👀🎁👀www.ouiinfrance.com/francophile-gift-ideas/ The Oui In France Holiday Gift Guide for Francophiles is now live on the blog! I've curated a shopping guide of 25 items I absolutely love. They're either made in France or inspired by France in some way. Most of them I own myself or have tried, so rest assured you're getting quality gift picks. Many are also items from small businesses, so I'd love it if you took a look. Merci!
Let's be honnest America is boring country of endless suburbia, parking lots commercial area with no walkable downtown, no history no culture no flavor, the same from north to south and eats to west, mac Donald, Burger King , pizza hut, taco bell and other fast foods is all america has to offer, there is no beauty in america, it is all commercial, even in the people who are either obese or overweight the eyes can't find some relief.
You mentioned that you have a portable AC unit. Is that a free standing unit as opposed to a window AC unit? Just trying to determine my options before I move.
Having been in France over a decade myself, I miss people with a genuine capacity for enthusiasm. Sometimes a little enthusiam, even in the face of a crappy situation, can make the crappy situation more tolerable. That said, I prefer my life in France.
As a french person I agree. I love living in France and I feel very grateful for all its qualities. But for sure, there is sometimes a lack of positivism.
As a Frenchman, the part about ice in the drinks made me laugh : When I was in the states I had to always ask for my drinks without ice. I hated the quantity of ice they put in. My teeth did not stand the cold and once the ice was melted, the drink tasted like water. 🙂 Cultural differences and acquired taste during childhood...
Lol, I was on a British Airways flight Istanbul to Heathrow. The flight attendant heard my American accent and during drink service said, "I see you are American. Would you like extra ice in your drink?" I said, "Oh yes, please." They gave me 3 little cubes! The Brit next to me only got 1 cube. 🤦🤣🤣🤣🤣We have HUGE cup sizes because we fill 3/4 of the cup with ice before putting the Coke. You are correct, we must drink it fast before it gets watery.
I'm also American, from California, and I moved here in 2009. 15 years now, sheesh. I agree with nearly everything you said, in particular the not being homesick. You didn't mention if you're going after French citizenship... I am. I'm maybe 35 years older than you and starting my retirement. One huge thing you didn't mention is the French healthcare system. It has literally saved my life twice, for little to no cost, for conditions that would have bankrupted me twice if I'd been in the US. Anyway, great video and all the best to you! BTW I'm also Tom😂
Hi Tom (great name!), I've talked about citizenship in other videos, check out this one where I specifically answer that question: ua-cam.com/video/4Ky7EfrOvt8/v-deo.html Glad you enjoyed the video and a very happy New Year to you and yours!
As a French myself, i'm apreciating seeing someone else's opinion on my country. It helps me see it in a different perspective. I will move to Japan starting from february next year for an indefinite amount of time so it's nice to see how someone else sees life in my country as it helps me getting a feel of what kinds of troubles i could expect living in a different culture !
I actually found a lot of similarities between France and Japan when I lived there. Carlos Ghosn told me it is because both cultures are very specific. I would live in either country again.
@@thehapagirl92 hi, for now it has been pretty great. It helps that i speak the language already. I live in a sharehouse so i didn't have too many landlord Issues
I was born and raised in France. I met and happily married an American in Belgium and have been in the USA since 1987. I have been very happy in both countries. However, I really think that you have to be born American to love Oreo cookies and root beer😀 Being serious now, I totally agree with you on all your points and would miss them all should I go to live in France again. I love the respectful way you talk about both countries. You are an inspiration to me and hope to many viewers.👏
I'm an expat also living in France also and not too far from you. We have screens on our windows. I looked at Leroy Merlin's site and ordered them. We also have installed central air conditioner. We had it installed this year but we live in stand alone home in the countryside. We've gotten by with a portable unit for the occasional few nights it was too hot to sleep well when we lived in town. Installing an central unit that both heats and cools makes a barely any noise. When I gave my French friend (now husband) a glass of iced tea he became a convert. We ask for ice in our glasses when ever we eat out and plan on having plain water. I hate the parking in France but since I have had our Citroen monAMI for shopping I don't mind parking anylonger. I cook so there is not any food group that I miss from the USA. I certainly don't miss Target. I love that many of the shops are not individually owned. Every single town in France is not identical as it is in America. I like going to get a warm baguette, my meats from the local butcher, the local market day (are they still called Farmers Market in the States). Yeah. Perhaps I should have been born in France.
Screen windows! Drove me nuts every time we rented a vacation home in France. Considering how many diseases (like Lyme) are now transmitted by mosquitoes and spiders, it is unforgivable. French expat in the US here. Number 3# can-do attitude. The US are changing fast and not for the better. I so much loved business attitudes when I arrived 30+ years ago, it is deteriorating fast. Still better however than in France... COSTCO and WHOLE FOODS are the ones I would miss. Can return anything anytime, no questions asked, try that in France! ICE: it kills your taste buds, that is why the French do not drink icy beverages. In the US, where most of the food taste like cardboard it does not matter (I was raised on Haute French Cuisine and I suffer in the US, especially since I moved out of California) For me, I miss having interesting conversations in French. Americans do not speak French for most, not like in France where so many speak English. I am considering leaving the US as I do not recognize this country anymore. All the qualities I appreciated so much are disappearing. The destruction of Cali transformed millions of us into nomads looking from one State to another for the next El Dorado. However, we are getting too old to keep moving again and again. Returning to France will not happen as I am shocked by France in 2023, but may be a neighbouring country.... safer, calmer, more prosperous.... At the end of life, on needs to get back to their roots. It's a calling. You are making great videos, with good thoughts, and you also look more and more beautiful with time. France seems to suit you.
Few bits from a French : - some of the « can do » attitude is indeed something we miss in our culture. The French attitude is OK as long as it’s a « let’s think it through thoroughly before » and not a systematic « no can do ». I personally think that a balanced mix of those spirits would be the best approach ; - the screen windows and AC are just something that we didn’t really need this far. France is particularly one of the countries where weather conditions have been very temperate and rarely went into extreme heat, rain or cold. Same goes with wild life, bugs included, that sure are always annoying, but are very rarely life-threatening. That said, with climate change repercussions needs might change… - the ice in the cup thing is partly due to the fact that we didn’t really had a taste for ice cold drinks in the first place. But also the main difference is that we don’t do the free refill thing like in America. So in this context it’s hard for us to pay for a drink made mainly of ice cubes. Talking about that, I suppose that the dilution from ice cubes is taken into account while setting the dosage of syrup in soda machines, and so American soda will be dosed stronger than in France; - and finally about the parking spaces for cars : French cars used to be even smaller than what they are now. Lots of parking places were designed at a time where people almost all had really tiny cars (from an American perspective). Nowadays, it’s all SUVs and the size of the average car has augmented quite a lot, but parking spaces are still made like they were in the 70’s. At the time, it was plenty of space, but not anymore.
