Here comes my 6th instalment for the series 10 impressions of Paris. Time flies. I’ve been here for 2 years!!! Do you recognise this landmark? 😉

Un: McDonald France have beer & macaroon

Enough said, right? I kid you not. Plus they actually bring the food to your table. However, beer is not part of Happy Meals 🙁 so inconsiderate

 

Deux: Large quantity implies poor quality

To the French, large quantity is a sign of poor quality. For an example, a buffet at any establishment is perceived to be of inferior quality to à la carte. So that leads to restaurants purposefully reducing the quantity / size to create value for the French market. Take McDonald for example, the food size here is a lot smaller than USA’s.

 

Trois: Philosophy is an high school senior / matric year subject

Best way to teach young people to think a lot, right? It is traditionally the first national exam across France.

 

Quatre: Schools do not teach religious study

That’s right. The public schools only teach history of various religion (mainly the religious wars), but do not teach the value of each religion. Not knowing about different religions, believes and traditions is such a dangerous thing, no? Because the topic religion is considered somewhat taboo, people don’t talk about it at all… Ignorance breeds distrust and delusions in my opinion.

 

Cinq: Organic fertiliser is cool

This one confused the hell out of me.

 

Do people here know what organic fertiliser really means? Hello? It is chicken / horse manure; okay, it is possible to use coffee waste as well, but hey, manure is the regular. Hopefully been burnt as well, otherwise say hi to a bunch of worms. Hm… maybe the chicken / horse manure over here doesn’t have worms even without burning. Anyways, the point is, why are people willing to pay more for manure than artificial fertiliser that smell less repulsive?!?!?

 

I am pretty positive that the “nature fertiliser” is the default / cheapest option back in South Africa (and the most common option). Seriously, why are people willing to pay more for manure?!?!?!?

 

Six: No body in Paris in Summer (July – August)

Yup… where is everyone? And many shops are closed!!! It’s giving up a month of commercial rent. It feels irrational to me.

 

Sept: Cannot buy contact lens without a prescription from the doctor

!#$%$%$!% Seriously, why do I need to go to a specialist doctor for buying contact lens?

 

Huit: Sephora France has the WORST deals

When Sephora France send a 25% off voucher, the voucher excludes a BUNCH for brands. E.g. NARS, Too faced, Kat von D, Fenty etc… need I say more? O, and when they do hold a “big sale”, only a tiny fraction of the shades are on sale, but it doesn’t show that on their website until you click through. Sephora France site is FULL of click bait. Plus they tend to sell the same product at a higher price than the brand’s official website. There is no birthday freebies or birthday discount that’s meaningful (think 10% with a bunch of brand excluded). Why should I accumulate points with Sephora? The points don’t even lead to gifts. The points leads to more discount vouchers that are USELESS! With lame-ass vouchers like that, they might as well don’t bother with the point card.

 

If you’re moving to France, I highly recommend that you head straight to Nocibé instead. The shops are not as snazzy, but when they have sale, they mean business. No sneaky exclude 20 brands sort of situation. If you don’t know Nocibé, it is a national chain that sells cosmetic in France. Way better value for money.

 

Neuf: Someone different

Wahahahaha this is sooooooo far gone for me. I didn’t realised that this expression is referring to people that are not white. My initial thought was that they’re talking about disabled community or LGBT because the speaker made it sounded somewhat very sensitive. But no, “someone different” refers to non-white. Either I am completely oblivious or people are just too sensitive? Why can’t people just say that they are looking for a multi-racial mix crowd?

 

Anyways, point taken, in future I will stick to this sort of vocab.

 

Dix: Kids goes to Louvre, Versailles, Mount St Michel… all the iconic places for school trips

I am just jealous. The last 2 weeks of school, many schools take the kids to visit places around the country. Guess what French kids gets to do? Yup, that’s right. Iconic museums and other UNESCO sites. My jealousy is totally justified, right?

France-school-outing-paris-102252
I tried to blur out all the kids’ faces, hence the reason for some distortion. I am not a huge fan of publishing kids’ photos

 

**The featured firework photo was taken by my husband 😀 Isn’t it beautiful?

 

So that’s it for this “episode” of 10 impressions of Paris 😉 Thank you for reading.

Joyce Belfort signature

Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Google+

Author

Salut, I am Joyce. 40 something living in Paris. Appreciate little things and share giggles. Prudent, no nonsense reviews. #ExploreLaughRepeat

14 Comments

  1. A perfect guide for online dating tips, online dating suggestions for men, on the internet dating pointers for ladies, on the internet dating suggestions, dating ideas, dating ideas on-line, online dating guide, ideas on the internet dating, online dating video games and on the internet dating dating. The bright side is that the net, supplemented by the adhering to suggestions and advice, can actually simplify the process. This procedure can be both time consuming and psychologically draining pipes. Using an online dating service is much less time consuming and expensive after that standard dating. Everyone utilizing the web dating service you choose is also offered and looking for someone to date, so there is no demand to be timid. You can talk, flirt, and be up-front concerning what you are looking for in a companion. An efficient account contains a picture of that you are and what you are searching for in a companion. You never ever are bound to satisfy any person, regardless of your level on online affection. Actually, on the internet dating just might be the most effective way to satisfy excellent men over 60 – due to the fact that it increases your swimming pool of choices and assists you connect with males that you could not or else meet in daily life; plus, everybody on the on-line dating site is interested and absolutely available to meet new individuals.

