What I learned and other random facts

So what did I learn about France while I was there?

Cafes:
Don't expect to get ice with anything. If you do it's probably with a soda and will consist of 2 cubes.
Water not in a bottle (aka tap water) will be served whenever they feel like bringing it to you. You're not paying, so they're not in a hurry.
You don't have to tip! Everything is built in. It's strange if you do (though they're very gracious about it)
You can stay at a cafe as long as you like as long as you order something. Once you do that you're set to stay and they probably won't bother you for a long time.


Food in General:
Everything is eaten with a knife and fork (knife in right hand, fork in left). This includes pizza and hamburgers.
Salads are typically eaten after the main dish and before dessert. 


Housing:
No air conditioning (this goes for restaurants too). Most houses have lots of windows and thats about all the air circulation you get. (I did have a fan in my room)
Dryers don't really exist so most clothes are hung to dry.
There is a bathroom and a toilet. The two don't often reside in the same room.
Wi-fi can be touchy, if they have it at all.


Social Protocol:
Bisous (two cheek kiss). This is done upon arival and leaving...to everyone. This can take a while if there are a lot of people present. Hugging is a no no. Our french friends actually said they liked that Americans just have to come in and say hi because of how long it can take to say goodbye. My friends from home hug though, so it's similar and also takes a while.
It is a very special moment when someone starts using tu instead of vous (formal you). Cherish this moment because you are now friends or have a certain closeness.


Music:
American music that is played in France is 5-10 years behind whats popular now...unless its dubstep.
There really are people who walk around playing the accordian...also the chello, violin, sax, and random other instruments.


School:
They really hate you being late. They would rather you not come at all then interrupt their class.
There is a 20 point grading scale and 20s are not given often.


Food:
The french cannot make guacamole.
They also don't really have spicy food other than dijon mustard.


Travel:
Trains are really convienent and cheap in France. 
For countries not bordering France, it's usually cheaper to fly.
The metro is super easy to navigate and inexpensive.
You have to be careful with taxis, some will rip you off. It's best to ask the place you are at to call because they tend to have one company they use.


I'm probably forgetting things, so I may update this post as I remember. But some tips or little things that may be helpful if you are ever traveling in France.


I still can't believe how fast my month there went and that I've been home a whole week.  I wish dearly that I could go back. Perhaps someday soon!


I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with this blog now. I may use it again for travels, or I may leave it as is. I do hope that you've enjoyed reading it as much as I had fun writing it. I don't think there is anything better than the thrill of traveling, adventuring, and finding new places. I hope you can be inspired to go on an adventure of your own!