Before looking at what’s to learn for the New Year, I thought I would have a look at what I’ve learned about this great city so far. I apologise in advance that they are mostly negative things, but hopefully it will prepare those who are arriving in Paris this year, or next.
1. Cheating is just not a big deal!
Now do not get me wrong, I do not mean to say that cheating is completely condoned. People do not praise those who are ruining their spouse’s life. However, it certainly is more common place with one in two Parisians having an affair, and one in two getting divorced. Even more shocking is that 25% of women in France have a child that is not their husband’s (apparently!) That statistic took my breath away (but hey at least it’s not just men having all the fun!) Let’s take the current Presidential scandal for example: no one cares that Hollande has been having affair – they just care that their taxes are putting up two of his mistresses!
2. Parisians do not tend to understand public transport etiquette.
I must warn you all not to expect people to wait for you to get off the metro before charging their way on, or for some to sit on the outside seat which makes the lives of everyone who would like to sit down a bit difficult! Do not even get me started on those who use a seat for their bag! Finally, if you accidentally bump into someone on a packed metro, do not expect them to understand, it is quite likely they will huff and puff, or even worse, have an actual go at you.
3. Smoking still seems to be cool…
I work with people who smoke and work opposite a secondary school where 16 year old kids with their fur hooded coats stand puffing away as if it is the coolest and most normal thing to do in a world where everyone is talking about its dangers. I do live in Switzerland, so I am very much used to the normalisation of smoking, however, after having been in England where even Uni kids aren’t that hooked, it still surprises me how much business the cigarette market still has.
4. Vegetarians are not understood.
I know that I have mentioned this previously but it really is true! Whilst a diet of bread, cheese and veal is perfectly acceptable, not liking meat is an alien concept. I suppose my case is not really helped by the fact that I am neither a red wine or cheese person either…
5. Everyone hates Hollande!
And not just because he cheated on his girlfriend… because he is an absolutely awful President according to the majority of the French population. I have not met one person who likes him, and the papers seem to agree. I am not claiming to know much about him but he does strike me as someone without a backbone…
I am sure I have much more to learn… I very much look forward to 2014!
Image Credits: parisavous.com, images.french-property.com, societyline.com, telegraph.co.uk