    This can help tighten down your choices. As on-line dating continues to grow, so does on the internet dating consulting, which aims to assist people enhance their accounts and interaction strategies in order to accomplish a far better overall experience and locate more purposeful connections. A call can reveal much regarding a person’s communication and social skills. Checking out profiles provides a brief summary of an individual’s personality, experiences, interests, and looks. It is humanity to would like to know what the individual you are conversing with appear like. Yet then we hear that he’s a “wonderful man”, someone you would desire as a buddy. Some might ask money from you and some might not be so serious in meeting someone and start a connection. 1. Start slow-moving. This complimentary online dating suggestions recommends taking points slowly. These typical rate of interests can end up being a terrific method to start a discussion. This attribute makes it very easy to acquire a checklist of individuals with similar rate of interests without having to even step out of the home.

    This new knowledge and guidance might put you an action ahead of others around in the dating world. Everyone should come to be acquainted with these typical net dating oversights due to the fact that they can easily be stayed clear of. This might seem a little bit daunting, however there are lots of web dating sites that are dedicated to specific locations of interest. Are you a product currently but words just have not been spoken yet? What are the photos and words on your profile attempting to state and do they be successful? While it’s understood for being an organization networking site, LinkedIn provides a great deal of opportunities to attach with individuals you are interested in. While both this section and the one above for the men can put on both sexes somehow, we’ve found a couple items of recommendations that can apply specifically to the women. Joke around and laugh together while she takes them. Create Activity Groups, take place team dates, attempt Express Dating, delight in traveling events, and simply delight in given that together. Our thorough month-to-month registration program uses regular video clip training on interracial dating, combating bigotry, creating social abilities and emotional intelligence, and a lot more.

    The web provides a course to much more relaxed and efficient form of dating. This can range from favorite music genres, musicians, TV programs, books, pastimes, and a lot more. Internet dating can be highly successful when you comprehend how to stay clear of a few common blunders. Here are a few of the highlights. At this moment, you may be thinking, “Why don’t I just overemphasize by a few inches and leave it at that? Write something like, “Why isn’t there a sad sunglasses emoji to reveal I’m bummed however still amazing A.F.? If you are in any kind of method worried of your date, utilize your finest judgment to obtain and diffuse the circumstance out of there. There are various benefits to on the internet dating. Additionally, the majority of sites permit you to filter your search results page based on classifications that you think are necessary. Both of these websites have actually been around for decades and have a great online reputation for producing matches that last. According to the Pew Research Center, making use of on the internet dating sites and dating applications has tripled in young adults since 2013. It’s clear that the stigma needs to be gone – the days of simply fulfilling at the workplace or with common pals is gone.

  2. By creating your free profile, you may run the danger of getting related by a fellow Asian single whose looking for a long run relationship, leading to marriage. Asian and just about every other females don’t like it when they’re solely getting appreciated simply because they’re white, black colored, and even in this example, Asian. It is available in at a powerful 54%, nicely out in front of White at 35% and Two or More Races at 34%. What this means is that clearly Asian folks value training, hard work, and success. We’ll cover the important thing factors for achievement. Mature Asian dating with DoULike is the best and easiest method to find your soulmate. Shall we see your soulmate collectively? Asian girls are usually introduced up in a tradition that prizes a powerful work ethic above all, so let her see your commitment to forging a successful profession. Asian culture is a various mix of languages, delicacies, attitudes and history. Family means the whole lot in Chinese culture. Chinese males can show they care by being accountable and remembering necessary dates2. Chinese girls show love by caring for their partners and family.

    Dating Asian women requires a soft contact on the subject of romance. DoULike goals to make the mature Asian online dating experience enjoyable and uncomplicated. Note: These Asian dating tips apply if you’re in an Asian country, as well as in Western nations where there are Asian women to be discovered! On the subject of relationship with Asian ladies, there are particular things that you must keep [url=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/is-asiame-real-find-the-fairminded-asiame-review-here/86609263]asiame.com[/url] in mind to make an awesome impression. For example, they can assist you learn more about the Asian tradition and teach you how to talk respectfully to an Asian man or girl. Anyway I feel I’m making an attempt to say that if an Asian man in America is having bother discovering a woman simply have just a little more endurance and perhaps go go to Europe for a confidence increase if not a Euro-love. If you’re an Asian single wanting to search out enjoyable, love and companionship then We Love Dates may very well be for you! There are several online relationship sites for single Asian women and men; few are paid, while most will ask you to subscribe to a premium membership plan to entry the advanced options. There are several websites which focus on Asian grownup dating.

