

This really made me reminisce on my time in France! Exceptional article as always!
Xoxo
Sophie