Great insight, as usual, Diane. I would like to point out that some of the things you miss are based upon living in a different geographic area, not a different country. I grew up on Long Island, NY and moved to the Midwest after high school. I can tell you that foods like great (or even tolerable) pizza, authentic bagels, good bread, Mallomar cookies (which aren't distributed in the Midwest), and fresh and relatively inexpensive seafood are as foreign here as the food you miss. Your comment about Target is funny to me because the first job I had out of college was at Target and that's what got me to Minneapolis, which is Target's headquarters. However, for the entire 10 years I worked there, my parents never shopped there because Target didn't open stores on the East Coast for many years. None of my relatives had even heard of Target. Although Minnesota, is the "Land of 10,000 lakes," there is nothing that can substitute for a walk on the beach while waves are hitting the shore. I love the lakes, but dearly miss the ocean. So this too is a malady of not living on any coast. However, other items on your list I can relate to, not as an ex-pat, but as a traveler: ice in drinks for me is HUGE, A/C was missed on an abnormally warm visit to Switzerland. I was surprised about your comment concerning window screens because my wife and I have always been amazed at the lack of bugs, especially mosquitoes, in Europe. Even at night with the lights on, it always seemed magical to have the windows open. So apparently, there ARE bugs in Europe! Finally, your last item concerning friends and family being missed is another thing I can relate to. Yes, it's a much longer trip from France to New Jersey (or Florida) than from Minneapolis to New York, but still it's something that I cannot do frequently. This has to do with distance, and I'm sure is an issue for anyone who does not live within close driving distance of where they grew up. I'm not one who ever wanted to move back to New York (despite what I miss) because for me, the positives of my life in Minnesota outweigh what I miss from New York. However, being aware of the things that are different does make you appreciate both what you have and what you miss.
On one return trip to the states from France a woman next to me in line said that the first thing she was going to get when she returned the the US was Mexican food. I literally almost burst into tears because I grew up in a Mexican family and it is my favorite food!!
You’re so sweet and genuine, Diane. I just love to hear your perspective on things. My husband is French living here in the US so I’ve seen him go through all the same things you have over our years together. Someday soon we will move to France and then I’ll be the one in his shoes, lol. I’m really excited fir the new experience, though!
ah, from South Jersey and now live in Mississippi - I always loved the fact that there were no screens in France but then I haven't stayed there for longer than a month at a time with friends in Riom, so there is that. The heat in Mississippi is deadly (one day of rain since June and still it is moist here) and even with family in Florida - it is much worse here. I so miss NJ it hurts my heart sometimes - the beach, the city, the rural farms, and horseback riding all within an hour's drive - so I get it. Even in NJ, the moisture is nothing like here and there are no wolf spiders like here - so I get the spider thing too. As you spoke, I remember my time in the Philippines - so beautiful but again, lots of different bugs and things to get used to so each place has its unique fun vibe. We spoke of moving to France several times so that's why I came to your channel initially - so thank you for your wonderful content. The older I get, the less I think I will ever truly move but I have to say my time in France has always felt like going home too - so thank you for bringing a bit of my second home to me.
Thanks for a great video! I have lived in France for nearly 8 years (first Lorraine, and now the coast of Brittany), and I agree with everything on your list, with the exceptions of ice and A/C. I especially appreciated your comments at the end stating that missing things from the US doesn't mean I need to move back or that I love my life here less.
Diane, you are absolutely right about the "you can" mindset : it's one of the things I appreciate most in American people. As a french woman who lived many years abroad (mostly in Germany and the UK), I do not miss much in France. I stay here because I have no other choice. When watching American ladies on UA-cam finding treasures at Goodwill, doing great DIY with enthousiasm, I envy you. We have no Goodwill and the antique markets are super expensive. Thanks to nice and gifted American ladies, I learned to upholster a sofa and armchairs, to paint furniture and other great stuff. In France, this kind of videos are rare and when you find some, they are horrible !
Seriously, you hit EVERY point for me too. Living in the Netherlands for 5 years, I completely agree with everything you mentioned. No one here understands the screened windows it’s a joke using magnets that don’t hold the screens. And yes my grandparents had a home in Ocean Gate and I remember the shooore. But I I live here now and this is my home.
Hi Diane. You are so right about the Jersey Shore. I live in Cape May NJ and can walk to the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay for the most spectacular sunsets ever. And don’t forget about the incredible variety of produce especially the beautiful “Jersey Tomatoes” and Hamilton Blueberries that are prolific around here. Please take care and hope to see you soon. Joe and Gigi retired in Cape May.
I feel you on the lack of screens, lol! I'm in the southern part of France, and my husband and I found screens similar to what you were speaking of, but on Amazon, made by a French company. They're split down the middle, and are held shut by a long strip of magnets. We put them on all the windows and the doors. It's the first year we were able to have the windows open all the time without feeling like pincushions. I enjoy your content, btw- very balanced POV. 🙂
We've installed screens coupled with electric blinds so we don't have to reach out for the shutters. Also regarding AC we opted for fans (big ones on the ceiling. I believe these kind of changes are a must for the upcoming climate changes where you need to sleep with open windows without feeding the next generation of moskitoes. Regarding the "tu me manques" vs "I miss you", I find your exposé really touching. This is a great tribute to our language. Finally, I concurr with you that what is missing in our country is the positivity and the can-do attitude that you guys are briging. I hope that some heathy intake of US immigrant will change the national mood a bit. Because we tend to be complacent in our gloomy mood and wait for big daddy state to solve our own personal shortcoming. Great non nonsense video as often with a touching streak of "mal du pays".
(French person living in North America) Window screens are all kinds of awesome and I don't know how I've lived without them for so long! No mosquitoes buzzing around all night, no flies or wasps constantly entering the kitchen, you can open the window without the cat getting out, it's just great. Ice in drinks, though -- still haven't gotten used to it in all these years, and I still regularly forget to precise "no ice" when I order water. I could see it when it's very hot (though I still prefer ice-free refrigerated water) but I've been served water with ice by -25C too! What is wrong with you guys and what's with the ice obsession?