    Grasping the main points of Asian dating, from valuing household to respecting gender roles, helps Western men method this with the best mindset. By valuing cultural differences and promoting respect, you construct a wholesome bond. Recognize cultural differences and similarities between East and West. Asian women are taught from a young age to respect others, but this may sometimes be misinterpreted in the West as shyness. In an effort to deliver you the best of the most effective, we created Asian Dating Club, a top Asian dating evaluation web site. A few of the higher courting sites stand out for greater than a few causes. Make sure that you look after your self when using dating websites or apps – when you don’t feel comfy with somebody, trust your gut and take a couple of steps again to reassess the state of affairs. This Asian dating app won’t offer video communication or a cell app, but it stands out with its free features and communication options. For Asian American men, the relationship scene will be a posh landscape crammed with challenges and misconceptions. Asian girls are identified for his or her strong family bonds, too.1 But, relationship in Asia has its own rules.

    In Asian cultures, conventional gender roles are vital. Marriage is a extremely valued factor for Asian ladies; don’t just assume they’re in search of a fling. Casual encounters are rare, so if that’s what you’re searching for, Asian ladies are probably not your best alternative. One of the biggest platforms for on-line dating Asian women and males, this site focuses on authentic connections while sustaining robust security measures. Pricing Options: Free to affix with premium subscriptions for advanced choices, making it one among the preferred actual Asian dating sites. Understand the central role of household and robust cultural values in Asian dating tradition. It’s convenient, as you’ll be able to search from the comfort of your personal house, and time of day or night to connect with different Asian Christian courting who’re searching for a matchmaker platform on-line. Public shows of affection amongst Asian ladies could be a big flip off, because it suggests a lack of respect. Boasting about your new job or itemizing your achievements won’t entice any Asian women to give you that second date, so try to remain humble. Being overly pushy or too eager suggests a desperation that most Asian ladies won’t discover attractive.

  3. Someone different. Gosh I’ve never heard that once in a convo! Hope You enjoying it out there

  4. A fact you may not know about me. I love trying out different fast food chains to check out the regional differences! However, I did not go to a French McDonalds! Now I will need to go to get a macaroon! My favourite regional McDonald’s was in Russia – they offer these flavour powders and empty bags to “shake” your chicken nuggets to season them. 🙂

    I can get onboard with the notion that large quantity equals lower quality. I’d rather get smaller portions of food – I can hardly ever finish my meals and it’s consistently wasteful. We can never eat at buffets because of how uneconomical it would be for me lol.

    Philosophy is part of our high school curriculum here too. It’s usually a class for arguing, that’s all. 😛 We also had an elective course in high school called “World religions” and it was also a class for arguing. 😆

    We require a prescription for contact lenses here too. Which is a bummer because I always wanted colour contact lens but don’t want the hassle of getting a Rx. I do not trust those off the shelf ones or those circle lenses.

    What a crappy “sale” at Sephora France. At least here it’s really only Dyson that’s excluded. I do think American sales are absolutely insane – I love watching the tv shows with extreme couponing. We don’t have that here.

    What is the literal translation of “someone different”… “quelqu’un de différent”? It has a hint of racism, in my opinion. Who’s to say who is “different”? White people are different to me! 😉

    • Sorry for my late reply 😢

      Okay, I think either I spied on you or something lol 🤣😂 I did know that you try out different food chains. I love those shake bags from McDonalds!! They had them for the fries in Hong Kong.

      For French, the smaller quantity is about the image. I honestly don’t feel that they do it for “less waste” reason.

      🤣🤣🤣 I love your comments about the classes lol perhaps they can label them as 《free range debate》 class? 😂

      Those circle lens things are mega uncomfortable hey. I can only handle them for about 3 hours.

      O, Canada don’t get crazy sales like US? 🤤 super surprised. I thought the 2 markets are similar (and close logistically).

      Well, I didn’t take it as racism. It was just over the top with being politically correct. Or maybe I am just insensitive. 🤣😂

  5. Interesting observations! I heard from a friend who used to livein Paris at the same time as me, over 10 years ago, that it has changed a LOT. I guess that ”someone different” term came after me because I never heard of such a thing!!
    And is that a crane parked next to the iconic landmark? Huh.
    About Sephora’s discounts… Dunno about Sephora in particular, but I always used to love shopping in Paris because the discounts were great! Cosmetics, clothes, home decoration, books…Over here in Finland discounts really don’t exist at all. Everything is super expensive, always. Discounts happen at the end of a season to get rid of the sizes no onewants and even then it’s like 10% off at the most. No one has even heard of birthday gifts 😂 Ok some brands have them like Esprit but you have to buy for 50 eur to get 10 eur off. Some kids’ stores have stamps you collect to get a discount.

    • Yes, that was a crane 😀 well spotted.

      Okay, Finland wins when it comes to lack of deals. The tax and price in general in just super high over here (ouch). Wait till you visit the USA Sephora. They have a whole bunch of specials that the France one does not get. Free birthday gift, point system in exchange for mini, real 25% vouchers that are valid for the whole store AND they have these regular price reduction promo. Sooooo unfair. I am just jealous wahahah

Reply To The Snow Melts Somewhere Cancel Reply