Who else loves talking about cultural differences? Which ones stand out to you the most between your home country and France? **Thank you to Pipplet, a modern language assessment company, for sponsoring this video.** More here: bit.ly/2ZEf9Ob
I've got the French and German citizenship in lockdown in Italy and am a bit homesick, as I'd normally be in France eating (of course) and drinking wine (of course). I find myself watching an American talking about France for some reason (you're doing a great job, I think). I am lucky enough to have experienced a bit of the American habits too, and I absolutely love smalltalk and greatly miss it in Europe; it's such a great way to break the ice in so many situations; say a few nice things/make a joke and any uncomfortableness is gone.
Eating fast comes from not being French. There are more important things to do than just eat alone or just with one’s family. Ask any other European who doesn’t speak French natively.
Salut! I just loved this video. I’ve been caught out ‘being American’ somehow each time I’ve come over. I can’t say it’s bad, though - nothing makes me feel younger than being in a new situation with language and customs. It’s just like jumping into the deep end of the pool.
And one more thing! People have inner voice in Europe, nobody yells in public places like cafes, bars, restaurants. Only probably when they have too much fun at the pub all singing :) Speaking loud is considered bad manners.
This was an enjoyable video....So it's not that the Frwnch are rude 🤔😊?... i have a question , I was wondering what's your level of comfort communicating in French. Are you bilingual? Thanks 😊
J'aime beaucoup vos comparaisons et suis d'accord avec tout ce que vous racontez. Je suis Français et J'habite aux Etats unis depuis 28 ans. Bravo, c'est très sympa.
Hate it too and I live in the South were talking to strangers is normal. Fortunately the clerks have mostly stopped doing that but they do ask - Did you find everything you were looking for? I have learned to say 'yes' because they ignore you when you say 'no'.
Facile, insincere, superficial bullshit, so demonstrative of American culture. And Yanks often struggle to understand why many countries hold large aspects of US culture in contempt. It’s pathetic.
I had to laugh about the inclusion of pumpkin pie on your list. When I was an exchange student many, many decades ago, my professors were absolutely flummoxed by peanut butter, root beer, and maple syrup. 😏
Peanut butter is an American staple, and was expensive in Mexico. We would bring big jars from the US. Also real maple syrup was not sold anywhere, except Costco, so we'd bring that, too.
Well, I'm German and really love peanut paste as it was called in Australia where I grew up. But I'm not really keen on small talk, remembering the americans where I used to work. They often asked "how are you", but weren´t really interested how you were - small talk! I don't put my eggs in the fridge, no need to do so. Most of what is said is the same in Germany. I suppose we are just European and find Americans rather strange. But I would like to try a pumpkin pie.
@@lir9875 I've already found a recipe for pumpkin pie which I will try out soon - with whipped cream as you recommend :). I really like pumpkins but usually cook soup or pumpkin lasagne.
So right about small talk. I spoke with a French woman once before living for a time in France and asked what she did for work. Totally fine in the USA. Her response? Ca ne vous regarde pas, monsieur!". I was totally taken aback. But when I got to France, I learned about their respect for privacy. Tant mieux!
That's kinda rude in France, depending on the context. Of course if it's one of the first question you ask it's weird, but it comes relatively quickly in the conversation. Work is a safe question most of the times...
@@catnextdoor5605. I’m French, a d that woman was totally right to answer that way. How rude is it to asl a total stranger ‘what do you do for a living’? Mind your own business is the appropriate answer. In France, and in Europe in general, we must respect the other people privacy. That’s the best way to be polite. Being intrusive on other people private life is the worst you can do. You were lucky not to get slapped on your face.
That woman was gross in the South of France her reaction would have been considered impolite at least people would have said " Elle a la grosse tête" ou " elle est cabour".
@@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643 French reporting. Je maintiens toujours mon commentaire. En général, parler de travail se fait assez rapidement, lorsqu'on est présenté par des amis par exemple. La réaction de la personne était excessive. There are a lot of cultural differences between the different regions though. I'm from the south of France, we speak more easily. My paternal grandma is from Champagne, she's a lot harder to speak to. Plus some people are rude, even in France.
I made my French parents carrot cake muffins once and they were completely perplexed, and they didn't really like it. They said it was, "pas terrible."
Oh boy, haha, at least they didn't lie to you. Come to think of it, maybe my in-laws are just being polite when I make my American cakes and pies hahaha. I'm going to continue!
I used to make different foods in Mexico that people had never heard of. Like potato salad, chili, spaghetti-ground beef with spaghetti sauce, even our San Diego style Mexican food like burritos and fish tacos. When I'd make desserts, sometimes they were said to be too sweet. It's fun introducing people to food. Now that we're back in San Diego, we introduce my dad to other kinds of Mexican food.
@@michaelvanchu2367 Its not about being a chepskate. Tipping a hairdresser isn't normal here and I've never heard of tipping a hairdresser. The fact she feels the need to tip after doing it a second time is kind of sad.
Enjoying Oui in France immensely! Love learning about cultural differences and going on field trips through France with you. Mont St. Michel was wonderful and your video of the sky as dusk turned to night was spectacular! And it's great seeing you of course!
I just want to correct a few of the myths concerning tipping in France from the perspective of an English person working in the service industry for 20 years in both Paris and the Riviera. ‘Service compris’ on a restaurant bill (in the US you say check) relates to the TVA (Value Added Tax) which goes onto the bill to cover the service provided. It is no way an added ‘extra’ for the waiter or bartender who served you, so claiming that they have already been tipped and not leaving a tip as a result is simply NOT TRUE. What is true is that waiters and bartenders, depending on where they work, get a below average salary. Of course tipping is NOT compulsory in France due to it never being part of the custom. However, these customs come from a period whereby the cost of living was a lot lower in France and are generally perpetuated by the older generation, much to the frustration of many within the industry. I suppose I am biased but if asked I always point out that tipping is NOT compulsory but if you appreciated the service you could leave a tip for the person who provided that service, a correct amount would be about 5 - 10%. 20% like in the US is probably a little excessive but here’s the point: It’s entirely up to YOU. It’s certainly not compulsory to leave a tip and likewise it’s certainly not compulsory to NOT leave a tip. If the service was bad, don’t leave a tip! I’m sorry for ranting but I’ve served so many Americans in 20 years who have been instructed to ‘NOT LEAVE A TIP’ whilst being completely delighted with the service due to this perpetual reoccurring myth that service is included in the final bill. Technically it is, but NOT IN THE WAY YOU THINK.
I tend to always leave a 5 or 10 euro bill if the service was nice (and by nice, I mean nice, not "amazing". As long as you're not a complete douche, you'll get your tip). In café's I tend to round it up and leave the difference.
