Went to my first French Open this week (or Roland Garros to those in France) along with bunch of sober, well-behaved French people eating food they brought from home. Quite a sporting event culture shock for this American.
Imagine 48 mini tweezer heads on a revolving cylinder. Now imagine running it over your skin as the tweezers rip your hair out from the root. This is not a torture device, but a popular hair removal tool used in France that is virtually unknown…
When eating at a fine restaurant in France, there is a silent code diners use with forks and knives to talk to waiters. A sort of sign language via le couteau and la fourchette.
You’re invited to a French mariage in a castle. Awesome! Before you go, there are a few key differences between American and French weddings to learn. Know what to expect so you can be a good guest.
Your ticket is booked, your plans made, all that’s left is packing. So what do you wear around Paris if you don’t want to scream “tourist”? Before you start packing, learn the Dos and Don’ts of dressing in Paris for both men and women.
Just as Americans are enamored with Paris, French people also look at New York with awe. So I’m often asked to compare my current and former home. The differences are deeper than just choosing bagels or baguettes.
Wine is a treasured part of French culture, and therefore etiquette revolves around proper appreciation of it. These rules are really guidelines for enjoyment, since the French don’t see the point in drinking a wine the wrong way.
Ahh the Trophy Wife. The young, beautiful but vapid status symbol for her older, less attractive and wealthy husband. In U.S. and the U.K., this is a well-known concept. So why doesn’t the Trophy Wife translate to France?
The French are big on seasonal eating, and winter means lots of special meals heavy on the cheese, meat and carbs. Raclette, tariflette, croziflette…I hadn’t heard of these dishes until I visited France in winter. So allow me to introduce you to my favorite winter…
The French, they’re just like us! We Americans have this idea French people are all sophisticated and just read philosophy and could never be interested in crap TV. Au contraire. They even have their own answer to Kim Kardashian.