Vive Obama?

Last night we hunted for a bar that would show the inauguration.  We went to many bars and pubs in search for a channel in English.  The first place was a little pub where no English was spoken (the kind I like).

             Now, the French aren’t known for their friendly nature.  Everyone knows this.  It is a borderline stereotype with some truth.  While they aren’t overtly happy and accommodating, they do have a level of kindness that, in a way, can surpass American culture. 

I ordered a rum and coke, and as far as bartending goes, the French are definitely more generous.  I think the rule here is three parts alcohol one part soda.  Anyway, in a state of excitement over who knows what, I tipped over my glass which was probably only half full (or half empty, depends what mood you’re in).  The bartender quickly rushed over and cleaned it up as I repeatedly apologized in French, embarrassed at fulfilling a clumsy American stereotype.  In less than a minute, he sat another drink (still generous on the alcohol content) right in front of me without a word.  Although he wasn’t a social guy and didn’t speak much more than a grunt nor crack a smile, this was a nice man.  This is just the French way.

Another one of the cultural differences we were warned of, even in London, was that in Europe, businesses don’t have the “customer is always right” mentality.  Several bars refused to change the channel when we asked (we were the only customers there).  So, we ended up watching the inauguration in French for most of the time.  Anyway, we ended up walking towards Italy (no lie, we were told if we kept walking we would reach the border in two hours).  Ironically, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant.  I had my first glass of good French wine (I sprung for something that was more than four Euros per bottle). 

             On the walk back, one of the boys in the group kept yelling “vive Obama!” or statements along the lines of praise for our new president.  I was worried that they would hate us (we’ve already told several people we’re Canadian).  Surprisingly, the most common reaction was “Oui, vive Obama!” Some people near the music festival even waived American flags. 

Another stereotype destroyed.