Actually, if the service is bad enough to not leave a tip, in the US you should speak to the manager, instead. The tip is likely shared among everyone, or at least with the cooks and busboys.
@@susieasado6675 you have entirely missed the point. Why do you insist on Americans continuing to do something that is not the cultural norm in a country they are visiting? Would you insist they visit religious temples in flimsy clothing as well or would you understand that local customs are different and respect them?
don't worry, most people in france put eggs into the fridge x) some fridge even have a special place for them. but yes, it's not necessary, because eggs don't need that, at least natural eggs Oo
In France, the fridge is not needed. Eggs for human consommation must be really clean when the hen lays them, because we don't do anything else for them to be cleaner. When the hen lays her eggs, there is a membrane around the egg that protects it against bacteria. In France, we preservs that membrane, so no need for the fridge. In the USA, they bleach the egg, so destroy the membrane, so need for the fridge to avoid bacteria. But so, as eggs must be without any defect or filth to be sell as eggs for human consommation, we got less eggs per hen.
The tip, in restaurants for instances, IS actually included in the prices on the menu, as well as taxes (TVA / VAT). You can see this by the mention "Service compris" for the tip, sometimes indicating the rate (10 % ou 15% usually). So we can add an EXTRA tip, if we are really pleased by the service and the food, to thanks more than the included tip. An other exemple, in theaters : if the theater is public (sustained by state, or town...) usually the opener (? ouvreur / ouvreuse in french) has a regular salary, and are assimilated to state ou town employee, and must NOT accept any tip. It's usually indicated in these places, "nos ouvreurs ne peuvent accepter de pourboire" or something of analog meaning. Paying an official for the service, can be assimilated to corruption, whatever the amount given.
thierry...true and I am a European...I totally disagree with this practice because the wait staff doesn't have to earn the tip! I've been on a plane on KLM and the steward was so rude to the woman next to me...and having traveled enough on overseas flights, have never seen this type of behavior especially to an elderly woman (this guy didn't do this to anybody else, she was very kind). Anyway, a tip needs to be earned not handed out!
This is all because Americans can’t seem to understand the difference between a service charge and a tip. No offence to your American cousins, put the whole service culture in the US is basically fucked up.
I don’t particularly care for small talk, lol. Cant stand being at the checkout and the person in front of me is gabbing to the cashier holding up the line. I retired from the USPS after 28 years. After a certain amount of time we got 5 paid weeks off a year. The job was physically grueling though.
I worked 29 years as a USDA-FSIS meat inspector. I needed every day of those 5 weeks of paid vacation. The people producing meat products work very hard.
Another lovely video! I did find non refrigerated eggs odd at first but now I love them. They are ready for baking and cooking. As far as wine, we do drink a glass in the afternoon sometimes at home. We will also order a bottle or carafe at a restaurant and very rarely will we get a cocktail before. With small talk, I’m not brave enough to strike up a conversation with a stranger anyway!
Before this year I would have said there was no cans of pumpkin in the grocery stores but here in Germany we have suddenly got it. It is in the vegetable section and is always so far unsweetened but it definitely has appeared here Germany has a big cinnamon culture it is the Christmas spice so cinnamon spiced pumpkin is acceptable.
@@magmalin I found it in a local Biomarkt Then in both the local Rewe and Real I have some recipes with canned pumpkin with no sugar added so I was happy and surprised.
@@johncrwarner How awful! Especially if you found it at a bio market. I have always thought that bio markets in Germany don't sell american junk food in tins. Buy that american junk whoever wants to. I certainly won't. I prefer fresh, good european food. The only things I like are baked beans in tins and peanut paste - my australin heritage ;)..
@@johncrwarner Okay. To each his own. I prefer Pumkins that are not in tins. But the pumpkin pie sounds nice., although I usually use pumpkin as vegetables as in France. I'm going to try to find a recipe in the internet for a pumpkin pie.
En effet, boire du vin en dehors des repas ne serait pas très bien vu en France. On s'inquiéterait pour cette personne et on lui donnerait les coordonnées du groupe d'AA du coin ! :D
Yeah, at 4:40 where you say about using small talk to give someone 'a boost' or 'make their day a little better'... If the social norm isn't to do that, then don't. You are imposing your norms, your foreign norms, on someone else, and you don't get to decide if it makes their day a little better or not.
@@PSchearer it's not that deep. if you live your whole life doing something from your culture you aren't going to stop immediately because you are in a different country. Many immigrants to the US seem to have a staring problem for example. Or they don't hold the door open for people, both are rude over here.
Where do you live? Maybe that's different if you're in a very big city like Paris (i've never lived there so I don't know) but in a medium sized or small town (dijon or lower in size) it's not weird to make small talks. It happened to me all the time. Complimenting people's clothes, hair, talking about a product at the supermarket, at the swimming pool...etc. i don't see that as unusual. At least as a woman, i often have people starting small talks with me or the reverse. I've had people telling me random things or even asking to touch my hair (i have long hair) ...Etc. And I love pumkin pie, pumpkin roll, pumpkin scones...etc. I just make the purée myself out of fresh pumkin since it's hard to find the cans. (i freeze the left over purée for later ^^) All the people I've made it for loved it too. and even asked for the recipe^^
I'm afraid I'd make all of those blunders, so thanks, should I ever go over, I'll re-watch this to remind me. But, wait, pumpkin! really, ooooh, sorry, but I'm with you, girl, love me some pumpkin pie & I usually buy the pumpkin & scoop it out & use that, not the can & toast the seeds to eat while I'm waiting! LOL I havta say a great pumpkin bake or soup is fab with me, too.
Too bad you didn't grow up in an Italian-American family. Food and wines are VERY important and cooked and chosen with care. France is not so much different since France gets a lot of its culture from Italy.
Also, during the 19th-20th centuries, Italian immigration was important in France too (another similarity with the US). I think 1 Frenchman out of 10 has an Italian grandfather.
My husband was a waiter in France and LOVED Americans because they would always tip! I feel guilty if I don't leave a little something. Can you order canned pumpkin through Amazon or some other company? Or do you have to cook a pumpkin to make your pies? Do we need to send over a care package of canned pumpkins?
Trust me unless you have a kitchen the size of a garage you do not want to try to cook a pumpkin you will be finding seeds and the inside sludge for weeks. Just order a can of pumpkin.
If you leave a little something, the waiters will be nicer to you lol. My husband always leaves a good tip at restaurants (we live in the U.S.) and if he's a returning customer, they remember him and he gets very good service. But if the custom in France is not to tip, then you shouldn't feel guilty.
