French-American Connection

Coming to Paris for the first time was a dream come true. Living in Paris for three months was beyond that. If it wasn’t for my three kids and my family, I think I would of stayed in Paris. I missed them terribly, and the distance between us made me feel blue. Thanks to technology (Skype) I was somehow able to stay sane. I met interesting people through the Accent program and made good friends. In the middle of the program, I was jet setting to different countries almost every weekend.  Flying for fewer than 60 Euros was a deal that I couldn’t surpass.  I must say that the most memorable trip was Normandy and Brittany.  Everyone in the group went. In Normandy, France at the Normandy American Cemetery Memorial we were able to step on American soil for the first time in months.

Seeing the American flag was kind of odd since we were in France. The French had granted this land to the Americans after WWII. I didn’t know that there was American land in France, nor did I know about the connection between the U.S and France. The only French gift to Americans that I knew about was the Statue of Liberty. I think that now, the connection between the U.S and France is not as strong as before. I remember back in 2003, there was an issue with the Invasion of Iraq that created a conflict between the U.S and France.  The U.S decided to boycott French goods and renamed French fries,  “freedom fries “. Luckily, this was temporary. Other than that I don’t know much about the political turmoil that might exist between the two countries. Cultural differences play a big role in political connections, and these differences always interfere in alliances. Since there are many differences among the two, I don’t believe there will ever be a 100% easy alliance between France and the U.S. 

The French Influence

France has a long history of spreading its language and heritage throughout the world. I was unaware of it colonial history and never imagined it’s former Empire had once occupied 1/8^th of the world. The French colonized for many reasons: growth, resources, modernization and power. In America it had colonized Quebec and Louisiana and other states in the U.S. Today in Quebec, Canada French is their official language. In New Orleans, Louisiana the French left a lot of cultural influence and in their cuisine, and in traditions.  A great example of this is the annual Mardi Gras festival which is well celebrated in New Orleans. In Mexico the French left their mark in architecture, cuisine (especially pastries) and laws. It is known that Mexican law is based on the Napoleonic code. France’s influence in Mexico’s architecture is evident in Mexico City’s El Paseo de la Reforma, which was modeled after Champs-Elysees. El Paseo de la Reforma was a direct route to Maximilian’s palace and it was the central part of the city. I cannot imagine what it would be like if the French would of stayed in power here in the States and in Mexico.

French colonization has left a mark through the implementation of its culture and language.  Unfortunately, through the years, the French language and cultures has been progressively disappearing in Louisiana. Luckily, the French cuisine is still prominent!  

European Identity and perks!

I must say that traveling to different countries within the European continent has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the many varying cultures within the E.U. Although most E.U countries share the same currency, the Euro, they differ in their own cultural identity: different customs, different mannerisms, different language, different beliefs, etc…They take pride of whom they are and they know their history like the palm of their hand. I also noticed that unlike Americans they don’t say automatically that they’re European. I feel that the European identity is not really used by the Europeans. While in Dublin, Ireland, an Anglo speaking country, the Irish proudly adorned their city with proud to be Irish logos rather then stating, “proud to be European”. The same occurred in Milano, Barcelona, and other cities, which our group visited. The term  “European “is too vague.  

Although there is some sense of unity among the E.U, all member countries still safeguard their identity by stating their country of origin versus simply stating that they are European. Over the three months living in Paris, I noticed the many advantages that E.U members have. They have free access to most museums and attractions. Unlike the U.S, we don’t have this kind of incentives when it comes to museums. The most exciting kind of perks offered to Americans are discounts at amusement parks like Disneyland, which by the way only benefits Southern Californians. Being a citizen of a country that belongs to the EU, entitles you have the choice to study at any university within the E.U without paying additional fees. In the U.S, there is no such system in higher education. If a U.S citizen decides to study outside of their home state they must pay an additional out of state fee, which can cost a lot of money.

Living in Paris has allowed me to notice the many perks that a citizen of the E.U has.  I have also come to conclude that although the French are pro European Union, they have more pride in saying “Je suis Français”.  

Regional Products

Living in Paris has been great. I’ve been exposed to many wonderful sights and I have also eaten delicious food. I was amazed on the variety of regional products in the market. The French are very meticulous when it comes to giving their products a label. They like to give credit to the place of origin where the product was manufactured, and they do it well through the Apellation d’Origine Controlée, which is a rigorous labeling process that the French use for certification granted to certain French geographical indications like wine, cheeses and butters and other agricultural products. The government office of Institut National des Apellations d’Origine controls this process.  

To my understanding this process was created to obtain the best quality of products by applying regulations and to promote consumption of such products, which derived from the best of quality according to the region in which they were produced. The Norman butter has been known to be the preferred butter through the centuries.  It is known that the milk produced in this region gives the butter its unique taste. Just like Champagne from Champagne, or Roquefort cheese from Roquefort there are many other French products that are produce in certain geographical areas and whom the AOC gives them the right to label the product as theirs. In the states consumers don’t really see much of regional labeling, we simply label our products “MADE IN THE USA”, the French do it differently. Those who love butter will go to Normandie for the butter; those who love Champagne will visit Champagne and so on and so forth. This tactic allows the consumer to experience the best of France and also boosts the town’s economy by attracting tourists with their regional products. 

J'aime les Français!

It is amazing how long I’ve been from family and friends. I have been here long enough to notice many differences among the French and the Americans. They are so different in many aspects. I’ve made several observations of how the French handle their bodies and their gestures. It is very awkward how these mannerisms vary according to their perspective countries.

