Submitted by Alexandra Bennett on the 2018 fall semester study abroad program in Paris, France…
My first few days living immersed in the French culture have been amazing. I was welcomed into my host family’s apartment with open arms.
After I had settled into my room and gotten myself comfortable, my host mother and sister took me for a walk around my new neighborhood. We stopped at the local street vendor market, where “producteurs” sell their homemade goods, ranging from honey made with strawberries to fresh cheese. I was shocked at the variety of items being sold, and also the sheer fact that these markets run nearly every day. Here in France, most people buy their produce daily from the same individuals. Back in the United States, my family would purchase food from a commercial food store, after driving a minimum of ten minutes. We would walk into an overly air conditioned building with flourescent lighting to buy goods imported from various areas. I quite enjoy this new freedom and convenience of selecting fresh produce while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of the last few days of summer.
That night, my host mother and sister prepared a dinner using the fresh green beans, potatoes, tomatoes and salad greens we had purchased. Every dinner is concluded with a grand fruit plate of strawberries, plums, peaches and pears. Dinner is not fully complete without at least an hour of good conversation. I have learned that dinner time here is when families get a chance to connect and converse about the day’s events. I value this time when I have been able to learn more about my host family, and simply chat about various topics in today’s world. At home, my family is constantly busy with work, sports and other daily activities. It would be rare to sit down altogether four times in a week. The dinner ritual here in France is something I will be trying to implement with my own family when I return.
I know I have just scratched the surface of French culture and am eager to embrace the customs I learn in my upcoming days.
