European Flare

While we were in Paris, I began to notice several practices that I was accustomed to as an American that were quite different in Paris.  So of course, I started to list them in hopes of sharing them on my blog.  Here goes...

The biggest differences that I noticed were mostly during the dining process.

1.  Ordering the entire meal at once - In America, I'm used to ordering drinks and/or a starter course first and then taking time before ordering the entree.  In Paris, I noticed that the waiter expected you to order the entrees at the same time you were ordering the drinks...and they definitely do not give you as much time.  I'm one of those people that take my time to scour the menu before making my choice.      Verdict: Parisians are much more decisive than I.
2.  No butter with your bread - This must be a true American culture.  I love butter...and I want it on my bread!  This must be the German in me.  I blame by Grandmother!     Verdict:  Parisians are cheating themselves!
3. Pizza is not cut - We ordered pizza several times while in Paris and Geneva.  It was sooooo amazing!  When I went to grab my first slice, I about took the whole pizza with me!  All I wanted to do was eat it, and I realized that I was going to have to work for it first.  After researching this a bit, it seems that the proper way to eat an uncut pizza in Europe is to cut it into quarters, and then pick it up and eat it.    Verdict:  Working for it may make me appreciate the amazing pizza even more than I already did.                                                                                     
4. Spicy Oil with Pizza - Now this is a European tradition that I can get behind!  Why, oh why, doesn't America pick this one up?!?!  It's amazing!!!  So amazing that we actually have a bottle working at home now!        Verdict:  Stop what you are doing right now and make this!
   
5. Asking for the check - diners must ask for the check when they're finished with dinner and ready to leave.  The waiters will clear the table when you're finished, but they will not bring you the check until you ask for it.  I can truly go either way on this one.  It really doesn't matter...unless you forget that you must ask.  I think Chad and I spent an extra 30 minutes a couple of times, because we forgot to ask.  LOL!     Verdict:  Doesn't matter

We noticed several other random differences too.

• Bottled Water - Parisians do not carry around bottles of water.  We were definitely pegged as Americans with out bottled water, but we weren't really bothered by it.  With as much walking & climbing as we did, hydration was much more important.
• Holding Hands - You never see Parisians do this.  Actually, you don't see a lot of PDA at all.
• Leash Laws - As often as we saw pups out with their owners, we saw very few leashes.  That being said - the pups were extremely obedient and didn't require leashes.  Obedience school must be mandatory in Paris.
• Baguettes - Baguettes, baguettes, baguettes.  All Parisians, including their kids, walk around with baguettes.  We probably would have passed for Parisians if we would have traded in our bottles of water for baguettes.  LOL!

We had a blast on our vacay...even if we didn't pass for Parisians!  Thanks for putting up with all my posts.  This should be the last one.  So I'll leave you with one of my favorite pics.

Cheers!