I was at the Galleries la Fayette the other day and I noticed a man holding his wife’s purse. The lady had one shopping bag on one hand and had the other hand completely free. It didn’t seem like she needed help with her purse, but the man looked completely content to carry his wife’s purse and it seemed like he was a natural at holding it too. I was in awe when I noticed this, so I decided to keep and eye on them to see how long he’d hold the purse. He definitely beat my husband’s record. Unfortunately my American husband would never go beyond a minute to hold my purse.  The longest that he has held my purse is for a few seconds- just enough time to tie my shoelace.  American men say that carrying a woman’s purse is like wearing make-up. They find little things like this very demeaning for a man to do.  French men are more liberal in that sense; they just don’t see anything bad with that. 

Their hand gestures vary in comparison to the Americans, they don’t place their hands in their pockets, instead they tend to cross their hand and stand very rigid. The bending of the wrist is considered a feminine trait, yet French men tend to do it all the time. French don’t see that as a feminine trait they just see it as a movement. Many of my American friends have explained that is really hard to distinguish homosexuals here in France since many mannerisms that Americans consider feminine are also practiced by straight men in France.

I’ve gotten accustomed to the French and their gestures and I think I can pull it off and make myself look pretty Parisian.  All I would have to do is not act American; speak French 24/7 wonder off by not making too much eye contact with the person in front of me, dress more elegantly, walk rigidly and make a man carry my purse while I do some serious shopping! 

Melting Pot

Egyptian manifestation in Paris.

In the United States, immigration has been a huge issue of controversy. For years, the U.S and Mexico have been in constant battle with immigration.  I’d never imagined that immigration was immense in Paris.  Like the U.S, Paris is also a melting pot.  Since many different countries surround Paris, its immigration composition is very vast, and different from the United States.  

The majority of immigrants that I’ve seen/ noticed in Paris are Turkish and other Middle Eastern people.  The first day in Paris, I was able to notice the diversity.  A friendly Indian guy made my first Parisian crêpe.  Most crêperies around our neighborhood are owned or operated by Indians. There are also a large group of Turkish eateries, I remember assuming that it was Greek food, but then the man behind the counter affirmed it was Turkish food.  Not only is their food delicious and also it is very well priced. I’ve also met vendors at the open-air market in the 12th arrondissement, who are from Morocco.   There are also many Algerian vendors at the market who are very competitive about getting customers to buy their goods. Surprisingly Parisians seem okay with immigration. Or at least that’s the impression that I have.

Everyone is so friendly, and for the first time ever, people have asked me where I come from. They don’t automatically assume I’m Mexican, like back home. I’ve been mistaken for Brazilian, Italian, Persian and even Española…OLE –well, there is some Spanish background in me, so I guess I can stick to being Española for a change :)

Adventure in Père Lachaise

Jim Morrison's resting place.

On February 9, 2011, after our trip to the Cinématique Française, the group decided to pay a visit to the historic Père Lachaise cemetery, also known as ‘la cite de morts’, city of the dead. Père Lachaise is vraiment a city of its own, with old rues and elaborate sepultures. Although there are countless well-known people that are buried here, we were only interested in visiting Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf, two of the most visited tombs.  

We were pretty hyped about visiting Jim Morrison, and although we did not have an actual plan or map to guide us to his tomb, we decided to find it à l’aveuglette.  Ten minutes after we have gotten to the cemetery, some of us were lost. Professor Holly along with Brandon, Kelly, Michelle, Katy, Stephanie and I were on a mission to find Jim, and Edith.  Venturing through the streets and later near the tombs, we lost our track and decided to ask for directions. I decided to put my sketchy French to work, so I asked a random French guy for directions.  To my surprise he was able to understand me. As soon as I mentioned Jim Morrison, he responded in Anglais,  “Oh! Of course! Everyone wants to know where he lies.” We were so lucky to have found this guy. He guided us to Jim’s tomb, and later volunteered to walk us over to Madame Piaf’s grave. He literally gave us a free tour guide of the cemetery. We were amazed at all that he knew about the graves that we forgot to ask for his name.  On our way to Madame Piaf’s grave the French guy, pointing out some elaborate sepultures that belong to Dracula’s family, some Generals who fought alongside Napoleon. Although he mainly spoke to us in Anglais, he would switch to French when he had difficulty conveying a thought. We were thrilled to understand what he was saying. This guy was amazingly brilliant. His willingness to help is a quality that I have found in most French people that I have spoken to. They are friendly and embrace the fact that one tries to speak their beautiful language. 

Old vs Ancient

Walking into the courtyard of the Musée de Cluny, surrounded by 15^th century Gothic architecture, and seeing artifacts, which dated back to the Roman Empire up into the Gothic Era, thrilled me.  I was literally standing on ancient grounds. Exploring the different artifacts and monuments, which were all evidence of ancient cultures, allowed me to have a better understanding of how people from the 1^st century lived. Although we were not able to visit the frigidarium, the only Gallo-roman monument surviving in Paris, which dates back to the 1^st century, we were able to read about it and acknowledge that ancient Gallo-roman life was pretty advanced.

 After our visit to the Musée de Cluny, we took a walk to Les Arènes de Lutece, a stadium that was known to host deadly gladiator matches.  I have to admit that all this made me envious of Parisians.  They are very fortunate to have so many ancient historical jewels at their disposition, yet it seems that they take all this for granted.  I’m under the impression, that tourists appreciate these antiquities a little more than Parisians. All this is a norm for Parisians; it’s part of their daily lives.

Arènes de Lutece

Musée de Cluny and Les Arènes de Lutece are only two of many ancient jewels that the beautiful city of Paris posses. My perspective of ancient life has changed. I thought that people back then, were very primitive, but the Gallo-roman thermal baths, which were constructed in a highly advanced manner, are evidence that have proved me wrong. I always thought that old and ancient defined something that was old to the same degree, but now I know better. Ancient is way older than old.