Cultural Differences in England and France
Cultural differences can take many forms. I have noticed many differences in French culture compared to English culture, from the way people dress, to their attitudes towards food, to what they do for fun. One thing that has struck me in particular in France is people's personal interactions with each other.___26___
Firstly, it's the kissing. Everyone kisses each other on the cheek. It's a greeting, instead of saying“hi” or “hello”___27___ Everyone participates in the kissing ritual, the young, the old, male, female, strangers and friends. I kiss my friends. I kiss the teachers at the school. And even if I'm in a hurry, I am still expected to make time to give acquaintances a quick kiss on the cheek as I rush past. I don't mind it.___28___ It quickly turns strangers into acquaintances, and acquaintances into friends.
Another thing that I've noticed is that people in France are much more open with people they don't know. ___29___ In France, however, on long train journeys people have often started a conversation with me for no reason. They have a chat simply to pass the time. And I really enjoy being able to share a part of my life and my story with someone else.
Whatever impressions you may have about French people, I have found that they are, for the most part, open and at ease talking to strangers___30___