Kelly à Paris!: To Bizou Or Not Bizou?

Bon Dimanche à tous!

This past week marked the first week of real classes and it seems I have to do some schoolwork while here after all, womp. I am taking the following classes: French in Language Context, French Women’s Literature, Maghreb and Islamic Culture Studies, Paris French Cinema and Paris Museums. So far I am enjoying all of my classes, some a wee bit more than others, but I think I am taking course work that manages to include all aspects of Parisian life. One class in particular that I am looking forward to is the ‘Paris Museums’ class where we will be doing exactly what the course title says—going to museums in Paris during class time.

During my women’s literature class, the professor asked the class what we would ultimately like to accomplish in the course. So, in my very best French I replied that I would love to be able to discuss the imagery, character developments and overarching themes with not only my peers, but also teachers alike. The teacher looked around, looked at me and then said oh-so-matter-of-factly, ‘the French don’t discuss literature.’ Not wanting to cause further annoyance, I smiled, then ducked my head my notebook—oh mon dieu.

Life in my homestay has been wonderful and Chantal has been more than accommodating throughout my past three weeks here. Earlier this week, while eating hard-boiled eggs and potatoes for dinner, I said to Chantal ‘this is just like breakfast for dinner’, to which she replied, ‘you eat potatoes for dinner?’ I then went on to explain what one would typically get at a Denny’s or a local diner: eggs, potatoes, ham, toast, bacon—all the essentials you need especially after a late night of…studying. I then told her that this was a traditional North American breakfast but not very common every single morning of the week. The following day, Chantal brought me to the fridge to show me thought she bought me a huge slab of ham so I can enjoy a North American breakfast every morning. So, if anyone has any innovative ways to use ham, do not hesitate to let me know!

This past weekend I was able to play tourist yet again (seems to be quite the reoccurring theme) as one of my Lehigh friends had a friend visiting from Barcelona. On our way to see the sites, a man in his late-30s approached me in the metro. He looked at me and asked me if I would like to be his wife, I then said, no thank you…and off he went on his merry way. C’est la vie I guess?

Later that evening, my friend Sara and I embarked on a rendez-vous with a group of Parisiens that were all college students as well. The evening started out a little rough with the greetings. I froze and didn’t know whether to give a bizou (kiss on either cheek) or a handshake…so I compromised and gave everyone a hug, which wasn’t really well received. The students later told me that no one really hugs and generally a bizou is customary amongst kids our age. Looks like I have quite a ways to go in becoming a real Parisienne.

They took us to a local dive bar which was great because unfortunately most of the bars I have been frequenting have some ‘anglophone’ aspect. In other words, there are a lot of places to eat and hang out where one doesn’t have to speak a word of French—so going to this local favorite was a great way for us to step out of our comforts zones and experience a true Parisien evening. After a drink, all eight of us went to a local apartment where they made us some crepes and showed us some of their preferred wines. After everyone was well fed—and about 6 cigarettes later for some--they then showed us some authentic French music. Rather than just sipping away and chatting with one another, all eight of the French students started to dance. It wasn’t just the typical swaying back and forth dancing that you generally see at any North American establishment, everyone, especially the boys, was throwing their heart and soul into every song. Sara and I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling because everyone was just dancing with so much...je ne sais quoi! They then showed us a set of elaborate partner dances that they had learned during primary school. After one last 1664, Sara and I gave a quick bizou to everyone, thanked them for the evening and headed home before the metro closed. It was a great night as I got to meet some locals, learn some slang and profanities and really see what a typical weekend is like for young twenty-somethings.

A bientôt!