Marjorie

I'm American, married to a French man, and living these past 3 years in Normandy, France. I love living here and have settled here for life. The people I have met have all been very friendly, kind, and helpful. The stereotypes that many of my American friends/family have about the French I have found to be completely untrue. Like anywhere in the world, there are nice people and not so nice people. French people respond very favorably if you at least attempt to speak to them in their native tongue when visiting here. I believe their attitudes change when tourists arrive and expect everyone here to speak English and are rude to the people here. You really do get back what you put out. If you try to communicate, even if it's very bad French, people will help and be kind. If you're rude, they'll be rude. It's all about attitude. Except waiters in Paris. LOL. They will pretty much remain arrogant no matter what. Waiters are paid a very good wage here, unlike in America. So really, they don't have to bend over backwards for those they serve. They are paid well regardless. Going to restaurants the locals go to is very good advice. And each area of the country has their own specialties. That is definitely something to watch for. Oh, and never leave a tip as that is already factored into the bill in restaurants. If a server goes above and beyond, you can leave 50 centimes (cents) or maybe a euro extra on the table. Any more than that is just not done here. France is a beautiful country, with lovely scenery, quaint villages, and different climates. Paris is an amazing city, built in different districts called 'arrondissements' which are set up like smaller neighborhoods. The architecture is magnificent. You haven't lived until you have spent time in the massive and ancient cathedrals, or walking in the Louvres or other museums! Truly, there is so much to see and love in Paris and all over the country! Whenever you get the opportunity to return to France, I highly recommend that you do so. If you can, you should see it through the eyes of a native though. It will broaden your perspective and help you to see this lovely country the way I think it is meant to be seen. Oh yes, and the outside markets in just about every village, town, or city - to die for! Fresh produce, seafood, cheese, meats, dairy, you name it! Not to be missed, I tell you!

Salut! I am Marjorie, a native English speaker (American) living in Normandy, France for 3 years now. I have studied French formally for almost 2 years here and feel I have not made the progress I expected of myself. I have passed my level A1 and A2 and almost feel guilty about it since I do not think I am good enough to have passed them! My husband is French as is his son. When I speak French to them, they reply back in English! Clearly, this is not helpful as it does not promote the usual give and take of natural conversation! We live in the countryside so I do not have much opportunity for interaction with French people though I am surrounded on all sides by them! I finished my last class this past October and feel that the bit of spoken French I had attained is slipping away quickly. I am very happy and excited to have found this forum and hope to achieve my goals to become fluent in French, - spoken, written, and reading. (I'm not too bad in reading and writing) I am not confident in speaking yet. Perhaps I will be able to find someone here to assist with that via Skype or something similar. If anyone needs help with their English, I'm ready and willing to help, just ask! (I am working on my English-as-a-second language teaching certification) I will be applying for French citizenship in the next year or two and will be required to attain my level B1 before then. I am very nervous about this. I'm really ready to dive more deeply into this language adventure and learn, learn, learn. Okay, who's with me? Let's get this party started!