The Top Seven Reasons Why I Wish I Were French

C’est bien beau d’exposer les différences culturelles entre la France et les Etats-Unis mais je me suis dit que voir ce qu’il se passait du point de vue américain, ça pouvait être intéressant aussi! J’ai donc demandé à une de mes amies d’écrire ce qu’elle pensait des français et de notre culture (traduction coming soon):

The Top Seven Reasons Why I Wish I Were French – by Emma

“Before meeting Caroline, I didn’t really have much of an opinion about French people—I figured any French girl my age would be just like me, only have a sexy accent. Well, let me tell you, after being close friends with a girl straight out of Paris for almost a year now—I was wrong. The French are just like us, but better. Here are seven (stereotypical, but real) reasons why I wish I were from France:

  1. Their Language

I can’t lie–being the only American in a group of people speaking French is VERY intimidating. Not only am I only able to understand one in twenty words, but it also sounds like they’re speaking on fast forward. With that being said, we all know French is the sexiest sounding language there is. It’s soft and sensual sound can make you weak in the knees, and definitely make you wish you took French class instead of Spanish in high school.

  1. Their Attitude

Strong and sassy, with a large hint of ‘I don’t give a fuck’. Maybe it’s the way they roll their eyes or aren’t afraid to call anyone out on their bullshit (or Caro’s favorite, calling someone out who is being a ‘Drama Queen), or maybe it’s that they just seem so incredibly confident, but the French have mastered be cool, down-to-earth, and always keep it real.

  1. Their Knowledge

Perhaps it’s because of the differences between European and American schooling, or maybe its’ due to the fact that the French have easier access to traveling and exploring all of Europe, but the French people I’ve met my age definitely give the impression of being more intelligent, well-mannered, and more cultured than their American counterparts. Their vast knowledge of little things, to aspects cultures throughout the world such as music and art, makes the French kids I know seem wise well beyond their years.

  1. Their Work Ethic

It seems the French have found the perfect balance between working hard, but not TOO hard. 35 hours work/week, 5 weeks of paid holidays … Enough said.

  1. Their Idea of Fun

It’s 1am and I’m out with a group of friends at a bar or club. At that hour, all I can think about is how tired I am and how my cozy bed sounds way better than another shot of vodka. But when you’re out with French friends, 1am is far from bedtime—in fact, for them, at that time the night is just beginning. The French not only know how to party longer and harder, but they also can have a great time staying in. It doesn’t get much better than sitting around on a Saturday night, sharing a bottle of wine and watching 90’s French music videos.

  1. Their Food (of Course)

I have a feeling this is on literally every type of list created about the French. How can one country produce SO many amazing foods?! croissants, macarons, crème brulée, baguette, cheeses, …, I can’t even continue with this list because my mouth is watering.

  1. Their Cafes

Of course these Café’s serve some of the delicious food mentioned above, but they also provide a perfect ambiance. Whether your there to meet a friend, get some work done, or just grab a drink, Starbucks can’t compete with the quaint charm of French cafes.”

Emma

 

6 Comments

  1. December 1, 2014 / 9:48 pm

    Good job Emma!

  2. Morgan
    December 2, 2014 / 12:25 pm

    Emma, trust me, we’ve sent you a really good ambassador. That being said, it’s a lovely ‘hommAAAge’ you’ve wrote here ^^

    • Emma
      December 3, 2014 / 6:06 pm

      You have! I guess no matter where you’re from, we can’t all be as great as Caro 😉

  3. December 2, 2014 / 7:59 pm

    Oh ! Comme c’est intéressant ce petit article !!

    Emma déjà saches que j’adore ton prénom 😉 mais aussi j’aime beaucoup ce que tu penses de nous, c’est adorable. Moi qui pensait que les américains nous prenait juste pour des égocentriques bien nourris au fromage et aux escargots !

    Emma, tu nous penses bien maniérés et cultivés, mais saches que le simple fait que tu dises cela de nous prouve bien que tu l’es tout autant !

    Merci Caroline pour ce reportage !

    • Emma
      December 3, 2014 / 6:06 pm

      Thank you for the kind words, Marine! There are worse things to be stuffed with than cheese and escargots 🙂

  4. December 10, 2014 / 5:21 pm

    It’s good to read that Emma, usually people say: French people are always complaining, you think you are the best for everything ! about the food you’re right and I miss so much all the bakery but now I cook more and I teach to my friends in Canada 🙂

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