"Service compris" is just a legal taxation category, because restaurants are on a weird status fence between goods (because of the food) and services (because somebody is cooking for you, somebody is serving you). That does not mean the waiter gets something. Waiters have a better salary than in the US, sure (that's not really hard to accomplish...) but they are still on the lower end of average salary. Tips for a good service (even a 5 or 10 € bill for the evening) is appreciated.
I went to Law School in Paris, France (Sorbonne). Then I worked as an attorney in Paris. I agree with your comments about driving an automobile in France. I also agree about pumpkin pie. Also about the aperitif. When I first went to the beach on the Mediterranean sea, I was amazed to see many French women going topless (then, of course - oeuf corse - I became accustomed to it).
I just want to say it is not usual for a French woman to go topless on the beach but we don't have problem to take the top off while being on your stomach
FYI : I've never seen anyone in France NOT putting the eggs in the fridge, even though it's indeed only optional. But I've seen Americans being very surprised by our milk sold in bottles or boxes you can keep out of the fridge for months.
socialising: first time in 2012, when approaching a shop assistant, we would greet with, "bojour" ,and then ask if they spoke English, which they would answer, "a little bit" ,but that would be all the English they would speak and we would resort to sign language, but from 2015, quite a few shop assistants would attempt some English or would ask what the English word was for a particular item. Our trip this year had to be cancelled, because of Covid-19.
When I found that most French children study English in school for at least 4 years, I was amazed by their incompetence (or is it, more likely, their stubborness).
@@billglass5160 : you have to realise it’s only a subject in class, once they’re out of class, no English, it was the same with doing French as a class. My grandkids get to speak English at home, because Mum tries to keep English at home.
Haha - pumpkin pie. I lived in Australia for several years and would fix the traditional Thanksgiving feast for flatmates and friends. They were totally flummoxed at pumpkin pie, they thought it was absolutely bizarre. I will say that after they tried it, they were sold, but the initial reaction was "ewww."
When I was in the military I ate fast because I usually had to get back to the office. After I got out and had to get a regular job I usually had 30 minutes to eat.
I am a French-born American and couldn't agree more with all the differences mentioned. This explains why I am now considered a foreigner when I come back.
On most tickets: "18% Service compris" means the tip is included", better than 15% or no tip given in the U.S..You seem to have forgotten the 16 year old drinking age for beer, and the 18 year old drinking age for any other alcohol in France. The driving age in France is 18.
18% ??? wrong the tip isnot included because legally tips does not exist in France ! Ceux qui payent des pourboires en France sont les étrangers anglosaxons, les gens aisés et généreux, ou les bourrés en boite de nuit. Nous avons un revenu minimal pour tous les salariés, une assurance santé et 5 semaines de congés payés, ce n'est donc pas la même philosophie, les emplois sans qualifications ne sont pas aussi misérables qu'à l'étranger.
We do have pumkin desserts in Perigord, and gers, in the southwest in general, it is called millassou. But yeah, the first time I heard of a carrot cake, i was puzzled ^^. Why use a carrot ? Apples are better :)
We can talk about anything to a stranger in Australia with the exception maybe to salary and religion... Particularly religion. Asking a person what is their job is totally fine...
Huge difference between Paris and the province : here in my 12,000 inhabitants town, it would , on the contrary, be considered as very rude NOT TO do small talk in lines, in doctors' waiting rooms, at the hairdresser's, at the market stalls, and the like. Just saying a curt "bonjour" without even a smile, and then not a word would brand you as a "snob". "Elle n'est pas causante, celle-là, pour qui elle se prend ? ! " would people think. Also in the street if one asks for directions here people are only too happy and eager to help - granted, tourists are rare, except in summer - whereas in Paris I found they'd rather just ignore you. But no offence, I don't blame them since if I' had to live in Paris I'm sure I'd become so stressed by the noise, crowds, traffic jams, insecurity, that I'll eventually lose my friendly provincial habits.
Always so much TIP talk in these kinds of videos. I think everyone gets it, don't tip in Europe. The thing that is so weird is its always presented like waiters are so sort of of slaves in the USA, when in fact survey after survey shows they like the arrangement. Going to a "living wage" in the USA would mean big pay cuts, waiters leaving service. The reality is you can make more waiting tables in the evenings than your peers who got a 4 year degree. The point is being a waiter in the USA isn't low class and more importantly most are happy with the arrangement.
I used to eat slower than everyone. In America in school the teachers make fun of you if you don’t scarf to get to recess early. Now I wonder how kids eat in grade-schools in France.
unfortunately. But my kids have been educated well as to cooking and meals. They don't care much for american junk food. Although they might buy a hamburger once or twice a year at McDonald's, they know how to cook and what good and healthy cooking is about.
Actually what you say about eggs is not true. When any chicken lays eggs, there is an organic near impermeable membrane on the egg. In america we wash the egg as part of the processing, this removes that membrane. That is why we refrigerate them. In many European countries, they don't wash the egg, therefore its not necessary to refrigerate.
It does for pronouns, but the familiar died out after the Restoration except among Quakers, and in the King James Version of the Bible, where everyone got the idea that it was somehow super-formal :-) .
You can do small talk in France, your subject has to do with the place or the activity you are sharing: "Do you know if they are open on Saturday?" or any other question that seems reasonable to ask. Avoid being "familiar" and be clear about your intentions. People will backup if they suspect you want to obtain something from them or if you get to personal, but they will probably be happy to help if you have a simple question. It can even make things more comfortable.
@@emileduvernois6680 You don't have to really need that information, it's just a conversation starter. Once you passed the first "what does he/she want from me?" reaction, most people will talk to you.
citrouille bof , épices ? bof , j'aime pas ! va à CARREFOUR , tu y trouveras un gateau au chocolat : le TRIANON , il se vend en 2 petites portions pour 1 ou 2 personnes soit jusqu'à 8 ou 10 personnes , et je pense qu'ils peuvent faire plus grand sur commande ! puisqu'ils ont un service traiteur ( tout au moins chez moi !! )
Oh yes! Small talk as a habit is unnecessary and I love the way the French require people to stay in their space until invited in All that back slapping like people know you the instant they meet you drives me crazy And I never have to hear "have a nice day" again until the day I die
About smaltalks, it's not only a matter of private vs public sphere. It's also a matter of respect; the person you're going to engage the conversation with might be an introvert person who is not comfortable talking with people, or have social anxiety, or the person is just chilling after a hard day's work, or is in the process of thinking about important stuff for them, and talking to them out of nowhere is going to interrupt that. By interrupting the person in their quiet, ou thoughts or whatever the person is doing, you force your persence on that person. Most people don't care about unwanted interruption, but about 20% of the population won't appreciate that and find it rude. And it depends on the region. In the south and south-west, people are more open to small talks than in the rest of France.
