When in Paris...

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Lifestyle

While traveling recently I noticed a few habits that made me say  "The French have it right!"

All chairs at outdoor cafes face out toward the street (don't let the world pass you by);

99% of the retail stores were closed by 6:00 pm. Spend quality time not money;

99% of the restaurants stopped serving food by 10:00 pm - nothing good comes from eating late at night!;

Bike riding and walking were rampant;bit do NOT mix well in Paris (pedestrians are NOT the king there). 

It was a vibrant and young city, full of healthy pleasant individuals. With the cleanest streets I have ever seen in a large city.  I think there is much to learn here.

 

Anyone else notice some nice customs while traveling????

 

 

 

Comments

Daniel Schwartz

Great overview. Many places do not serve after 10PM, especially here in Florida I have noticed. Closing retail down by 6pm is tough if you need to shop after work.
Kelly Welles

What insightful observations about French culture! I lived there as a student and owned a business there two decades later. I particularly loved their lingering dinners (at least eight courses ) and emphasis on relationship and comraderie. And the visual splendor wherever your eye alights. Same for Italy and Lakes Lugano and Maggiore...spectacular social warmth and beauty abound.. In Greece I loved the beer gardens at night and raw honey on fresh yogurt and seeing Oedipus Rex in a 1500 year old amphitheater. When in the bazaars of Turkey, one is offered apple tea by shop keepers to make customers feel welcome and at home. Moroccan bazaars offer mint tea. Spain, Portugal and the French Riviera offer unrivalled expanses of beaches and 147 ways to dine on shrimp, squid and caviar. For Paris, Read Hemingway's a Moveable Feast. Welcome back!

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