oh those french....

During my time here, I have noticed many French funnies and I believe it is necessary to share these funny happenings with my friends in America, so here goes....

1. Oh that language....

Just when one begins to think he or she may possess a strong knowledge of the language, something happens to make him or her question if they are, in fact, still beginners.  Today in lecture, we were discussing genetics, designer babies, embryo research, etc.  One of the girls in my class was attempting to discuss how she had a fear of growing old, however, due to some flipping of words and incorrect vocab, she accidently said she was having {birthing} a bunch of old people!  Embarrassing for her, funny for us!  Our professor, Claude, loves to make fun of our Frenglish and point out exactly what we have incorrectly said...are you really hot sexually or rather, is it hot out?  Did you really sleep in his bed last night or did you rest in your own bed??  Guess we still have some work to do...

2.The French jog

Since I live next to some beautiful scenery, when it is nice out, I love to run along the beach.  There is a running path that is parallel to the beach and has some awesome views to enjoy during your jalk (jog/walk).  However, here is a question for ya...how do you pick out the American exercise enthusiast??  The Answer:  Clearly he or she will be the only one not wearing head to toe spandex and usually has about 5-10 pounds on the heaviest french man running.  So anyway as I am running along in my t-shirt and pants, I notice the cute old couples resting on a bench and the adorable children playing in the sand; yet, there is also a group that catches my attention.  For some reason every 1/2 mile or so there is a group of 3-5 people (typically elderly) who insist on walking in a straight line and holding hands.  Now you may be thinking well surely when they see a runner approaching them they will slip into single file line to make room, nope, it is as though they are inviting you to a game of red rover and challenging you to break through.  In some extreme cases I have had to physically duck down or suck in my stomach to fit by these resilient groups or risk stepping into the street and facing the wrath of the French driver.  Well I guess this exercise could also count for some plyometrics.....

3. Karaoke

There are a few local bars here that American students like to frequent, one of which is a karaoke bar.  Last wednesday I decided to check it out for the first time.  It was really fun, had a good vibe and plenty of opportunities to belt out your favorite tune.  However, there is also a surprise one is able to discover while performing, the French DJ who is in charge of finding and playing your request loooooves to harmonize!  A group of guys from my program were performing the classic Ricky Martin hit shake your bon bons when all of a sudden a much lower voice chimes in with shake shake, shake shake those bon bons.  Yup it was the DJ and while he did not quite have the correct beat of the song it was very entertaining none the less.

4. US travel

During our time here we have surveyed every French person we encounter to see if they have ever been to the United States, if so where, if not where would they like to go.  Hands down the most popular answer has been....(drumroll).....MIAMI!  I mean clearly I can see why, who wouldn't want to strut their stuff with their gold chains, open shirts with exposed chest hair and party all night long.  Clearly Will Smith has put some ideas into the Europeans heads and watch out Miami they will be invading shortly. 

5. Finally, the cafeteria and those bathrooms

For the most part our living conditions here have been wonderful.  Our rooms are sufficiently big, we school is next door to us, etc.; however there are just a few things I would consider changing.  Alright so I know for a fact our bathroom stalls are cleaned every single day; yet, there has not been a time I have used them that they don't smell like you are reliving yourself in the middle of a petting zoo!  Not quite sure where the smell originated or why but phewww watch out!  

The other insy winsy problem is the food!  So I understand entirely that it is cafeteria food; however, I've eaten cafeteria food before that was decent, this however is soooooo bland and sometimes questionable of its origin that I have found myself enjoying many a cafe sandwich during meal times.  The quality of the food is only matched by the lunch ladies.  For some reason they have a personal vendetta against you choosing your own seat and while the Italiens are allowed to reserve entire tables the Americans can usually be found shoved into some corner nibbling on a piece of bread.  Dare you ask what exactly we are eating during a given meal you better be prepared for a severe tongue lashing in several languages! And god forbid you decide to be a vegetarian in France.  They act as though you have personally insulted their mother when you sit at the table that the 3 vegetarians are forced to sit at.  Clearly they don't understand dietary needs because they seem to thoroughly enjoy informing this table that they are not able to eat the dessert today (ha that will show them!).  Oh well, it often provides material to joke with after lunch

So there you have it, some of the more humorous things I have discovered while living in France...