If you had to deal with the heat & humidity we do in America you would definitely get AC or you’d die of a heat stroke! It’s considered elderly abuse for them to not have AC here & many die every year for lack of it.
I moved to Japan from Philly in 2006. I can really relate to this list. Especially Pizza, The Jersey Shire and Grocery stores. Everything else you mentioned but those three really stand out. I love Sapporo but I go to Jersey and eat NY style pizza every change I get. ❤
Diane, you and I have so much in common! I'm from Canada and have been living in France since 2009. I miss many similar types of things even though I'm super happy and settled here. Great video!
@@OuiInFrance I was born in Vancouver BC and lived there for most of my adult life! I'm now in Auvergne but have my in-laws in Mauléon (79) and Mortagne-sur-Sèvre (85) which is close to you, I think! 😊
@@kimc555 I'm also from Vancouver! Ah, where to start? Some of it might be city-countryside differences because I'm in a tiny village now, but in general: - the "can do" attitude (in France, you're often met with "ce n'est pas possible" and it's up to you to convince them that it IS possible! 😊) - simplicity in paperwork - some organic or international grocery stores with amazing selection (the biocoops here differ, but can be really expensive and not always have great selection) - higher take-home pay - cheaper gas and electricity - access to international cuisine (I have to drive 180 km return to get mediocre sushi, for example!) - being 3 blocks from the beach (Kits and Jericho, respectively!) I now am a 3-hour drive to the nearest coast - Que pasa tortilla chips with excellent fresh salsa (Vancouver-specific!) I agree with the parking lots being really cramped, but have gotten used to them. All that being said, some of the amazing things in France are: - organic bread and pasta made in my village from ancient grains grown and harvested in my village! - excellent local and organic produce and products - sense of community in the French countryside - affordable housing - excellent health and dental coverage - access to so much in the way of professional development, training, courses (you earn points every month you work that you can use as you please) - 5 weeks paid holidays - so many cultural activities, thanks in most part to much governmental support - 35-hour work week
I agree with you on the lack of screens on windows, but I think that is a European standard. I saw this in Ireland and Poland so it must be continent wide. This summer I was eaten alive by mosquitos. I did have screens put in on the top floor, it did make a difference. Oh, and on the topic of spiders. The area I live have these huge spiders that manage to come in my home and when i try to catch them but they are like Speedy Gonzales.
I couldn’t agree more with you. You really hit the nail right on the head. I always enjoy watching you talking about your experiences in France. I did the opposite of what you did, I left France to be with my ex in the US. At the risk of sounding superficial i will admit that the things i miss the most about France are dairy products and pastries. I am very happily living in the States but like you there are a few things i miss. Thanks
I lived in Paris for almost a decade and loved it, but then I’ve lived in many countries on several continents so I’m accustomed to adapting. I loved your video and your emphasis on the changing perspectives that living outside one’s own country requires. I now live in the Southern Philippines, largely because work brought me here years ago and I found myself enjoying the people, the culture and learning to live in and to enjoy a distinctly non-Western civilization. That said, I do miss France, most particularly l’art de vivre and the French language.
Diane, You should ask for motor arms for your volets battants. Once installed, you can have it opened/closed without touching the screen thanks to a remote control so that the screen in your bedroom can remain sealed. Price starts from around 200€ for a set. Also use set in screens (featuring a screen roller and aluminium sides for the screen to slide in) and not DIY screens to ensure longevity and efficiency.... 🎁🎄
I think that the larger Monoprix stores in Paris can almost compare with Target stores. When translating "I miss you" I convert it to "it's you I miss" in English to make easier to translate to French.
Another great vlog. Love the way you're so open and balanced. While I never lived in France, I've spent a lot of time there. I definitely miss the variety of cultural foods in France, especially outside of Paris. I'm from rural Virginia and surprisingly, old fashioned Virginia food is very similar to rural French food. BTW, I lived in somerset County NJ for 2 years (work assignment where I commuted from VA to NJ weekly). Loved it.
So well put, thanks! We get a lot of military folks where I live, and they are often moving from one place to another. Sometimes they complain ("the way people drive here is insane!" to which I reply "hey, I resemble that remark!") and sometimes they like it so much they end up staying here, mostly because "it is such a great place to raise children". Wherever we are, it will be different than "home" and it is our attitude that makes the place, not the other way around.
I grew up in the Netherlands, but have live in the US for 40 years now. Everytime I go "home" I am shocked how few windows have bug screens. There are LOTS of bugs in a let place like the Netherlands. With their super advanced triple pane windows with muli-open / tilt feature.... you'd think they could figure out how to integrate bug screens. The Dutch are slowly getting more split system A/C units now that summer heat has become more and more severe. They tend to have wall to wall glass in houses with relatively small opening sections. A large percentage of houses also have drop down awnings to help reduce intensity of sunlight coming into homes and that helps a lot. I wonder how much US A/C usage could be reduced is we had awnings everywhere to block sunlight during the most intense times of the day in summers. We used to live within a few miles of the Dutch coast and I missed going there regularly. We now live close by both lake Erie and also lake Ontario is not far away. Even though each is the size of a sea, it just isn't the same a tidal salt water beaches. I still miss that. Regarding New Jersey, a few years back we took a family vacation to Southern Jersey. Oh my goodness what a lovely place. Before I'd only seen the industrial mash lands opposite Manhattan. That is not attractive. Once you get south of that, it's absolutely loverly. Atlantic city however is still sadly not much to look at, other than the boardwalk, the reset of the coast is just idyllic and the Pine Forests were also loverly to explore.
I’m in the US and moved from the Detroit metropolitan area to a rural area in the woods of Lake Huron. It’s gorgeous and I never want to move back to the city but I miss all of those things too. One thing, the restaurants were a huge adjustment so my husband and I learned to cook Chinese, Thai, Indian and Mexican food. We have two 5 star restaurants and the rest are diners and bars. Just not the same.
Somerset County Jersey Girl in the house!!!❤❤❤ You have a great sense of humor and such a lovely, genuine way about you. My current French teacher said she loves the American Spirit also. Your grocery store video was very enjoyable and loved your souvenir ideas.
Another great video!! I live in central Florida and there are big spiders here called the wolf spider. They tend to run away quickly when people come around.
