First, a quick funny story: We were eating lunch at the Tabac, (pub), and J was enjoying a wonderful cut of steak - the bartender introduced us to a gentleman who had just come in - "...he supplies the beef for our kitchen..." The farmer explained that each of his cows is named after a French politician, and I asked, "what was the cow's name for this steak?" Jacques Chirac.
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So what do you want us to find out next? Hope to have a some photograps of a few residents by the end of this week. And J indicates he will try to "do a blog page", too.
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To answer a question about clothing/style differences: Teenagers appear to be just as nervous about "wearing the right stuff" here as in the USA; slightly less baggy/hip hop-styles, more fitted jackets, lot of layers/scarves, and vests for the girls, and and no teenagers around town or shopping in sweats, PJ bottoms, or flip flops. I have noticed logos and patches with "American" messages appear to be popular - concert shirts and the peace sign/Smiley Face are universal. All ages seem more "aware" of dressing up to "go out". Although the weather has not been very warm yet, it is very unusual to see anyone wearing shorts. A few students here cause a bit of a shock every time they go running in shorts. Other differences in style are more subtle; women greet close friends, (men and women), with a "double bise", or air kiss to each cheek, and even teenage boys will greet young men formally with a handshake, or exchange a double bise with teenage girls who are friends. Overall, many of the women seem to favor wearing some type of scarf to keep their necks covered, and enjoy the same types of jewelry popular in the states.
Early July will find us in Florence, Italy -and not sure if frequent updates to the blog will be possible while there, so I will try to write more frequently this week.