Meals are a little bit too much of a big deal over here in France. I can't adapt to the Frenchy system of being "à table" at 12h00 or 19h00 with a precision of +- 2 minutes. I feel like I'm back in the Army!
entre amis ou collégue de travail , en France c'est plutôt une bouteille de Champagne , avant le repas , c'est plutôt l'apéro avec des alcool plus ou moins fort , entre porto ou biére ou bien un ricard ou pastis voir des alcools très fort comme un Cognac , un Bourbon , etc ............. mais il existe des vins du sud très sucré qui se boivent en toute période l'après midi ! comme le Muscat de Rivesaltes !!! qui va très bien avec un gateau au chocolat , certains vins du sud vont très bien avec une volaille !
I remember during my summer jab as cashier at my local supermarket, from time to time there was american customers. It was difficult for them to understand that I was not allowed to receive tips. The reason was simple as we were not allowed to have cash with us when working.
par contre , à Paris , les personnes sont peu aimable à ce que j'ai vu en venant fréquemment sur Paris , étant à peu de distance de la capitale , il me faut quoi , 1 heure par l' autoroute voir un peu plus !
Bonjour, Je suis un Canadien qui habite à la ville de Vancouver, Canada. Guten Tag, ich bin ein Kanadier und lebe in der Stadt Vancouver, Kanada. Good Day, I am a Canadian who lives in the city Vancouver, Canada. Je m'appelle Winston. Ich nenne mich Winston. I am Winston. I am Chinese-Canadian born in the Philippines. Je suis Sino-Canadien né aux Philippines. Ich bin chinesisch-kanadisch auf den Philippinen geboren.
désolé , mais je suis un homme Français et je discute beaucoup avec les personnes à coté de moi , rare sont les personnes mal poli et qui ne me répondent pas !
I really appreciate that you always make a point to reassure us that while we should always respect other cultures and their norms we should also always do whatever feels best for us 🥰
Hi there, I don't have kids, but from what I've observed I'd say the birthday party scene is a bit more low-key in France. That's not to say no one ever throws crazy, over-the-top parties because I'm sure some French people do, but in general they tend to be with a few friends from school and then maybe with the family for a Sunday meal. My niece and nephew had parties at the Chuck E. Cheese equivalent when young and had friends come to a party at a ice skating rink, so that kind of thing. But bouncy castles and super elaborate fondant cakes (American-style birthday cakes aren't really a thing here) with crazy decor are probably more rare. That said, there are a lot of normal, non-elaborate/expensive kids' parties in the US too so just depends on the family, their budget, and what they want to do I guess.
In France we don’t do sweet 16 like in the USA because this age doesn’t represent anything. We tend to have parties for our 18 birthday because it marks the age we can drive and vote and it’s also marks the end of high school. Also some people would have a party when they turn twenty. But I don’t thing those parties are « huge » depends on what you mean
Who else loves talking about cultural differences? Which ones stand out to you the most between your home country and France?
**Thank you to Pipplet, a modern language assessment company, for sponsoring this video.** More here: bit.ly/2ZEf9Ob
I've got the French and German citizenship in lockdown in Italy and am a bit homesick, as I'd normally be in France eating (of course) and drinking wine (of course). I find myself watching an American talking about France for some reason (you're doing a great job, I think). I am lucky enough to have experienced a bit of the American habits too, and I absolutely love smalltalk and greatly miss it in Europe; it's such a great way to break the ice in so many situations; say a few nice things/make a joke and any uncomfortableness is gone.
Eating fast probably comes from the short time US public schools allot for lunch break.
Eating fast comes from not being French. There are more important things to do than just eat alone or just with one’s family. Ask any other European who doesn’t speak French natively.
@@Egilhelmson What do you mean "more important thing than just eat" ? Can't think of any ^^
Nah a lot of young French people eat fast for the exact same reason. But that's something current French adults have barely lived
I m French and I eat fast I positively hate drawn out meals.
Salut! I just loved this video. I’ve been caught out ‘being American’ somehow each time I’ve come over. I can’t say it’s bad, though - nothing makes me feel younger than being in a new situation with language and customs. It’s just like jumping into the deep end of the pool.
Please do a episode about how important perfume/fragrance is in France. 💟☮️
And one more thing! People have inner voice in Europe, nobody yells in public places like cafes, bars, restaurants. Only probably when they have too much fun at the pub all singing :)
Speaking loud is considered bad manners.
Very true. It’s vulgar, low educated
Interesting. Where do you live? Have you ever been to Grenoble and taken the tramway?
J'ai toujours mis mes œufs au frigo (mon père moins 😂😂😂)...
This was an enjoyable video....So it's not that the Frwnch are rude 🤔😊?... i have a question , I was wondering what's your level of comfort communicating in French. Are you bilingual? Thanks 😊
If you dont look at your video you sound like oprah
Love her! She's so amazing! Thank you!!
J'aime beaucoup vos comparaisons et suis d'accord avec tout ce que vous racontez. Je suis Français et J'habite aux Etats unis depuis 28 ans. Bravo, c'est très sympa.
I can't get used to cashier asking me how I am doing and stuff when I shop at grocery stores in the us. I am Icelandic.
Veiga Grims me neither and I'm American
I’m an American and I can’t get use to it either. I do everything possible to avoid people talking to me
😀😀😀😀😀
Hate it too and I live in the South were talking to strangers is normal. Fortunately the clerks have mostly stopped doing that but they do ask - Did you find everything you were looking for? I have learned to say 'yes' because they ignore you when you say 'no'.
Facile, insincere, superficial bullshit, so demonstrative of American culture. And Yanks often struggle to understand why many countries hold large aspects of US culture in contempt. It’s pathetic.
I had to laugh about the inclusion of pumpkin pie on your list. When I was an exchange student many, many decades ago, my professors were absolutely flummoxed by peanut butter, root beer, and maple syrup. 😏
Peanut butter is an American staple, and was expensive in Mexico. We would bring big jars from the US. Also real maple syrup was not sold anywhere, except Costco, so we'd bring that, too.
Well, I'm German and really love peanut paste as it was called in Australia where I grew up. But I'm not really keen on small talk, remembering the americans where I used to work. They often asked "how are you", but weren´t really interested how you were - small talk! I don't put my eggs in the fridge, no need to do so. Most of what is said is the same in Germany. I suppose we are just European and find Americans rather strange. But I would like to try a pumpkin pie.
@@magmalin you must try pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top. It's delicious and pumpkin is very good good for you too.
@@lir9875 I've already found a recipe for pumpkin pie which I will try out soon - with whipped cream as you recommend :). I really like pumpkins but usually cook soup or pumpkin lasagne.
Who could be confounded by maple syrup? It's yummy.
