Wednesday, December 21, 2011

art of scowling

Ahoy,

So I know they're always telling you that french people are not nice, but I think it's better to find out for yourself than to make these grand assumptions. After a few days in France, I think it's more true than not. They all do this sneering, Scowling face as if stuck that way. And they don't smile back at you, not even service workers. A describes it as if it pains them to smile. 

One of the first differences we noticed was that londoners looked so much more friendly. And then in Italy, too, their expressions were just softer and less hostile. But I'd like to mention not all French people are mean. Our host had a friend of his staying with him too, and she was really nice. And the strangers we got in a car with were really nice. 

French people are similar to new Yorkers in this manner. They have to develop this toughness about their disposition or else they will get overstimulated and overwhelmed. Closing off to the world is like a defense mechanism. I can understand this need in big cities and where there is a lot happening. 

heavily friendless,
jt

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