I am moving to france from the east coast of Canada in december to be with my girlfriend of two years and watching these videos are definitely good to get me preprared - I definitely feel you on the mexican food
Yeah, I didn't know about the Mexican Food. Or the pizza. Yikes. We are looking at several European countries for retirement. With Francem I just thought about the fact that French is my favorite cuisine. But I would miss good Mexican food and pizza. :)
I spent most of my life in NJ but I married a MInnesota girl and moved to MN in 2004. I do miss NJ, but many of those I was closest too moved out of NJ in the last 19 years. So, even if one visits NJ, there aren't that many people to visit. I do miss the NJ shore, and I miss the area near the Delaware Water Gap. I miss NJ birding which is spectacular when compared to Minnesota birding.
My family lives in France but I live in the US since 1971. I decided to spend the rest of my life here because the conveniences of every facet of your life exist here in the US. US is the best place in the world for me as someone who traveled the world having worked for a major airline.
It is good to live in the US but for health care it is expensive in the EU the health care is very good or better than in the US but it is not so expensive
@@daylightdaylight6612 the good and the bad of both sides but you choose what's more important to you. Yes, healthcare is more expensive but the quality is excellent and no long waiting to see a doctor or having an operation. World leaders and super wealthy people come to the US for their major healthcare, that speaks for itself.
@@daylightdaylight6612 i needed a shoulder operation and it took one week because i had to go to my Primary Physician to get a health clearance to go through the operation. My friend in the UK however waited 3 months for the same operation. Similar story in Canada and France where I have relatives. You pay for what you get is true.
I agree. We pay more in the US for Healthcare but do not have long waits if surgery is needed etc. I have a friend in Scotland that has some womans health concerns and fibromyalgia. She has been waiting a year to see a Gyn specialist and Pain management. Her mother died of breast cancer but she said woman cannot get first mammogram until 50. She is only 39.
@@elizabeth78269recently I was in the US I went to the family doctor and I paid 404 dollar without tax for blood presure check up, to take temperature and listening to my lungs and 350 dollar without tax for a pcr test. In my country I pay for a simple doctors visit 30 Euro and a pcr test is NOT costing 350 dollars. If we go by instance to an oncologist or an other specialist doctor we pay more. Please do not say " you got what you pay" because our health care is also excellent in the EU. In the US health care is bussines in the EU health care is for curing people.
I agree with you on the bugs. I have a solution, an electronic bug zapper I found on Amazon. True the sound of zapping the bugs can wake me up, but I’d rather have that than 2 dozen bug bites on my body! Even though I like Target, I like Auchan just as much. When I go to London, I stop by Whole Foods there and take back a few items that I can’t find in France, but most of what I need is available in France. Since I’m splitting my time between the U.S. and a France at the moment, I take advantage of what’s available where I’m at, though I think I miss more things from France when I’m in the U.S. rather than vice versa.
I drove from Rhode Island to Washington D.C. a few years ago. As we drove through NYC into New Jersey, I thought it was terrible! But as we drove further south, I understood why it's called The Garden State: it was stunning. My husband's family is from the east in France and they tend to shop at smaller markets and places where they are known: so they don't have any problems with returns, because they are friends. (I guess it helps that it's a relatively small town that everyone knows each other. I did have a shopkeeper in Paris tell me about their return policy... I stopped her half-way through: "It's a gift for my niece in the U.S. If she doesn't like it, she's not coming here to return it, so I think we'll be okay. 😀 Thank you. Another great vlog!
The drive on I95 leaving NYC through north Jersey is terrible, the pits (think the Soprano's intro), but go a few miles off that turnpike and there are beautiful areas and extremely affluent towns (3rd most affluent state in the country). I know because I live here.
You’re from NJ! Ooo Somerset County! Me too. Ill say hello to Ocean Grove for you. Love France but never saw a large spider. Ill consider myself warned. But also i don’t travel in the summer.
Whole Foods (better known around here as Whole Paycheck), Trader Joe's, and Sprouts are rather pricey. Fortunately, we have a local small chain here that is similar in what it offers, but at much more reasonable prices.
Lived in Caen in 1986/87 and 1989/90. You're spot-on about tech. On the other hand, we really couldn't conceive of the notion of instant cheap communication. One simply called family once a month, wrote many letters, and tried not to panic about uncertainty. France had Minitel (ask an older person about it), but that was useless for calling the US.
Hello from Gensac. I also miss Target-and Micheal’s! My mom just left after a 5 week visit and she said if she didn’t have such good friends where she lives, she would move in with us. She loves the life here. That said, family is the biggest miss for me.
Window solution: make a wooden frame that can fit on the inside of the window (between the shutters and the window doors)and attach the screen to that frame. You'd have to take it down every day to open and close the shutters but it works
I learned French on my own from a dictionary in Africa. If you look "miss" up in the dictionary, it says "manquer." I said once "Je manque la Zaire." I got a strange response. I spoke French reasonably well so it didn't occur to anyone that I didn't know what I was saying. It was probably years later when I figured it out. I also love New Jersey. If you move to Virginia, you miss NJ pizza.
Another Jersey Girl here, transplanted to Hawaii since my 20s. I'm moving to France in Spring 2024 and the Angers area is one of the places I'll be exploring for potential long-term residence. Id appreciate your pro/cons of your town/area, and why you chose it. Thanks for all your insights about life in France as an American. I rarely comment bcs I watch UA-cam on internet TV but want you to know I watch&like every video and let the ads run as a small gesture of thanks and support. Aloha🌺🙏
Thanks so much, Donna. I appreciate that. ;-) I live where I live because my husband was already established there when we got married, so I moved to be with him. I love where I live. ;-) Check out the pros/cons video I did here in case you may have missed it: ua-cam.com/video/HuVL3Okq954/v-deo.html Major things people underestimate when moving to France: ua-cam.com/video/LGxzBIflu8E/v-deo.html
I feel your love for grocery stores. I sought out Raleigh NC in part because it is (one of) the most competitive market(s) for grocers in the US. I moved here from FL's most crowded skintag. Nothing against Publix, but I want multiple options for 'regular' grocery stores that are not Winn-Dixie. So now, I enjoy Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, and Lidl in addition to the chains that are present in FL (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Aldi, TJ's, the trinity of warehouse clubs). And Wegmans deserves to be praised separately because this NY-based grocer makes Publix look like a dirty Winn-Dixie. Where else in the US can I find reasonably-priced regular groceries available alongside massive $200 wheels of cave-ripened cheese, displayed all cazh like it's just another thing to put in your cart on a Tuesday.