I'm Hungarian and I refrigerate my eggs too. It never occurred to me not to do it.
So right about small talk. I spoke with a French woman once before living for a time in France and asked what she did for work. Totally fine in the USA. Her response? Ca ne vous regarde pas, monsieur!". I was totally taken aback. But when I got to France, I learned about their respect for privacy. Tant mieux!
That's kinda rude in France, depending on the context. Of course if it's one of the first question you ask it's weird, but it comes relatively quickly in the conversation. Work is a safe question most of the times...
@@catnextdoor5605. I’m French, a d that woman was totally right to answer that way. How rude is it to asl a total stranger ‘what do you do for a living’? Mind your own business is the appropriate answer. In France, and in Europe in general, we must respect the other people privacy. That’s the best way to be polite. Being intrusive on other people private life is the worst you can do. You were lucky not to get slapped on your face.
That woman was gross in the South of France her reaction would have been considered impolite at least people would have said " Elle a la grosse tête" ou " elle est cabour".
@@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643 French reporting. Je maintiens toujours mon commentaire. En général, parler de travail se fait assez rapidement, lorsqu'on est présenté par des amis par exemple. La réaction de la personne était excessive.
There are a lot of cultural differences between the different regions though. I'm from the south of France, we speak more easily. My paternal grandma is from Champagne, she's a lot harder to speak to. Plus some people are rude, even in France.
That question is rude in the US too. You can comment on the weather though.
So, you are the living embodiment of the old English toast, "Confusion to the French."
I made my French parents carrot cake muffins once and they were completely perplexed, and they didn't really like it. They said it was, "pas terrible."
Oh boy, haha, at least they didn't lie to you. Come to think of it, maybe my in-laws are just being polite when I make my American cakes and pies hahaha. I'm going to continue!
I used to make different foods in Mexico that people had never heard of. Like potato salad, chili, spaghetti-ground beef with spaghetti sauce, even our San Diego style Mexican food like burritos and fish tacos. When I'd make desserts, sometimes they were said to be too sweet. It's fun introducing people to food. Now that we're back in San Diego, we introduce my dad to other kinds of Mexican food.
Gosh I love carrot cake
@Michelle Yes, in Mexico I could only find those herbs for cooking, like rosemary, in the mercado, in the spiritistic stalls.
French food, Yuck!
Tipping a hair dresser would feel awkward to me.
Cheapskate.....
@@michaelvanchu2367 Its not about being a chepskate. Tipping a hairdresser isn't normal here and I've never heard of tipping a hairdresser. The fact she feels the need to tip after doing it a second time is kind of sad.
french hair dresser don't need tip because they have a decent wage.
Enjoying Oui in France immensely! Love learning about cultural differences and going on field trips through France with you. Mont St. Michel was wonderful and your video of the sky as dusk turned to night was spectacular! And it's great seeing you of course!
I just want to correct a few of the myths concerning tipping in France from the perspective of an English person working in the service industry for 20 years in both Paris and the Riviera. ‘Service compris’ on a restaurant bill (in the US you say check) relates to the TVA (Value Added Tax) which goes onto the bill to cover the service provided. It is no way an added ‘extra’ for the waiter or bartender who served you, so claiming that they have already been tipped and not leaving a tip as a result is simply NOT TRUE. What is true is that waiters and bartenders, depending on where they work, get a below average salary. Of course tipping is NOT compulsory in France due to it never being part of the custom. However, these customs come from a period whereby the cost of living was a lot lower in France and are generally perpetuated by the older generation, much to the frustration of many within the industry. I suppose I am biased but if asked I always point out that tipping is NOT compulsory but if you appreciated the service you could leave a tip for the person who provided that service, a correct amount would be about 5 - 10%. 20% like in the US is probably a little excessive but here’s the point: It’s entirely up to YOU. It’s certainly not compulsory to leave a tip and likewise it’s certainly not compulsory to NOT leave a tip. If the service was bad, don’t leave a tip!
I’m sorry for ranting but I’ve served so many Americans in 20 years who have been instructed to ‘NOT LEAVE A TIP’ whilst being completely delighted with the service due to this perpetual reoccurring myth that service is included in the final bill. Technically it is, but NOT IN THE WAY YOU THINK.
I tend to always leave a 5 or 10 euro bill if the service was nice (and by nice, I mean nice, not "amazing". As long as you're not a complete douche, you'll get your tip). In café's I tend to round it up and leave the difference.
Actually, if the service is bad enough to not leave a tip, in the US you should speak to the manager, instead. The tip is likely shared among everyone, or at least with the cooks and busboys.
@@susieasado6675 you have entirely missed the point. Why do you insist on Americans continuing to do something that is not the cultural norm in a country they are visiting? Would you insist they visit religious temples in flimsy clothing as well or would you understand that local customs are different and respect them?
don't worry, most people in france put eggs into the fridge x) some fridge even have a special place for them. but yes, it's not necessary, because eggs don't need that, at least natural eggs Oo
Why do store bleach their eggs in the US?
@@curtisfuturemann3679 So they look super white, which is silly to me.
In France, the fridge is not needed. Eggs for human consommation must be really clean when the hen lays them, because we don't do anything else for them to be cleaner.
When the hen lays her eggs, there is a membrane around the egg that protects it against bacteria. In France, we preservs that membrane, so no need for the fridge. In the USA, they bleach the egg, so destroy the membrane, so need for the fridge to avoid bacteria. But so, as eggs must be without any defect or filth to be sell as eggs for human consommation, we got less eggs per hen.
As a visitor to the US is doesn't seem as if the small talk is a thing in New York City lol
New York, for me, is not really the U.S.
What does New York City have to do with visiting the USA? The two have nothing in common.
@@TheMVCoho They don't? That's an interesting thing to say!!! U might be proving my point actually.
Diane, really enjoy your shows and especially how you get to the point.
The tip, in restaurants for instances, IS actually included in the prices on the menu, as well as taxes (TVA / VAT). You can see this by the mention "Service compris" for the tip, sometimes indicating the rate (10 % ou 15% usually). So we can add an EXTRA tip, if we are really pleased by the service and the food, to thanks more than the included tip.
An other exemple, in theaters : if the theater is public (sustained by state, or town...) usually the opener (? ouvreur / ouvreuse in french) has a regular salary, and are assimilated to state ou town employee, and must NOT accept any tip. It's usually indicated in these places, "nos ouvreurs ne peuvent accepter de pourboire" or something of analog meaning. Paying an official for the service, can be assimilated to corruption, whatever the amount given.
thierry...true and I am a European...I totally disagree with this practice because the wait staff doesn't have to earn the tip! I've been on a plane on KLM and the steward was so rude to the woman next to me...and having traveled enough on overseas flights, have never seen this type of behavior especially to an elderly woman (this guy didn't do this to anybody else, she was very kind). Anyway, a tip needs to be earned not handed out!
