I love this! I’ve lived in Amsterdam for nine years, and aspire to this level of chill when it comes to Dutch habits that drive me batty. But also, reading your piece has made me realise I have adapted in a lot of the same ways. Mayonnaise! Tortillas! Constant construction! So many lovely ones too, like biking everywhere, five grocery stores in walking distance, and a cappuccino on a terrace whenever the sun comes out for even a moment.
Whatever victories you can take with Paris construction, do!
I remember when it appeared at Place Felix-Ebouré (back in February??) and I thought, “they’re touching it up for the JO, I can live with the temporary disruption.”
Hehe.
Well, I’m sure once it’s done in 2 years time it’s going to look brand spankingly the same as it did before the construction.
Sounds a lot like China. I enjoyed screeching for the waiter from across the restaurant. They brought you what you needed, then left you alone.
I absolutely despise the continuous interruptions and endless chatting in American restaurants. And you’re right: it’s all over in a flash and you leave in a daze. Did you even eat? Who can recall? Ugh.
Ah interesting, I hadn’t noticed it in China but when I was there I still wanted the American style of service and probably was still scared to ask for anything.
So many years of living in the US and still nothing pisses me off more than having a waiter interrupt my meal just to ask if everything is okay. It's started happening more in the UK to and it makes me so angry! Long dinners... I'm somewhere in the middle, and do have a hard time sitting still for that long. But some of my most memorable meals have been 4+ hours, and I treasure those memories. Still can't imagine not scarfing everything on my plate in seconds though...
Now I'm thinking I should write lists like this for my experience in the US.
Loved this. As a Scot growing up in Italy, I often felt in limbo between the two cultures, not belonging anywhere properly. Now I realise what a privileged (in all senses) position I am in, able to cherry pick in a proprietary manner the best bits from everywhere.
Always, always, bear in mind...... the French live much longer than Americans do, so they must be doing most things right, and they always get the last laugh! 😬
I love this! I’ve lived in Amsterdam for nine years, and aspire to this level of chill when it comes to Dutch habits that drive me batty. But also, reading your piece has made me realise I have adapted in a lot of the same ways. Mayonnaise! Tortillas! Constant construction! So many lovely ones too, like biking everywhere, five grocery stores in walking distance, and a cappuccino on a terrace whenever the sun comes out for even a moment.
OMG THAT ROUNDABOUT IS MY NEMESIS …
I risk my life cycling in that mess at least twice a week and c’est déjà une éternité !!
It’s so bad. At least with the new format the cars can’t jet out or get up to speed so I feel like maybe I finally won?
Whatever victories you can take with Paris construction, do!
I remember when it appeared at Place Felix-Ebouré (back in February??) and I thought, “they’re touching it up for the JO, I can live with the temporary disruption.”
Hehe.
Well, I’m sure once it’s done in 2 years time it’s going to look brand spankingly the same as it did before the construction.
Sounds a lot like China. I enjoyed screeching for the waiter from across the restaurant. They brought you what you needed, then left you alone.
I absolutely despise the continuous interruptions and endless chatting in American restaurants. And you’re right: it’s all over in a flash and you leave in a daze. Did you even eat? Who can recall? Ugh.
Ah interesting, I hadn’t noticed it in China but when I was there I still wanted the American style of service and probably was still scared to ask for anything.
I just moved to Paris this summer and loved reading over this list. I’m still getting used to all the aspects of living over here.
lololololol… I loved this. I can’t formulate a coherent thought but :) thank you
The mayonnaise on my hand… 🫠
B2!!! That's so cool. Bravo.
So many years of living in the US and still nothing pisses me off more than having a waiter interrupt my meal just to ask if everything is okay. It's started happening more in the UK to and it makes me so angry! Long dinners... I'm somewhere in the middle, and do have a hard time sitting still for that long. But some of my most memorable meals have been 4+ hours, and I treasure those memories. Still can't imagine not scarfing everything on my plate in seconds though...
Now I'm thinking I should write lists like this for my experience in the US.
Loved this. As a Scot growing up in Italy, I often felt in limbo between the two cultures, not belonging anywhere properly. Now I realise what a privileged (in all senses) position I am in, able to cherry pick in a proprietary manner the best bits from everywhere.
Truly what I look forward to all week. What a delicious read.
Always, always, bear in mind...... the French live much longer than Americans do, so they must be doing most things right, and they always get the last laugh! 😬