Spinoff thread: American and French culture Q and A thread.

[Buzz Rules]

Spinoff thread: American and French culture Q and A thread. With the success of the other culture threads, I figured it was time to bring another one into the mix. This thread will explore the cultural similarities and differences between our two countries. The USA and France have had a long standing alliance since the 18th century (besides the French Revolution/Napoleonic period), we are both Nato allies, and we both have a big influence on the world. Both our countries exchange food ideas and attract people from all parts of global. From entertainment to sport, we both often find find success. And, as an added bonus, we both will be hosting the Olympics within the next 4 years. So, Disboarders from the USA and France, ask questions and give answers on topics relating to the thread (within Disboards guidelines). Have fun with the thread.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Hmm a country I’ve such an intense love/hate relationship with. Enthralled with many aspects of the culture. I even like roosters, LOL.Also Nicole, my SIL and sibling of the ex. As I’ve told her it’s so nice that someone was available to redeem the family name. Yes well enough of that.

DGD is learning the language there and sends me current music. This was number one in the last few weeks:

and haven’t times changed.

 

[jimmymc]

I spent a semester of college in Metz, France, and loved every minute of it. I never encountered anyone rude, not even in Paris (though there were plenty of them in Brussels). Then again, the bar is low when you grow up in New Jersey. But if you learn the basic greetings, you won't have an issue.

What really struck me is how different the vibes were in each part of the country, like Normandy vs Lorraine (where I lived) vs Paris. These places were only an hour train ride away but felt unique. Overall I would highly recommend anyone visit the smaller cities, and if you enjoy larger cities in the US, then also try Paris.

Disneyland Paris is also the place I rediscovered the magic as an adult, so I will always love that place.

 

[NYCgrrl]

@jimmymc My first visit to Disney was in Paris as well.
Ive met lots of rude Parisians but being from NYC it’s probably a mutual distraction….

 

[tvguy]

I spent two weeks on a French Cruise ship.
My wife was born in France
I am going to impose my Miranda Rights..

 

[Moliphino]

I also lived in Metz, about three months for a summer semester, and had an absolutely wonderful time there. Never had any issues with French people, aside from the one homeless man who burned me with a cigarette during the Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel tower (that's not French issue, you can find crazy homeless people in any city).

 

[NYCgrrl]

I spent a semester of college in Metz, France, and loved every minute of it. I never encountered anyone rude, not even in Paris

I also lived in Metz, about three months for a summer semester, and had an absolutely wonderful time there. Never had any issues with French people, aside from the one homeless man who burned me with a cigarette during the Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel tower (that's not French issue, you can find crazy homeless people in any city).

Sounds like Metz has an excellent exchange program amongst its universities!

 

[jimmymc]

I assume we both did this: https://europe.gatech.edu/en/undergraduate-get-started/undergraduate-programs

 

[Moliphino]

I assume we both did this: https://europe.gatech.edu/en/undergraduate-get-started/undergraduate-programs

Yup, though it was called Georgia Tech Lorraine back then.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I guess no French Disboarders exist? I appreciate all the responses so far but I find it odd that not one French Disboarder has chimed in. I guess I assumed incorrectly that Disney Paris locals frequent the community board.

 

[NYCgrrl]

.…If I could locate an article from the Village Voice called “1001 Reasons to Hate the French” I’d link it here….

Now some people might find that rude but in fact the ex ( he was French-Belgian; one country shouldn’t have to claim him) and I framed it and hung it in our upstairs bathroom as a joke. Ten years later when it moved to the bedroom it was official-the marriage was over and I won the in-laws.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Do French citizen Disboarders actually exist?

 

[gardenrooms]

I love that post Covid Epcot has CMs from around the world again. They are always so fun to talk to. In line for Ratatouille last year I tried a little of my old High School/College French on one of the CMs, and he broke into the most beautiful smile and had a little conversation with me.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Do French citizen Disboarders actually exist?

I guess no French Disboarders actually exist (or at least are on the community board). I'm honestly surprised given the existence of Disneyland Paris.

 

[Magical2017]

We loved being in France. We did watch some videos and read about what is acceptable so we were not Ugly Americans. We made sure to say bonjour whenever we walked into an establishment, did not walk around eating or drinking, did not over tip, etc. We did not wear athletic wear. We watched a lot of the Les Frenchies videos since the husband is originally from France and they live there now after living in the US for a number of years. We had no issues anywhere and the people were just lovely.

One thing I found interesting was the eating and drinking. It was acceptable to eat a baguette while walking around, but not other things. We saw a lot of people doing this. They do consider it okay to smoke everywhere, including restaurants. Some people had babies in strollers and blew smoke all over. We just went with the flow. In the US it is more acceptable to refrain from smoking during meals but we do eat and drink while we walk around. I loved eating dinner late and being offered wine at all times of the day. I also missed my gigantic coffees. I will admit to entering a Starbucks on the last day in Strausbourg, even though I swore I'd only visit French establishments. Don't hate me.

I love learning about different cultures and think it's important to learn what is considered rude and what is acceptable before visiting another country.

ETA: We did not visit Disney Paris.