I can relate to this so much Savitree! While an overused phrase, 'la joie de vivre', is truly at play here in France. There is this connection, be it with people you buy your food from and a loyalty to keep these people in business. It's going to the park and and seeing people literally walking around reading a book as they walk! Of course, reading books at cafés too. When I go back home to Australia to visit, I am so aware of where conversations centre around: jobs, real estate and dieting.
Aah, so it's like that in Australia? I remember my boyfriend who is now retired telling me about a coworker who worked at his Australia office for some months, and he was surprised to see people leave at exactly 5:00 while he was still there. In the States, people stayed for as long as he stayed (because people here don't want to go home earlier than the boss).
Dieting, yes, there's another one.
I LOVE that the French are literally walking around reading a book as they walk! Some must surely be on their phones? If you say that some are indeed on their phones, I won't be disappointed. Because I can't tell you the last time I've seen anyone in Chicago WALKING around reading a book. I might have to take it upon myself and change that. Be the change, as they say.
I'm thrilled to know the French is still living la joie de vivre. So inspiring.
Yes, some are on their phones. But I really have noticed that people read in cafés and truly interact with the person opposite, without the interruption of the phone.
I can relate to this so much Savitree! While an overused phrase, 'la joie de vivre', is truly at play here in France. There is this connection, be it with people you buy your food from and a loyalty to keep these people in business. It's going to the park and and seeing people literally walking around reading a book as they walk! Of course, reading books at cafés too. When I go back home to Australia to visit, I am so aware of where conversations centre around: jobs, real estate and dieting.
Aah, so it's like that in Australia? I remember my boyfriend who is now retired telling me about a coworker who worked at his Australia office for some months, and he was surprised to see people leave at exactly 5:00 while he was still there. In the States, people stayed for as long as he stayed (because people here don't want to go home earlier than the boss).
Dieting, yes, there's another one.
I LOVE that the French are literally walking around reading a book as they walk! Some must surely be on their phones? If you say that some are indeed on their phones, I won't be disappointed. Because I can't tell you the last time I've seen anyone in Chicago WALKING around reading a book. I might have to take it upon myself and change that. Be the change, as they say.
I'm thrilled to know the French is still living la joie de vivre. So inspiring.
Yes, some are on their phones. But I really have noticed that people read in cafés and truly interact with the person opposite, without the interruption of the phone.
So nice. Thanks for confirming my past experiences with Paris. :)
Excellent writing, my friend! ♥
Thanks, Preston! Great to see you here 😊