Je suis Americaine

And I'm proud of it.

It's funny to think back at my frame of mind before I left for France. I was very self conscious about being American. 

Strange, right?

I don't know if it was because I knew American's get such a bad rap in many parts of the world, or because I didn't want to stick out in a foreign country in a bad way.

I really tailored my packing to very basic (chic, but basic) articles of clothing. I was nervous about my style, something I never am. 

But having been here almost a month and a half, I have never been more proud to be from the United States. 

I love my country, and I love it's people, and I love where I grew up.

And while I truly regret not bringing some of my favorite articles of clothing that really depict my sense of style and individuality, I now no longer feel nervous or self conscious about how others here are going to look at me or perceive me.

I'm just me, baby, and that's all I'm ever going to be -- so take me or leave me!

That being said, I've been thinking about the differences between France and the U.S. and I've been making mental notes about what I like and dislike about each.

Some things I don't necessarily love about France

1. People stare. A lot. All the time. I think it's just naturally part of their culture -- but man, it can really make you feel like you have an extra arm growing out of your back that you didn't know about with the prolonged looks you get!

2. The French are not afraid to say what's on their mind. This isn't necessarily always a bad thing, but if I had a nickel every time a French person asked me "If you don't speak French, then why would you come to France?" I'd probably have like 20 cents...but you get my point. Again, this is just a cultural thing. But man, it can get annoying reeeeal quick...

3. Okay, I really hate saying this, because it is absolutely not true for everyone in France, and I've met plenty of lovely French people who don't fit this bill...but there are some people here who I would love to just dip into a vat of Old Spice and let them marinate in there for a couple of hours...

4. The little conveniences we are so used to in United States are what sometimes can be the most frustrating to be without. Like when stores shut down between 12pm and 2pm...or you can't order food until 7pm at some restaurants, or you have to pay to use a restroom etc. It's not a bad thing, and it's part of the culture, and it's just something I'm not necessarily used to.

5. And all of my clothes smell like cigarettes. I can't stand it. 

However, on the flip-side, there are some things about France I would absolutely loooove to have the American culture adopt.

Things I would like the U.S. to adopt

1. Eat well, eat less, eat slow, eat dessert, and eat together. All of these things are what make the French some of the healthiest in the world, and all things that Americans should try to do more of. Especially eating together. I didn't realize how sacred that was here until we were discussing the sociology of French eating patterns in class. Almost as sacred as eating dessert at the end of each meal...

2. Kiss on the cheek. I love this. I really do. It's such a sweet gesture and every one does it here. And it's great because it's a great in-between salutation when a handshake is too formal and a hug is too intimate -- a quick kiss on each cheek and, boom! you're salutations are over.

3. Walk everywhere. This is not as logistical to adopt in the United States, as we are a much bigger country, and our cities and towns are set up differently than they are in France. But people seriously walk every where or take public transportation. Another reason why the French have some of the highest life expectancies! 

4. The accessibility of fresh food. I swear every where I look there seems to be a farmer's market going on (save for Sundays of course), and the prices are so reasonable, if not less then what you would pay at the grocery store.

5. Make learning a second language mandatory starting in grade school. Really, we need to get with the times and start funding our public schools to make this happen. Civilization is becoming more and more globalized and we need to stop relying on other countries to adapt to our lack of a secondary language. If there's one thing I wish I had here, it would be to know the language...it is so important and I feel at such a disadvantage with out it.

Bottom line is, I love America. And I love being American. I love who I am and where I come from, and if you don't like that? Then we don't have to be friends. (But I can be fun! Really, I can! And I'm a pretty decent cook! So definitely think about it before you decide you don't wanna be friends).

Is it important to respect and accept the customs of the country you are residing in? Definitely. In fact, it's a must.

But is it also important to allow yourself to be you -- and not be afraid to laugh out loud at dinner in a quiet restaurant? Or dress in clothes atypical of the French style? Or admit that you don't know any other languages? And get annoyed with the metric system? 

Abso-fricken-lutely.