Hi, Diane. Great vlog! I spent three months in France back in 1996 (gulp). I did an immersion program in Lisieux (Normandy). Talk about culture shock. I was living in Canada at the time. But after a couple of months, I got the hang of it. Now, I live in the US. It took awhile to get used to things here as well. I still miss certain things from Canada but really like life in the US. Like you said, no country is perfect. You learn to appreciate things and this makes you a more well rounded and better person.
I think you always do a good job in your videos with balance. You talk about the things, that in this case, you miss but you don't neglect saying that it's just part of living someplace else. it doesn't mean that you don't love the place that you're living as well. And even if we stay in the United States there are things we miss. I often wish I lived abroad and when I visit I take advantage of those things. We lived in New York for 10 years and I agree with you, best pizza and I would add Chinese. 😃
Thank you! The Chinese food is top notch, totally agree. The Korean food in Ft. Lee, NJ is also fantastic. I was there with a friend last year and it was even better than I'd remembered.
I hear you... I live in the States since 1983. I am from New Caledonia...What I miss most is my family and a good French baguette....The rest, I can do without. Hahaha.... With technology nowadays, I can talk to my family but having good French food is another story. I learned how to make my own "Sirop de Menthe" as I used to bring back 6-10 bottles of Sirop Teisseire in my luggage after each trip home. My luggage was, literally, another French pantry.....
Ahah I feel you for the underground parking lots ! I have quite a big car (because i have 4 kids) and my office parking lot is a very narrow underground one. I must be careful everyday at every move of my car. So scary ! But i didn't scratch it even once !
There are window screens in France, but they aren't super popular. Maybe because many of the buildings are so old. In some locations in France the bugs can be bad enough for screens, but not everywhere, as France in general is fairly far north. I lived in a house in France with roll shutters / storm shutters, rather than the more common traditional hinged shutters. I stayed in France for 5 years and then returned to the US. During my stay in France I'd return to the US for a visit about every 3 months, for a 1 week stay in the US to visit family and friends.
I would miss a lot of those same things if I lived there I think, I also love a good grocery store. We were in France exploring around for the summer and now I miss how much safer and calmer the drivers are on the highway, feeling safer in general, not feeling pressure to make small talk or interact with strangers but still stand that people all over were so kind to us, the amazing Pharmacies and pharmacists, how much better I felt eating the food there (no acid reflux, less inflammation), Natural yards less manicured grass more gardens less billboards/ads it just felt more natural. The slower pace and calm vibes of most of the places we went, Family friendly/dog friendly, I loved all the little things for kids at the aires. Okay I have to plan to go back asap!
Thanks for the video Diane. We live in the Washington DC suburbs. My son's wife is from New Jersey, Freehold. We've visited a few time now, mostly going to the Jersey Shore, Point Pleasant, and it was lovely. We'll also hit Ocean City Maryland and Rohoboth and Bethany beaches in Delaware. My wife and I are looking at retiring to France. Not sure which part yet. Most likely the southern part. Cities Like Pau, Toulouse, Montpellier, Perpignan. Going to have to make plans for an extended stay to check these cities, and others so we can make an informed decision.
It's funny you mentioned ice, bug screen and no air conditioning because we have an American friend who stayed with us and mentioned all that. I also noticed my friend doesn't like to walk alot part of the car culture he so used to back home. It's funny 😂
I can appreciate you are longing your own experiences in France. Being an American. But really those are minimal in nature to the culture and the astounding beauty in France. Not to mention the cuisine! I can also relate to customer service for sure! I am Canadian and when we visit Italy they are the mindset that they are doing you a favor! So returns and customer service is not the same level. Great video on the difference however I am jealous that you live in the Loire Valley that's a awesome place!!❤
I live in Paris and can definitely recommend a long list of outstanding, genuine, traditional Italian and Mexican restaurants where you will eat the best pizzas and the best tacos you've tasted in your life (out of their respective places of origin of course)
Greetings from a Morris County native! (Now living in Seattle.) Two things I miss from NJ that we don't have where I live now: The older architecture (particularly old stone houses) and the forested, hilly areas in the NW part of the state. I haven't been to France yet, unfortunately, but the northern and northwest parts of the country have always seemed particularly beautiful and "comfortable"-feeling to me. I had a French teacher many years ago who spoke about how much she loved Brittany and, pausing to figure out how to phrase something in English, said, "I love the old stones." I felt like the only person in the room who understood what she meant.
Lived most of my life in NYC, live in Seattle now (from here). Seattle is horrible, but it's odd you miss "forested hills" when there's a shore, several islands, and a whole peninsula to the west, and nothing but hilly (and mountainous) forests to the east. Unless you're referring to deciduous forests, which I'd understand (lived upstate NY for a bit). About the only good thing about Seattle is all the great scenery and places when you leave it. Anyway, welcome to Seattle, hope you find places you like, but home is home.
So funny about the window screens. Last summer I had a tiny bat fly into my apartment in Poitiers. Being a Floridian I thought it was one of our flying palmetto bugs so it didn't freak me out. It flew around then plopped into the sink. I scooped it into a coffee cup and took it outside. Yup, no screens.
You should go somewhere where the main language is Spanish like Mexico. People in Mexico and the language of Spanish Expresses a lot of beauty, romance, enjoyment of food and life. Once I've been in Mexico for about two weeks I start dreaming in Spanish, and my heart bursts with joy. I feel excitement and joy as we land, and I feel at peace and harmony in the country because of its people and the language. I cannot recommend it enough. And yes, the food is out of this world. Most places you will stay as a visitor will have air conditioning, dishwashers and all of the regular American amenities. In more populous cities are natural food stores. In the more remote places there are cool seasons which are great for visiting such as in the 70s Fahrenheit.
On point! Je vais rentrer en France, mon pays natal, apres 20 ans d'expatriation aux USA, et je suis convaincue que certaines choses vont me manquer. Surtout la "can do" attitude et les Targets.
