Everyday Life

Among many differences between the American culture and the French culture, the two main differences that have directly affected my lifestyle here in France is the amount of walking I do around the city as well as the food I eat and how I eat it.
First I must talk about the transportation and the amount of walking I do in the city of Paris and around Europe. Not having a car in the San Diego can really put a stop to any plans because without a car it is really hard to get around the city. Yes, in San Diego there are buses and a trolley but the public transportation does not even compare to that of Paris’. I don’t even miss my car at home because I am constantly discovering a new place around the city because of the need to walk. I can remember that it would pain me to have to walk even a block away from my house in San Diego and I realize why that was it. Here in Paris there a million things to see and just by simply walking around the city you can get anywhere and see half of those million things. There is nothing like walking by a river and seeing people out for a stroll and then coming to such a wonderful sight like the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s a way of living here that is healthy and I love it.
The metro and buses are also excellent means of transportation; they run in every direction very late at night and early in the mornings. They are punctual and very efficient ways of getting across town if you do not choose to walk. I feel it in myself that I am 100 times more likely to walk around Paris than anywhere in San Diego and I’ve noticed that it has to due with the amount of people that are out walking and taking the metro. In Paris it is a significant cultural difference in comparison to San Diego.
Another main cultural difference I have noticed has been the type of food I eat in both places. When I first arrived I craved sushi like no other food but I quickly learned to love the boulangeries and creperies all around Paris. On special occasions when money isn’t too tight I am able to sit down and have a three, four or five course meals, those are my favorite. Each platter is the right amount of food and everything is delicious. The time that it takes to eat these kinds of meals would probably annoy 99% of Americans. I noticed it in my own friends when we went to a fondue dinner. I, on the other hand, enjoy the time to savor and not only enjoy my food but also the company of friends and family.