You can get used to anything

A few things I can't do any more, living in France so long

--pour my own wine at dinner
--put on lipstick in public
--go out of the house without thinking about what I'm wearing
--walk into a store (even in the U.S.) without saying hello to the salesperson
--get on a bus without saying hello to the driver
--buy gas at a service station without getting out of the car to talk to the guy who is pumping gas
--ask a question without saying "Bonjour, Madame" or "Excusez-moi, Monsieur" first
--talk to strangers in public, even if they're American (unless they need help)
--drive politely

Things I'll probably never be able to do, even though I've lived in France so long

--cut in line
--scream at foreigners
--make my own mayonnaise

Things I've learned in France

--to appreciate opera and art (en passant, this morning I heard the D.J. at Radio France Classique refer to Herbert von Karajan as sa majesté)
--to give a formal dinner party
--never to take "no" for an answer: it's just the beginning of negotiations
--to appreciate French rule-bending: it can work for you!
--to wear a skirt when I take my car to the garage

Vive la France!

Comments

[L'Amerloque]

Hi !

Amerloque almost screams in frustration when, in the USA, a person at his table pulls out a lipstick and compact in public. Ca ne se fait pas. (grin)

Making one's own mayonnaise is crucial, no ? (wider grin)

Ah, le savoir-vivre à la française …

Best,
L'Amerloque

[Amy Alkon]

Thanks for the reminder about "no." I once got the Detaxe at the airport without having my "stuff" with me...even though the supervisor there pointed to the big sign and told the woman dealing with me no way. Then again, I was wearing a wide-brimmed black hat. Doors everywhere open for a woman in a big black hat.

[ChrisLate]

Sweet entry! And it's funny how the mayonnaise thing sticks out...we'll all be rooting for you on that one.

Living in the states, I can only attempt one or two things from afar. Am proud to say I can make a good cassoulet and seven hour lamb. Fork and knife are always in my hand. But nothing like living there, sigh.

[Peggy]

Making mayonnaise really isn't too difficult. I've never even thought about where I was when I reapplied my lipstick. You're saying that in Paris, one must go to the toilet?

[Linda]

I was looking at your photos, the one of the wonderful door on 29 Avenue Rapp in particular. You made the statement that you wished you could see it in a movie. I wanted to let you know that it is in the old movie musical, Gigi. Gigi's aunt "lives" in the building.
Hmmm-I put my lipstick on where ever I am. I guess I must be getting nasty looks but I've never noticed.

[Ms. Glaze]

Ah oui, never take "no" for an answer. It really is the beginning of all negotians in France isn't it? When I first came here I constantly heard, "Eets not posseeble" but now I know that means – everything is possible...

Bisous,
Ms. Glaze

[N who is in my family]

All I wish to say is that [impossible remark]. That is all! ...

From Sedulia: Stay off my blog or I'll write on your Facebook Wall!

[Rachel]

First, I really enjoy your blog.

I just moved to Paris in September, and I find your lists totally right (and hilarious). I am sure I was getting funny looks the other day when I applyied lipstick in the Place des Vosges. I am here with my 7 month old son, though, who provokes strangers to speak to me constantly. My poor French has improved quite a bit as a result, I am happy to say.

[Jennifer]

Agree on the negotiations. Oh the shocked looks I get back in Canada when I try to negotiate terms...