Diane, great content!!! We smiled, laughed and generally super-enjoyed your vlog...as always! re: bugs/mosquitoes: I use a roll-on lavender scent. this really seems to help! re: ice in drinks. I am gearing up for our european trip...dreading to have to beg for ice! Since I live in Hawaii, ice is a no-brainer: no ice, no soda! re: beaches. sorry to say, girl, that although the NJ beaches and those fall trees are lovely, no way can your beaches compare with the lovely Hawaii beaches. Sand, surf, wonderful fish and octopuses and blue, blue water. The bomb! re: parking in buildings. we live on Kauai and thankfully, there aren't that many big buildings. But gotta brag: we get to park both cars in the driveway. NO big building parking at all. re: Target: found out recently that Costco did not have our fave liquor (Sazerac rye), but Target did! And you are totally right: so many great products at our local Target. re: a/c. Sadly, our windows have jalousies, so a/c is not really an option. In days that are regularly 85 degrees and dry, we rely on fans. A/C is also very expensive, so another reason we don't. I sweat as I am doing my jigsaw puzzles! (Don't visualize that...) Thanks, Diane, for always having great content and energy. I do appreciate! a chick in Hawaii
I visited Loire Valley for 2 days this June and of course loved it. What kind of work do you do? Is Loire Valley very humid? The accommodation I stayed in in Vouvray was so damp, all the bed sheets felt damp. I do wonder if it’s just my room bc it was like a cave literally built into big hole in the rocks of a hillside.
I understand because (as a French guy) I lived just 6 months in the US and still, there are these things that I miss a lot. I am happy that I lived these things to the fullest when I was there. 1) the climate with hot summer and numerous thunderstorms 2) the music . Very common to hear house music, deep , soulful.. which are like unknown in France 3) laid back and nice people with very open people liké when I had an accident I was invited after my recovery by a witness lady at a dinner at her place with some friends of hers while I never knew this lady before 4) the Buick cars from the 90s that are still parked in some areas of the city I was 5) African american and latino people who are really part of the us people and try not to exclude themselves with another religion from the other mainstream culture (I am thinking of the difference with muslim magrebian people in France who very difficultly want to mingle with the French people). By the way Diane, what's your opinion about this last topic though Cholet is pretty small and diverse cultures might be not so frequent. Thanks for your videos!
I also have a mosquito net, and we made a couple of frames with netting for some windows, not foolproof but helps. Those shield bugs and house centipedes freak me out a bit. I’m in an old farmhouse so we have as much wildlife inside as out. I miss cheap salads while in France and the Lidl potato salad, they don’t have it here. Never had air conditioning (originally from UK) and I wouldn’t want it. It was roasting in Vienne and the fan was all we used.
Greetings from Bergen County (NJ)! I believe your father lives in the same area as my mother and whole foods is opening around the corner from sprouts. plus-the super target near there is really terrific, compared to the one or two i’ve been in elsewhere. my husband and daughter head straight there from the plane, always. your videos and commentary continute to be honest, insightful, and super interesting-thank you!
Hi there! That's great news! We usually go to the one in Boca Raton when visiting my brother. I just googled it though and didn't see anything coming locally. Do you have a link? Is it still in contract stages or nearing the grand opening? My dad hadn't heard of anything about it either...
I live in Thailand, and the only thing I miss here is Trader Joes. I would be so happy to shop regularly at French markets, something I did recently with my friend when I was in Marseille. US markets are trash compared to French. A good French market is literally a spiritual experience the food is so fresh and wonderful. Many items are not regularly even seen in the US. Don't miss any of the other things either when I'm in France.
For me I prefer Monoprix over target and appreciate a drink not overwhelmed by ice watering it down, although I drank mostly Sancerre when in Paris in June. I did however appreciate the air conditioning in the hotel since my Mom did not like the French windows open most of the time. I do however prefer the produce in France. I find it fresher and tastier. 😊
👀🎁👀www.ouiinfrance.com/francophile-gift-ideas/
The Oui In France Holiday Gift Guide for Francophiles is now live on the blog! I've curated a shopping guide of 25 items I absolutely love. They're either made in France or inspired by France in some way. Most of them I own myself or have tried, so rest assured you're getting quality gift picks. Many are also items from small businesses, so I'd love it if you took a look. Merci!
Welcome and thank you. ;-)@@patrak3606
Let's be honnest America is boring country of endless suburbia, parking lots commercial area with no walkable downtown, no history no culture no flavor, the same from north to south and eats to west, mac Donald, Burger King , pizza hut, taco bell and other fast foods is all america has to offer, there is no beauty in america, it is all commercial, even in the people who are either obese or overweight the eyes can't find some relief.
You mentioned that you have a portable AC unit. Is that a free standing unit as opposed to a window AC unit? Just trying to determine my options before I move.
Having been in France over a decade myself, I miss people with a genuine capacity for enthusiasm. Sometimes a little enthusiam, even in the face of a crappy situation, can make the crappy situation more tolerable. That said, I prefer my life in France.
As a french person I agree. I love living in France and I feel very grateful for all its qualities. But for sure, there is sometimes a lack of positivism.
Je suis content que la Bretagne vous plaise. Vous êtes toujours la bienvenue dans notre région.
As a Frenchman, the part about ice in the drinks made me laugh : When I was in the states I had to always ask for my drinks without ice. I hated the quantity of ice they put in. My teeth did not stand the cold and once the ice was melted, the drink tasted like water. 🙂 Cultural differences and acquired taste during childhood...
I thought the reason was to save money as ice is cheaper than the beverage?
@@georgiafrye2815 This is very often true. Ice is cheaper than soda syrup. Me, I love to eat ice after I have finished the liquid portion.
I totally agree with I am always battling to get my drinks without ice….I hate all this ice in a glass
I don’t like a full cup of ice because of teeth sensitivity, but I always ask for a few ice cubes, especially when it’s warm outside.
Lol, I was on a British Airways flight Istanbul to Heathrow. The flight attendant heard my American accent and during drink service said, "I see you are American. Would you like extra ice in your drink?" I said, "Oh yes, please." They gave me 3 little cubes! The Brit next to me only got 1 cube. 🤦🤣🤣🤣🤣We have HUGE cup sizes because we fill 3/4 of the cup with ice before putting the Coke. You are correct, we must drink it fast before it gets watery.
Those sayings for missing a person (in French) are so touching! It is a lovely sentiment..."You are missing...from me." Great video Diane.
I'm also American, from California, and I moved here in 2009. 15 years now, sheesh. I agree with nearly everything you said, in particular the not being homesick. You didn't mention if you're going after French citizenship... I am. I'm maybe 35 years older than you and starting my retirement. One huge thing you didn't mention is the French healthcare system. It has literally saved my life twice, for little to no cost, for conditions that would have bankrupted me twice if I'd been in the US. Anyway, great video and all the best to you! BTW I'm also Tom😂
Hi Tom (great name!), I've talked about citizenship in other videos, check out this one where I specifically answer that question: ua-cam.com/video/4Ky7EfrOvt8/v-deo.html
Glad you enjoyed the video and a very happy New Year to you and yours!