This is all because Americans can’t seem to understand the difference between a service charge and a tip. No offence to your American cousins, put the whole service culture in the US is basically fucked up.
In Norway we always put eggs in the fridge.
same here in Italy
Are they in the fridge when you buy them from the shop? They're on the shelf in the UK.
@@philip013 they are. And usually when I arrive home with the groceries they are the first thing I put in the fridge
I am French and never saw anyone letting eggs outside of the fridge!! We always keep them refrigerated
@@humbeline. what the actual fuck, i never saw anyone, and i mean ANYONE putting eggs in fridge.
I don’t particularly care for small talk, lol. Cant stand being at the checkout and the person in front of me is gabbing to the cashier holding up the line. I retired from the USPS after 28 years. After a certain amount of time we got 5 paid weeks off a year. The job was physically grueling though.
I worked 29 years as a USDA-FSIS meat inspector. I needed every day of those 5 weeks of paid vacation. The people producing meat products work very hard.
Show me an American that understands the difference between a tip and a service charge, and I’ll show you a pig that can fly.
Another lovely video! I did find non refrigerated eggs odd at first but now I love them. They are ready for baking and cooking. As far as wine, we do drink a glass in the afternoon sometimes at home. We will also order a bottle or carafe at a restaurant and very rarely will we get a cocktail before. With small talk, I’m not brave enough to strike up a conversation with a stranger anyway!
In France and Belgium, tipping is only when service is good and not because employees are not paid by their employers.
I live in Portugal and we are very European like the French !
Amazing! Perhaps it's due to Portugal being....ummmm.....in Europe.
Before this year
I would have said there was no
cans of pumpkin in the grocery stores
but here in Germany we have suddenly got it.
It is in the vegetable section and is always so far unsweetened
but it definitely has appeared here
Germany has a big cinnamon culture
it is the Christmas spice
so cinnamon spiced pumpkin is acceptable.
Rather stange. I've never run into any canned pumpkins in German supermarkets.
@@magmalin
I found it in a local Biomarkt
Then in both the local Rewe and Real
I have some recipes with canned pumpkin
with no sugar added
so I was happy and surprised.
@@johncrwarner How awful! Especially if you found it at a bio market. I have always thought that bio markets in Germany don't sell american junk food in tins. Buy that american junk whoever wants to. I certainly won't. I prefer fresh, good european food. The only things I like are baked beans in tins and peanut paste - my australin heritage ;)..
@@johncrwarner Okay. To each his own. I prefer Pumkins that are not in tins. But the pumpkin pie sounds nice., although I usually use pumpkin as vegetables as in France. I'm going to try to find a recipe in the internet for a pumpkin pie.
You may also try a sweet potato casserole with melted marshmallows on top. Very healthy and delish
The absence of small talk in France is not comfortable for me i really prefer the easiness to connect in the UK and the US.
As long as you do not put sugar in your wine when it's too dry or some ice cubes to cool it down, it should be ok...
En effet, boire du vin en dehors des repas ne serait pas très bien vu en France. On s'inquiéterait pour cette personne et on lui donnerait les coordonnées du groupe d'AA du coin ! :D
About tipping : it is VERY good to tip a little in bars or clubs.
The waiter will prioritize you when he/she sees you coming back for more ;)
The French sound very similar to the tight assed Germans
When the epidemic is over, welcome to Taiwan
Yeah, at 4:40 where you say about using small talk to give someone 'a boost' or 'make their day a little better'... If the social norm isn't to do that, then don't. You are imposing your norms, your foreign norms, on someone else, and you don't get to decide if it makes their day a little better or not.
Yes, mustn't remind people that not everyone in the world is like them.
@@PSchearer it's not that deep. if you live your whole life doing something from your culture you aren't going to stop immediately because you are in a different country. Many immigrants to the US seem to have a staring problem for example. Or they don't hold the door open for people, both are rude over here.
I am French but I refrigerate eggs and do small talk and love complimenting people I do not know.
You are ahead of the pack!
☮️💟
New to your channel. I’m constructing my “immersion” experience from Tucson. So hard!! Enjoying your vids.
Welcome aboard!
Maybe you could do one about Wines? Include what type of glasses are best to drink the different wines. Thanks !!!
Where do you live? Maybe that's different if you're in a very big city like Paris (i've never lived there so I don't know) but in a medium sized or small town (dijon or lower in size) it's not weird to make small talks. It happened to me all the time. Complimenting people's clothes, hair, talking about a product at the supermarket, at the swimming pool...etc. i don't see that as unusual. At least as a woman, i often have people starting small talks with me or the reverse. I've had people telling me random things or even asking to touch my hair (i have long hair) ...Etc.
And I love pumkin pie, pumpkin roll, pumpkin scones...etc. I just make the purée myself out of fresh pumkin since it's hard to find the cans. (i freeze the left over purée for later ^^) All the people I've made it for loved it too. and even asked for the recipe^^
You sound like a nice person. Good fou you
FYI everybody canned pumpkin in the USA is never a pumpkin it's squash
I'm afraid I'd make all of those blunders, so thanks, should I ever go over, I'll re-watch this to remind me. But, wait, pumpkin! really, ooooh, sorry, but I'm with you, girl, love me some pumpkin pie & I usually buy the pumpkin & scoop it out & use that, not the can & toast the seeds to eat while I'm waiting! LOL I havta say a great pumpkin bake or soup is fab with me, too.
Too bad you didn't grow up in an Italian-American family. Food and wines are VERY important and cooked and chosen with care. France is not so much different since France gets a lot of its culture from Italy.
Also, during the 19th-20th centuries, Italian immigration was important in France too (another similarity with the US). I think 1 Frenchman out of 10 has an Italian grandfather.
I don't even like pumpkin pie and I got defensive about the last one. It's like human existence. Pumpkin pie just... is. You don't question it.
My husband was a waiter in France and LOVED Americans because they would always tip! I feel guilty if I don't leave a little something.
Can you order canned pumpkin through Amazon or some other company? Or do you have to cook a pumpkin to make your pies? Do we need to send over a care package of canned pumpkins?
Trust me unless you have a kitchen the size of a garage you do not want to try to cook a pumpkin you will be finding seeds and the inside sludge for weeks. Just order a can of pumpkin.
If you leave a little something, the waiters will be nicer to you lol. My husband always leaves a good tip at restaurants (we live in the U.S.) and if he's a returning customer, they remember him and he gets very good service. But if the custom in France is not to tip, then you shouldn't feel guilty.
Very interesting, really sheds a new light.
