First French lesson learned today at orientation: the importance and value of saying Bonjour in France—this is in the market/grocery setting, NOT on the streets; they will think you are a weirdo. French are very nice people, they just don’t bother with the superficial stuff. Unlike many places in America, you do not go about town saying hi to every one, or smiling—you just mind your own business and if you see someone you know, then you can actually say Bonjour and take some time to talk to them. It is different, and I must admit it was hard to stop myself from smiling all the time—especially with so much beauty that makes up Aix.
So, on to the lesson: when you enter any boutique, or small store, you say Bonjour; if you don’t, the French will find it rude. Before you talk to anyone or ask for anything, you say Bonjour Mademoiselle/Monsieur, and afterwards you always say Au revoir. It was stressed a lot during orientation, and I decided to experiment a little afterwards to see how true it was.
Résultat : C’était vrai. Dire Bonjour est très important pour les françaises. At the (small—not Monoprix or other larger) grocery store, they will not ring you up until you say Bonjour. After you say it though, they are chill and very nice people. It feels good to say it, too.
Today I bought my first baguette, and some strawberries and an apple at the open market. I felt very satisfied because I was able to do all the transactions (ordering and paying, asking for how much it was and all that good stuff) in French. I also bought some other French goodies here and there—some caramel candy and some cookies.
Je suis désolée pour n’avoir pas des photos. I will make sure to bring my camera with me tomorrow.
A bientôt !
Laura.
So, on to the lesson: when you enter any boutique, or small store, you say Bonjour; if you don’t, the French will find it rude. Before you talk to anyone or ask for anything, you say Bonjour Mademoiselle/Monsieur, and afterwards you always say Au revoir. It was stressed a lot during orientation, and I decided to experiment a little afterwards to see how true it was.
Résultat : C’était vrai. Dire Bonjour est très important pour les françaises. At the (small—not Monoprix or other larger) grocery store, they will not ring you up until you say Bonjour. After you say it though, they are chill and very nice people. It feels good to say it, too.
Today I bought my first baguette, and some strawberries and an apple at the open market. I felt very satisfied because I was able to do all the transactions (ordering and paying, asking for how much it was and all that good stuff) in French. I also bought some other French goodies here and there—some caramel candy and some cookies.
Je suis désolée pour n’avoir pas des photos. I will make sure to bring my camera with me tomorrow.
A bientôt !
Laura.