As a French myself, i'm apreciating seeing someone else's opinion on my country. It helps me see it in a different perspective. I will move to Japan starting from february next year for an indefinite amount of time so it's nice to see how someone else sees life in my country as it helps me getting a feel of what kinds of troubles i could expect living in a different culture !
I actually found a lot of similarities between France and Japan when I lived there. Carlos Ghosn told me it is because both cultures are very specific. I would live in either country again.
How do you like it in Japan? My friend lived there for 6 years teaching English and said that Japanese landlords make renting to Americans difficult.
@@thehapagirl92 hi, for now it has been pretty great. It helps that i speak the language already.
I live in a sharehouse so i didn't have too many landlord Issues
I was born and raised in France. I met and happily married an American in Belgium and have been in the USA since 1987. I have been very happy in both countries. However, I really think that you have to be born American to love Oreo cookies and root beer😀 Being serious now, I totally agree with you on all your points and would miss them all should I go to live in France again. I love the respectful way you talk about both countries. You are an inspiration to me and hope to many viewers.👏
I was so surprised to find that root beer is so disliked by many, even considered disgusting. Its one of the foods in Swedens Museum of Gross Food
@@ginay4878Well, they like black licorice, so…😅
Are you a man or woman?
Also, how can you dislike Oreos and root beer? They’re delicious
I'm from US. I hate root beer.
I'm an expat also living in France also and not too far from you. We have screens on our windows. I looked at Leroy Merlin's site and ordered them. We also have installed central air conditioner. We had it installed this year but we live in stand alone home in the countryside. We've gotten by with a portable unit for the occasional few nights it was too hot to sleep well when we lived in town. Installing an central unit that both heats and cools makes a barely any noise. When I gave my French friend (now husband) a glass of iced tea he became a convert. We ask for ice in our glasses when ever we eat out and plan on having plain water. I hate the parking in France but since I have had our Citroen monAMI for shopping I don't mind parking anylonger. I cook so there is not any food group that I miss from the USA. I certainly don't miss Target. I love that many of the shops are not individually owned. Every single town in France is not identical as it is in America. I like going to get a warm baguette, my meats from the local butcher, the local market day (are they still called Farmers Market in the States). Yeah. Perhaps I should have been born in France.
Screen windows! Drove me nuts every time we rented a vacation home in France. Considering how many diseases (like Lyme) are now transmitted by mosquitoes and spiders, it is unforgivable. French expat in the US here. Number 3# can-do attitude. The US are changing fast and not for the better. I so much loved business attitudes when I arrived 30+ years ago, it is deteriorating fast. Still better however than in France... COSTCO and WHOLE FOODS are the ones I would miss. Can return anything anytime, no questions asked, try that in France! ICE: it kills your taste buds, that is why the French do not drink icy beverages. In the US, where most of the food taste like cardboard it does not matter (I was raised on Haute French Cuisine and I suffer in the US, especially since I moved out of California) For me, I miss having interesting conversations in French. Americans do not speak French for most, not like in France where so many speak English. I am considering leaving the US as I do not recognize this country anymore. All the qualities I appreciated so much are disappearing. The destruction of Cali transformed millions of us into nomads looking from one State to another for the next El Dorado. However, we are getting too old to keep moving again and again. Returning to France will not happen as I am shocked by France in 2023, but may be a neighbouring country.... safer, calmer, more prosperous.... At the end of life, on needs to get back to their roots. It's a calling. You are making great videos, with good thoughts, and you also look more and more beautiful with time. France seems to suit you.
Few bits from a French :
- some of the « can do » attitude is indeed something we miss in our culture. The French attitude is OK as long as it’s a « let’s think it through thoroughly before » and not a systematic « no can do ». I personally think that a balanced mix of those spirits would be the best approach ;
- the screen windows and AC are just something that we didn’t really need this far. France is particularly one of the countries where weather conditions have been very temperate and rarely went into extreme heat, rain or cold. Same goes with wild life, bugs included, that sure are always annoying, but are very rarely life-threatening. That said, with climate change repercussions needs might change…
- the ice in the cup thing is partly due to the fact that we didn’t really had a taste for ice cold drinks in the first place. But also the main difference is that we don’t do the free refill thing like in America. So in this context it’s hard for us to pay for a drink made mainly of ice cubes. Talking about that, I suppose that the dilution from ice cubes is taken into account while setting the dosage of syrup in soda machines, and so American soda will be dosed stronger than in France;
- and finally about the parking spaces for cars : French cars used to be even smaller than what they are now. Lots of parking places were designed at a time where people almost all had really tiny cars (from an American perspective). Nowadays, it’s all SUVs and the size of the average car has augmented quite a lot, but parking spaces are still made like they were in the 70’s. At the time, it was plenty of space, but not anymore.
Great insight, as usual, Diane. I would like to point out that some of the things you miss are based upon living in a different geographic area, not a different country. I grew up on Long Island, NY and moved to the Midwest after high school. I can tell you that foods like great (or even tolerable) pizza, authentic bagels, good bread, Mallomar cookies (which aren't distributed in the Midwest), and fresh and relatively inexpensive seafood are as foreign here as the food you miss. Your comment about Target is funny to me because the first job I had out of college was at Target and that's what got me to Minneapolis, which is Target's headquarters. However, for the entire 10 years I worked there, my parents never shopped there because Target didn't open stores on the East Coast for many years. None of my relatives had even heard of Target. Although Minnesota, is the "Land of 10,000 lakes," there is nothing that can substitute for a walk on the beach while waves are hitting the shore. I love the lakes, but dearly miss the ocean. So this too is a malady of not living on any coast.
However, other items on your list I can relate to, not as an ex-pat, but as a traveler: ice in drinks for me is HUGE, A/C was missed on an abnormally warm visit to Switzerland. I was surprised about your comment concerning window screens because my wife and I have always been amazed at the lack of bugs, especially mosquitoes, in Europe. Even at night with the lights on, it always seemed magical to have the windows open. So apparently, there ARE bugs in Europe!
