First timer here and enjoyed reading this article. You have a very friendly and conversational tone, which is welcoming. I'd like to read more about the things you find odd or culturally jarring/shocking as an American, as well as culture and new perspectives. The length doesn't matter as much to me as long as it's interesting and engaging.
I remember keeping a blog in the early 2000's when I first moved to Sweden. I wrote about the oddities and the fresh observations of a new country and it was entertaining to my readers from around the world, but mostly to myself, ha ha!
Hey! Thanks for reading! The list of experiences is almost endless. And thanks for the feedback. In never totally sure how my tone will land, but other styles still feed oddly formal for me.
I am still very often surprised by personal space here. Some days, it’s nothing and others it drives me up the wall. Like, do I know you?
This is not unique to France. In fact, I think the whole “personal bubble “ might be very American.
Regarding personal space, it might very well be a uniquely American thing? Who knows. What I know that that my ex used to call me out when I was getting to close to others when I was walking or making my way through a crowded buffet, for example. I didn't know it was considered rude or an invasion of others' space when I did that. I grew up in such an extremely crowded city that everyone simply learned to tolerate the breath of strangers close to our face, LOL!
I actually think I am getting used to it, although I have had times when I feel like I am dealing with French Close Talkers, which are very close working people for sure. But I have been in more places where personal space was a bit more, well, close and personal, than the arm-swinging american distance I am used to, even in NYC.
I suppose that the struggles you document will cease to be in the course of time; contrasts with what you knew versus what you now experience will flitter away as normalcy creeps in. I suppose the catalyst is patience, gaining a level of mastery with French language and making more French friends.
All through reading this I kept imagining how extremely difficult it would be to adapt to life in the United States after being away from it long enough. Think about US immigration policy and what immigrants there are going through; think about what anyone might experience these days at the US border; and ponder the administrative tethers that the US continues to maintain on you, even if you only feel them tangibly during tax season. My opinion: short-term inconvenience and discomfort is a small price to pay ...
Been dancing with this since 2012. Montreal is so close, but so far away, even with family here. Sitting here now reading your post. Lots of good thoughts. Now is a good time to be elsewhere. At least there is that!
First timer here and enjoyed reading this article. You have a very friendly and conversational tone, which is welcoming. I'd like to read more about the things you find odd or culturally jarring/shocking as an American, as well as culture and new perspectives. The length doesn't matter as much to me as long as it's interesting and engaging.
I remember keeping a blog in the early 2000's when I first moved to Sweden. I wrote about the oddities and the fresh observations of a new country and it was entertaining to my readers from around the world, but mostly to myself, ha ha!
A la prochaine!
Hey! Thanks for reading! The list of experiences is almost endless. And thanks for the feedback. In never totally sure how my tone will land, but other styles still feed oddly formal for me.
I am still very often surprised by personal space here. Some days, it’s nothing and others it drives me up the wall. Like, do I know you?
This is not unique to France. In fact, I think the whole “personal bubble “ might be very American.
Je vous en prie :-)
Regarding personal space, it might very well be a uniquely American thing? Who knows. What I know that that my ex used to call me out when I was getting to close to others when I was walking or making my way through a crowded buffet, for example. I didn't know it was considered rude or an invasion of others' space when I did that. I grew up in such an extremely crowded city that everyone simply learned to tolerate the breath of strangers close to our face, LOL!
I actually think I am getting used to it, although I have had times when I feel like I am dealing with French Close Talkers, which are very close working people for sure. But I have been in more places where personal space was a bit more, well, close and personal, than the arm-swinging american distance I am used to, even in NYC.
God speed to you two as you go through the paces.
Thanks! It’s a lot to take on this month, but sometimes things are like that.
You’re my twin - just a few steps ahead of us on the path. I’m so glad I found your writing.
We’re on a similar journey, and I’m excited to learn from your insight (and your mistakes, if you’re generous enough to share those too!).
I’m glad you’re here! I hope you’re enjoying it.
Oh man. So many mistakes. Got a category you want me to focus on?
At this stage, my anxiety is down the road when we decide on a place we can’t resist. The “how tos” of Visas maybe?
I suppose that the struggles you document will cease to be in the course of time; contrasts with what you knew versus what you now experience will flitter away as normalcy creeps in. I suppose the catalyst is patience, gaining a level of mastery with French language and making more French friends.
All through reading this I kept imagining how extremely difficult it would be to adapt to life in the United States after being away from it long enough. Think about US immigration policy and what immigrants there are going through; think about what anyone might experience these days at the US border; and ponder the administrative tethers that the US continues to maintain on you, even if you only feel them tangibly during tax season. My opinion: short-term inconvenience and discomfort is a small price to pay ...
Been dancing with this since 2012. Montreal is so close, but so far away, even with family here. Sitting here now reading your post. Lots of good thoughts. Now is a good time to be elsewhere. At least there is that!
It’s a tough situation to find peace with. Just know you’re always welcome where we are!