Tip, "service" is already added in France.
Chris...that's just what I added in my comment - as a business, you can't lose the profit margin or you are out (of business) like a bulb.
"Service compris" is just a legal taxation category, because restaurants are on a weird status fence between goods (because of the food) and services (because somebody is cooking for you, somebody is serving you). That does not mean the waiter gets something. Waiters have a better salary than in the US, sure (that's not really hard to accomplish...) but they are still on the lower end of average salary. Tips for a good service (even a 5 or 10 € bill for the evening) is appreciated.
I'm French and eat my grandmother's pumpkin pie since childhood... I don't think it's that rare.
It's rare. You are in the 0.5%.
I went to Law School in Paris, France (Sorbonne). Then I worked as an attorney in Paris. I agree with your comments about driving an automobile in France. I also agree about pumpkin pie. Also about the aperitif. When I first went to the beach on the Mediterranean sea, I was amazed to see many French women going topless (then, of course - oeuf corse - I became accustomed to it).
I just want to say it is not usual for a French woman to go topless on the beach but we don't have problem to take the top off while being on your stomach
FYI : I've never seen anyone in France NOT putting the eggs in the fridge, even though it's indeed only optional. But I've seen Americans being very surprised by our milk sold in bottles or boxes you can keep out of the fridge for months.
socialising: first time in 2012, when approaching a shop assistant, we would greet with, "bojour" ,and then ask if they spoke English, which they would answer, "a little bit" ,but that would be all the English they would speak and we would resort to sign language, but from 2015, quite a few shop assistants would attempt some English or would ask what the English word was for a particular item. Our trip this year had to be cancelled, because of Covid-19.
When I found that most French children study English in school for at least 4 years, I was amazed by their incompetence (or is it, more likely, their stubborness).
@@billglass5160 : you have to realise it’s only a subject in class, once they’re out of class, no English, it was the same with doing French as a class. My grandkids get to speak English at home, because Mum tries to keep English at home.
@@ceedoubleyou Maybe it shouldn't be a required subject, as was the case for French in the U.S.
@@billglass5160 : interesting, that French was compulsory, where you are, it was only an option here in NZ and I didn't take it.
@@ceedoubleyou no, it WASN'T compulsory in the U.S. I think English for the French should not be compulsory either since they don't use it anyway.
Haha - pumpkin pie. I lived in Australia for several years and would fix the traditional Thanksgiving feast for flatmates and friends. They were totally flummoxed at pumpkin pie, they thought it was absolutely bizarre. I will say that after they tried it, they were sold, but the initial reaction was "ewww."
Same experience as an American living in the UK.
When I was in the military I ate fast because I usually had to get back to the office. After I got out and had to get a regular job I usually had 30 minutes to eat.
In prison, you eat fast or you starve
I am a French-born American and couldn't agree more with all the differences mentioned. This explains why I am now considered a foreigner when I come back.
Diane thank you, I learned a couple of things there! I'm not working today so having an online catch up.
On most tickets: "18% Service compris" means the tip is included", better than 15% or no tip given in the U.S..You seem to have forgotten the 16 year old drinking age for beer, and the 18 year old drinking age for any other alcohol in France. The driving age in France is 18.
18% ??? wrong the tip isnot included because legally tips does not exist in France ! Ceux qui payent des pourboires en France sont les étrangers anglosaxons, les gens aisés et généreux, ou les bourrés en boite de nuit. Nous avons un revenu minimal pour tous les salariés, une assurance santé et 5 semaines de congés payés, ce n'est donc pas la même philosophie, les emplois sans qualifications ne sont pas aussi misérables qu'à l'étranger.
I love the pumpkin dessert one. Thanks for sharing!
Just came on board! I love your vlogs!! love love!
Do you know that Pipplet comes from the french slang "pipelette", meaning a person who talks a lot/too much? A blabbermouth.
Yup, great name for a language testing company!
Lots of French don’t like cinnamon. Have you noticed? Imagine people look when I told them the bread they were eating had courgette in it.
My husband hates cinnamon. You're right, it's not a popular flavor here.
We do have pumkin desserts in Perigord, and gers, in the southwest in general, it is called millassou.
But yeah, the first time I heard of a carrot cake, i was puzzled ^^. Why use a carrot ? Apples are better :)
I live in the tropics. 34c every day. 26c overnight.. We certainly put our eggs in the fridge.
In the UK I put eggs in the fridge just because it gets them out of the way so they don't get knocked on the floor.
We can talk about anything to a stranger in Australia with the exception maybe to salary and religion... Particularly religion. Asking a person what is their job is totally fine...
Great video Diane ! Agree with you . About the eggs in France , I would say « un œuf is an œuf « to quote Shakespeare
:0))
Huge difference between Paris and the province : here in my 12,000 inhabitants town, it would , on the contrary, be considered as very rude NOT TO do small talk in lines, in doctors' waiting rooms, at the hairdresser's, at the market stalls, and the like. Just saying a curt "bonjour" without even a smile, and then not a word would brand you as a "snob". "Elle n'est pas causante, celle-là, pour qui elle se prend ? ! " would people think. Also in the street if one asks for directions here people are only too happy and eager to help - granted, tourists are rare, except in summer - whereas in Paris I found they'd rather just ignore you. But no offence, I don't blame them since if I' had to live in Paris I'm sure I'd become so stressed by the noise, crowds, traffic jams, insecurity, that I'll eventually lose my friendly provincial habits.
It's sometimes strange to see "normal" folks (normal = not alcoholic or junky) drinking wine/alcohol alone in their kitchen as it's water.
Always so much TIP talk in these kinds of videos. I think everyone gets it, don't tip in Europe. The thing that is so weird is its always presented like waiters are so sort of of slaves in the USA, when in fact survey after survey shows they like the arrangement. Going to a "living wage" in the USA would mean big pay cuts, waiters leaving service. The reality is you can make more waiting tables in the evenings than your peers who got a 4 year degree. The point is being a waiter in the USA isn't low class and more importantly most are happy with the arrangement.
The 5 weeks paid vacation per year is the minimum. Due to the 35h/week of work, we tend to have much more, plus the holy days
I used to eat slower than everyone. In America in school the teachers make fun of you if you don’t scarf to get to recess early. Now I wonder how kids eat in grade-schools in France.
Interesting to each his or hers own, ilove pumpkin pie don't forget the whip cream.❤
Mealtimes were important maybe 30 years ago, nowadays most young people eat at McDonald's
unfortunately. But my kids have been educated well as to cooking and meals. They don't care much for american junk food. Although they might buy a hamburger once or twice a year at McDonald's, they know how to cook and what good and healthy cooking is about.
