Being in a different country is very humbling. Not only because in France I am living through a different language, but also because the functioning of society is totally different. I am a foreigner and, often, I have no idea what is happening.
I make a lot of mistakes, for example, in my last article, I mistakenly reported that the French slang MDR stood for mot de rire, or word of laughter. In fact, I have spent all 3 months of living here in oblivion. MDR stands for mort de rire, or dying of laughter. This makes complete sense, just as laughing out loud (LOL) makes complete sense. But I am a foreigner, so am prone to mess up. Realizing all of my little errors, I now see how I’ve taken advantage of so much in the US, particularly the very state of being American.
Upon further reflection, I think it’s a great idea to jot down some other things that are great in the US (besides having a general no language barrier and generally being aware of what I am doing). These are things I never thought, “Wow, this is so practical. I’m so glad this exists in my life.” Look around you, collegiettes, ‘cause we got it good.
Wifi: There is so much free Wifi in the US. Finding a restaurant that will give you their wifi password here is a bit tricky, and when you don’t have international service, life is hard for the 21st century girl.
Public Bathrooms: Why do I have to pay to use a restroom? In the US, you can casually walk into a fast food restaurant and use the restroom. You will, generally, face no criticism in doing so. Also, we have free public bathrooms all around. I can’t count how many times I’ve searched desperately for a restroom in Europe, only to find one where I have to pay or sit down and become a “client” just to have access to a bathroom.
Multiple Cars Per Family: Certainly, many American families do not have multiple cars, but it is quite common in France for one family to share one car. My host family has one very, very tiny car. The whole family goes out if there are multiple things to do during the day. For example, if my host mom has her art course, it’s during that time that my host dad must go to the grocery store, as the car would be gone and he could not leave if his wife had the car. There is a lot of manipulating of schedules to accommodate for the single car.
Garbage Cans: French people have very small garbage bins (the ones you leave outside for the garbage men to empty). This is a great thing because they waste less, but it makes me feel really bad when I have to add to the bin and take up more room than all of the family combined. Those giant recycling and garbage bins back in the US are mighty useful!
Tipping: Tipping in restaurants may seem like a less-than-ideal aspect of American life, but it gives servers incentives. In France, there is often one server, sometimes two, in an entire restaurant, and the service is slow. You can’t be guaranteed great service because either way the waiter will be paid the same amount. Your pleasant experience depends on the mood or climate of the evening.
University Gyms: You can’t just walk into the gym at my French university. You have to first perform a session during which you show the trainer you can use all of the machines. Then, once you’ve proven yourself, you can only go to the gym during certain sessions when it is open to all students, not just those getting personal training or taking classes. Hours to work out are limited, and steps must be taken in order to even be permitted to work out.
People Pick Up Dog Poop: People in France just leave their dogs’ droppings in the street. The street. Not in grass. Not in the trash can. The street.
Grocery Bags: You have to pay for bags at many stores. This, again, is to encourage environmental conservancy, but I don’t always know when I’m going to be at the store. Therefore, I don’t always have a bag with me in which I can place whatever I may buy at the store. Just a bit inconvenient for my wallet and my person.
Water: Water is not free everywhere in France. If you don’t ask for une carafe d’eau, the waiters will often bring you bottled water, for which you must pay. You also can’t find water fountains around a city.
Gum: I like buying my giant Eclipse gum pack at Target. You can only buy 80 piece containers of gum in France. It’s a hard life for an addict, like me.
So obviously these are champagne problems. All in good humor, the list contains little things I’d never thought about in the US. I wouldn’t trade my experience abroad for the little conveniences of home. I am glad these months have revealed my privilege, as I can be more appreciative of my life when I return. For those heading abroad, know what you might miss. For those staying home, never take the US for granted. We are so lucky in so many ways!
Photos courtesy of:
http://wifflegif.com/gifs/268954-what-is-happening-kristen-wiig-gif
https://www.tumblr.com/search/merica%20gif
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