Happy new year!
For the holidays I decided to stay in France as planned from the beginning. And after the recent riots and all the bad news from back home, I didn’t have any kind of need to return. And as I decided to stay here, it’s the family that came over for the holidays.
Quick conclusion I should not forget: I AM SO USED TO LIVING ALONE.
This last month was quite interesting, and I think (and hope) the next one will be even more! There was quite some alcohol going on, I met people, more than I’ve met since I’m here, and generally it wasn’t at all boring! (as boredom seems to be my greatest worry).
As always, meeting people is interesting, when you feel like it. You hear all these different stories, where you come from, what do you think about that, what do you study. Part of the game is meeting people you generally don’t get along, or dislike, or have this instant mutual disgust , for a mysterious reason. Personally, I try to ignore this initial bad feeling and try to get to know the other, cause there have been some times this first impressions proved really wrong, both positively and negatively.
Alongside with the new “connaissances” I went a bit further on understanding the mentality of the average French person. I had the luck to speak about that issue openly with lots of people, I told my honest opinion, even if it was not quite pleasant at times, and I got some interesting feedback. In a few words, it seems that there is a distinction between Mediterranean and Northern people. But pay attention! This difference is obvious not only between countries but within France itself! (since France is a big country with departments that go all over from here where I am (the south) till Normandie, Bretagne and all the rest Northern areas.
This difference (apart from all the climate differences, the consumption of alcohol, the dialects and all the local customs and traditions) can be concluded in the following: “Southern” people, tend to be more communicative in the first place, speak a lot, kiss a bit more etc, and right when you think you’ve made new friends, you realize that that’s not the case. It happens easily, so it’s doesn’t mean much. The fact that you say “hi” “what’s up” with someone, has little or no importance at all. (that rings a bell.. Greeks!?) On the contrary, people that come from the North, tend to be more hard to speak with, but once you get to know them and you get along you can count on them. I don’t know if it’s the right word, but more Loyal? Anyway, the fact that they communicate with you HAS a meaning.
Well, at least that’s what I’ve been told. Personally, I am visiting Northern France within January and February if all goes according to plan. Then maybe I can reach to some safer conclusions.
Leaving people aside and going a bit more personal, (but just a bit) , this last month I got this massive feeling of being more.. mature. (stop laughing!, I’m not kidding!) Maybe it’s the fact that stuff happen and more stuff happen and then when you stop being busy you have time to assimilate all that info at your system .. Think about stuff a bit more.. Get some conclusions.
I have also this strong strong feeling that something good is going to happen these next 2 months. I don’t know what or how exactly but I just sense it. I’m really looking forward to organise my small trips here and there and I’ll intensify my search for a job (practical training as we’ve said).
Latest TV addiction? “Californication” series. I could spend 2-3 lines revewing this baby but I wont bother. I’ll just say it’s a CULT Bachelor’s serie, it’s like the male version of Sex and the City, with some elements of NIP/TUCK in it but a lot better. Voila !
I would lie if I said I’m not a bit influenced by the main character! I mean, it certainly shows on the alcohol. It’s not that I get blind drunk every day but night after night I’m finding myself even with a beer (pint) at hand.
New Years Resolution #1 : More Champagne. Less beer.
Let’s admit it, getting drunk with champagne it’s like a whole different experience. Nothing to do with other b-class booze.
New Years Resolution #2 : More travels
Well, no need to analyse that.
New Years Resolution #3 : Less fights and misunderstandings with people
Lets face it, if you need to get along with the maximum number of people, you’ll have to pretend you’re stupid at times. That you did not understand. The Greeks say “Put some water in your wine”.
Well, these three are the ones that come to mind for now but I suppose I have some time to think about more.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
My New Years 2009 resolution: Comment more on other people’s blogs.