Ha ha not in France
Ain't that a shame
Actually what you say about eggs is not true. When any chicken lays eggs, there is an organic near impermeable membrane on the egg. In america we wash the egg as part of the processing, this removes that membrane. That is why we refrigerate them.
In many European countries, they don't wash the egg, therefore its not necessary to refrigerate.
In France, the tip is included in the price. it's written in the bill "service compris"
Très intéressant ! Merci !
Make Shoofly Pie and Sweet Potato Pie!
the pumkin bit- i live on canned pumkin. oh well.
I love small talk. I like saying one cheery thing to people. I always tip well unless i am in France or Italy aas they did not like it.
My wife's family is from Germany and they do nogt understand that English does not have a familiar and formal form.
It does for pronouns, but the familiar died out after the Restoration except among Quakers, and in the King James Version of the Bible, where everyone got the idea that it was somehow super-formal :-) .
I love pumpkin pie too, and nuts, of course.
You can do small talk in France, your subject has to do with the place or the activity you are sharing: "Do you know if they are open on Saturday?" or any other question that seems reasonable to ask. Avoid being "familiar" and be clear about your intentions.
People will backup if they suspect you want to obtain something from them or if you get to personal, but they will probably be happy to help if you have a simple question. It can even make things more comfortable.
True, compliments on clothes or appearance are to personnal, it would make me wonder if the person is trying to hit onme, regardless of their gender.
Genuinely asking for information you lack is not what smalltalk is about, is it ?
@@emileduvernois6680 You don't have to really need that information, it's just a conversation starter.
Once you passed the first "what does he/she want from me?" reaction, most people will talk to you.
citrouille bof , épices ? bof , j'aime pas ! va à CARREFOUR , tu y trouveras un gateau au chocolat : le TRIANON , il se vend en 2 petites portions pour 1 ou 2 personnes soit jusqu'à 8 ou 10 personnes , et je pense qu'ils peuvent faire plus grand sur commande ! puisqu'ils ont un service traiteur ( tout au moins chez moi !! )
Oh yes! Small talk as a habit is unnecessary and I love the way the French require people to stay in their space until invited in All that back slapping like people know you the instant they meet you drives me crazy And I never have to hear "have a nice day" again until the day I die
Don't know where you were in France, but here in Grenoble I hear that "have a nice day", every day.
About smaltalks, it's not only a matter of private vs public sphere. It's also a matter of respect; the person you're going to engage the conversation with might be an introvert person who is not comfortable talking with people, or have social anxiety, or the person is just chilling after a hard day's work, or is in the process of thinking about important stuff for them, and talking to them out of nowhere is going to interrupt that. By interrupting the person in their quiet, ou thoughts or whatever the person is doing, you force your persence on that person. Most people don't care about unwanted interruption, but about 20% of the population won't appreciate that and find it rude.
And it depends on the region. In the south and south-west, people are more open to small talks than in the rest of France.
Well, one can always try to start a smalltalk and see what happens. If no reaction, stop. For me, no problem with that.
Meals are a little bit too much of a big deal over here in France. I can't adapt to the Frenchy system of being "à table" at 12h00 or 19h00 with a precision of +- 2 minutes. I feel like I'm back in the Army!
Might be a just a sliiiiiiiiiiight exaggeration ;-)
@@OuiInFrance I'll introduce you to my neighbors and you can judge for yourself.
I don’t get the compulsory hellos but lack of small talk.
entre amis ou collégue de travail , en France c'est plutôt une bouteille de Champagne , avant le repas , c'est plutôt l'apéro avec des alcool plus ou moins fort , entre porto ou biére ou bien un ricard ou pastis voir des alcools très fort comme un Cognac , un Bourbon , etc ............. mais il existe des vins du sud très sucré qui se boivent en toute période l'après midi ! comme le Muscat de Rivesaltes !!! qui va très bien avec un gateau au chocolat , certains vins du sud vont très bien avec une volaille !
Pumpkin pie et carrot cake en France? Avec toutes les belles patisseries qu'on a en France. Non merci!!!!!!!
Loved the video Diane! For me, the egg difference was the most surprising the 1st time I visited France.
Do you have a French language online course you recommend? My college age daughter wants to attend a semester of college in France. Great video!
I remember during my summer jab as cashier at my local supermarket, from time to time there was american customers.
It was difficult for them to understand that I was not allowed to receive tips.
The reason was simple as we were not allowed to have cash with us when working.
In all of my 71 years here in the USA,I've never heard of tipping a cashier!
Thank you for this terrific episode.
par contre , à Paris , les personnes sont peu aimable à ce que j'ai vu en venant fréquemment sur Paris , étant à peu de distance de la capitale , il me faut quoi , 1 heure par l' autoroute voir un peu plus !
Bonjour, Je suis un Canadien qui habite à la ville de Vancouver, Canada. Guten Tag, ich bin ein Kanadier und lebe in der Stadt Vancouver, Kanada. Good Day, I am a Canadian who lives in the city Vancouver, Canada. Je m'appelle Winston. Ich nenne mich Winston. I am Winston. I am Chinese-Canadian born in the Philippines. Je suis Sino-Canadien né aux Philippines. Ich bin chinesisch-kanadisch auf den Philippinen geboren.
i say let ur hair down if you’re stressed
Wine compliments wine. Drink up.
désolé , mais je suis un homme Français et je discute beaucoup avec les personnes à coté de moi , rare sont les personnes mal poli et qui ne me répondent pas !
I really appreciate that you always make a point to reassure us that while we should always respect other cultures and their norms we should also always do whatever feels best for us 🥰
Absolutely, it's really important! No need for our mental health or wellbeing to suffer is something isn't working for us. ;-)
I was wondering if French people throw huge birthday parties for their children like here in the US?
Hi there, I don't have kids, but from what I've observed I'd say the birthday party scene is a bit more low-key in France. That's not to say no one ever throws crazy, over-the-top parties because I'm sure some French people do, but in general they tend to be with a few friends from school and then maybe with the family for a Sunday meal. My niece and nephew had parties at the Chuck E. Cheese equivalent when young and had friends come to a party at a ice skating rink, so that kind of thing. But bouncy castles and super elaborate fondant cakes (American-style birthday cakes aren't really a thing here) with crazy decor are probably more rare. That said, there are a lot of normal, non-elaborate/expensive kids' parties in the US too so just depends on the family, their budget, and what they want to do I guess.
In France we don’t do sweet 16 like in the USA because this age doesn’t represent anything. We tend to have parties for our 18 birthday because it marks the age we can drive and vote and it’s also marks the end of high school. Also some people would have a party when they turn twenty. But I don’t thing those parties are « huge » depends on what you mean
@@baudeletnoemie9978 sweet 16 only for hispanic people .