When you make mistakes, they are called les betises. Mistakes happen to everyone, especially in a new place and a new culture. Our on site coordinators from CEA are wonderful about preparing us to handle these situations. Here are several tips I learned today. First of all, it is a well known fact that the French take food and dining very seriously. We got a 30 minute lecture on etiquette for eating out or dining in, and on food. It was all "this is French" or "that is not done here." If you don't eat everything you are served and then wipe your plate clean with the bread provided, it is considered very rude. Putting your hands in your lap at the table is also rude because it is considered sneaky - hands are to be kept on the table. Salad is eaten after the main course, not before.
My house mother is very frugal: We must turn out the light every time we leave a room, take 5 minute showers, and finish all food prepared to minimize garbage. Madame does not drink wine with her meals, which is not very French. But at the Happy Hour yesterday I did have a sip of pastis, which is the drink of Provence. I think it tastes like black licorice, therefore I don't like it. Another common drink is un kir, which is white wine with black currant liqueur (crème de cassis). If you replace the vin blanc with champagne, it becomes un kir royale. Maybe I'll have better luck there.
I also learned that it makes one very identifiably American to speak loudly or smile at boys on the street. French girls only flip their hair and frown. I've been practicing this social restriction, but in America everyone smiles and even says hi to strangers! In France, "it is not done." Lots to adjust to.
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