I just booked my flight to France and I’m looking forward to a diet rich in baguettes (it’s the water and the flour) and the occasional croissant. And of course the apéro with friends. Ironically not the complaining. I say ironically because I’m a class A complainer (my gene pool is 100% French). Ha!
I loved your anecdote about the restaurant table—it’s such a perfect example of how much you have to stand your ground here, especially as a foreigner. But if you do, you usually get what you wanted in the end :)
Great piece. I don’t know which made me laugh more: “two Larry Davids in a pod” or your dinner-out post-mortems of childhood. Recently we were waiting for a table at a partially full sidewalk cafe in the ancient Roman city of Narbonne. The staff saw and ignored us. After waiting several more minutes than acceptable, we chose a table and sat down, only to be admonished by the maitre: “it’s better if you wait.” We laughed to ourselves. You infuse this piece with insightful humor that makes even the infamous French haughtiness part of the experience!
Such a delightful and informative view into some of the ways that France is so different and wonderful from our life here in the States. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and a hunger in my stomach for a croissant!
I just booked my flight to France and I’m looking forward to a diet rich in baguettes (it’s the water and the flour) and the occasional croissant. And of course the apéro with friends. Ironically not the complaining. I say ironically because I’m a class A complainer (my gene pool is 100% French). Ha!
I loved your anecdote about the restaurant table—it’s such a perfect example of how much you have to stand your ground here, especially as a foreigner. But if you do, you usually get what you wanted in the end :)
Merci Pamela! It’s true—you do have to push back sometimes. I just wish my French was better so I could really do it well 😊
Don’t let the French fool you—mostly they understand “no” just fine!
Being appreciated for just being female! How lovely it is.
Love this Sacha!
Great piece, Sacha! Love your style!
Merci Summer!
Complaining is such a little appreciated art form. Of course the French have it down pat!
Wonderful post!
Great piece. I don’t know which made me laugh more: “two Larry Davids in a pod” or your dinner-out post-mortems of childhood. Recently we were waiting for a table at a partially full sidewalk cafe in the ancient Roman city of Narbonne. The staff saw and ignored us. After waiting several more minutes than acceptable, we chose a table and sat down, only to be admonished by the maitre: “it’s better if you wait.” We laughed to ourselves. You infuse this piece with insightful humor that makes even the infamous French haughtiness part of the experience!
Thanks doll!
Such a delightful and informative view into some of the ways that France is so different and wonderful from our life here in the States. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and a hunger in my stomach for a croissant!
I live here, thanks. Was comparing notes on cheese before or after. Bonne continuation.