Do I Know You?

Okay... it's been too long since my last post. I apologize!

One of my favorite things about living in France is how quickly I am learning the language. I am extremely stunned at my progress. Although I am far from being bilingual, I can already hold conversations after 2.5 months. I look forward to my classes each week. I practice and study all the time, in an effort to soak up as much information and new vocabulary as possible.

To be an au pair in France, it is a requirement to learn French. Some au pairs came mainly for the experience of living abroad. I came solely to learn French as quickly as possible and hopefully to make more opera connections along the way. It is very apparent which students wish to learn the language and those who are merely fulfilling the requirement to keep their visa.

My language class is fairly diverse, with people representing Germany, England, Nepal, South Africa, Poland, and of course America. Last week, we discussed the differences between French manners and those of our respective countries. It was really neat to hear the differences between them.

Some interesting French customs:
- The well-known double air kiss: upon greeting someone or saying good-bye, you kiss each of their cheeks. I have grown accustomed to this tradition... but I must say, at first it seemed a little too personal to kiss someone I was meeting for the first time. Interestingly enough, my professor feels as though hugging is too personal.
-Both hands on the table: While dining in the US, it is polite to put the hand you are not using in your lap. In France, you must keep both hands visible and on the table at all times.
-You put your bread where??? : Bread remains directly on the table near your plate, not on your plate
-Host/Hostess gift- You never bring wine as a host/hostess gift if you are attending a dinner party. If wine is given as a gift, they feel obliged to drink it then... and the problem with that is the hostess has most likely planned which wine you will consume based on what he/she is serving.
-You don't greet someone you don't know: I say "Bonjour" and smile at people all the time, even though it's not a custom here... I can't help my Southern ways. Funny story: When we were discussing the differences in greeting customs, my teacher used me as an example. Especially if I have met someone before, I will ask them "How are you?" when I see them- in French of course. My professor told the class that another teacher asked if she knew me from somewhere because I always greet her in the morning. I thought this was hilarious. Although it's not a custom in France I love talking to random people: the clerk behind the cash register, the vendors at the market, the waiters at restaurants, elderly people walking by... it's amazing the looks I receive. Without a doubt, at first they are taken off guard, and then always seem genuinely grateful that I care. This is one American custom I will shamelessly bring to France