Finally, your last item concerning friends and family being missed is another thing I can relate to. Yes, it's a much longer trip from France to New Jersey (or Florida) than from Minneapolis to New York, but still it's something that I cannot do frequently. This has to do with distance, and I'm sure is an issue for anyone who does not live within close driving distance of where they grew up.
I'm not one who ever wanted to move back to New York (despite what I miss) because for me, the positives of my life in Minnesota outweigh what I miss from New York. However, being aware of the things that are different does make you appreciate both what you have and what you miss.
On one return trip to the states from France a woman next to me in line said that the first thing she was going to get when she returned the the US was Mexican food. I literally almost burst into tears because I grew up in a Mexican family and it is my favorite food!!
First time watching your channel. You are a very entertaining lady! Thanks !
Welcome and thank you!
You’re so sweet and genuine, Diane. I just love to hear your perspective on things. My husband is French living here in the US so I’ve seen him go through all the same things you have over our years together. Someday soon we will move to France and then I’ll be the one in his shoes, lol. I’m really excited fir the new experience, though!
You sound very nostalgic!you are mostly right on your experiences. As a French woman living in the US I also miss my home country.
Beautiful indeed how they express "I miss you".
❤
I love how you told us that in French it is “you are missing from me.” 💔 Lovely 😊
ah, from South Jersey and now live in Mississippi - I always loved the fact that there were no screens in France but then I haven't stayed there for longer than a month at a time with friends in Riom, so there is that. The heat in Mississippi is deadly (one day of rain since June and still it is moist here) and even with family in Florida - it is much worse here. I so miss NJ it hurts my heart sometimes - the beach, the city, the rural farms, and horseback riding all within an hour's drive - so I get it. Even in NJ, the moisture is nothing like here and there are no wolf spiders like here - so I get the spider thing too. As you spoke, I remember my time in the Philippines - so beautiful but again, lots of different bugs and things to get used to so each place has its unique fun vibe. We spoke of moving to France several times so that's why I came to your channel initially - so thank you for your wonderful content. The older I get, the less I think I will ever truly move but I have to say my time in France has always felt like going home too - so thank you for bringing a bit of my second home to me.
Thanks Diane for another interesting video! I genuinely enjoy your thoughtful content and articulate delivery
Thanks for a great video! I have lived in France for nearly 8 years (first Lorraine, and now the coast of Brittany), and I agree with everything on your list, with the exceptions of ice and A/C. I especially appreciated your comments at the end stating that missing things from the US doesn't mean I need to move back or that I love my life here less.
Diane, you are absolutely right about the "you can" mindset : it's one of the things I appreciate most in American people. As a french woman who lived many years abroad (mostly in Germany and the UK), I do not miss much in France. I stay here because I have no other choice.
When watching American ladies on UA-cam finding treasures at Goodwill, doing great DIY with enthousiasm, I envy you. We have no Goodwill and the antique markets are super expensive.
Thanks to nice and gifted American ladies, I learned to upholster a sofa and armchairs, to paint furniture and other great stuff. In France, this kind of videos are rare and when you find some, they are horrible !
If you ever visit the States, come visit me and we will hit ALL of the thrift stores here (North Alabama)!
Diane, thank you for sharing your thoughts in such an eloquent and nuanced way. Love your channel
Seriously, you hit EVERY point for me too. Living in the Netherlands for 5 years, I completely agree with everything you mentioned. No one here understands the screened windows it’s a joke using magnets that don’t hold the screens. And yes my grandparents had a home in Ocean Gate and I remember the shooore. But I I live here now and this is my home.
So much to relate to here. Thank you, Diane. Really enjoyed this one! ❤
Hi Diane. You are so right about the Jersey Shore. I live in Cape May NJ and can walk to the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay for the most spectacular sunsets ever.
And don’t forget about the incredible variety of produce especially the beautiful “Jersey Tomatoes” and Hamilton Blueberries that are prolific around here.
Please take care and hope to see you soon. Joe and Gigi retired in Cape May.
I feel you on the lack of screens, lol! I'm in the southern part of France, and my husband and I found screens similar to what you were speaking of, but on Amazon, made by a French company. They're split down the middle, and are held shut by a long strip of magnets. We put them on all the windows and the doors. It's the first year we were able to have the windows open all the time without feeling like pincushions. I enjoy your content, btw- very balanced POV. 🙂
We've installed screens coupled with electric blinds so we don't have to reach out for the shutters. Also regarding AC we opted for fans (big ones on the ceiling. I believe these kind of changes are a must for the upcoming climate changes where you need to sleep with open windows without feeding the next generation of moskitoes.
Regarding the "tu me manques" vs "I miss you", I find your exposé really touching. This is a great tribute to our language.
Finally, I concurr with you that what is missing in our country is the positivity and the can-do attitude that you guys are briging. I hope that some heathy intake of US immigrant will change the national mood a bit. Because we tend to be complacent in our gloomy mood and wait for big daddy state to solve our own personal shortcoming.
Great non nonsense video as often with a touching streak of "mal du pays".
(French person living in North America) Window screens are all kinds of awesome and I don't know how I've lived without them for so long! No mosquitoes buzzing around all night, no flies or wasps constantly entering the kitchen, you can open the window without the cat getting out, it's just great. Ice in drinks, though -- still haven't gotten used to it in all these years, and I still regularly forget to precise "no ice" when I order water. I could see it when it's very hot (though I still prefer ice-free refrigerated water) but I've been served water with ice by -25C too! What is wrong with you guys and what's with the ice obsession?
We are not afraid of Ac. AC is very polluting, and we have other means to keep a bit cool, which are less damaging.
If you had to deal with the heat & humidity we do in America you would definitely get AC or you’d die of a heat stroke! It’s considered elderly abuse for them to not have AC here & many die every year for lack of it.
I moved to Japan from Philly in 2006. I can really relate to this list. Especially Pizza, The Jersey Shire and Grocery stores. Everything else you mentioned but those three really stand out. I love Sapporo but I go to Jersey and eat NY style pizza every change I get. ❤
Diane, you and I have so much in common! I'm from Canada and have been living in France since 2009. I miss many similar types of things even though I'm super happy and settled here. Great video!
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! Where in Canada were you living before?
Curious - what Canadian specific things do you miss and yes, where are you from? I’m in Vancouver. 🇨🇦
@@OuiInFrance I was born in Vancouver BC and lived there for most of my adult life! I'm now in Auvergne but have my in-laws in Mauléon (79) and Mortagne-sur-Sèvre (85) which is close to you, I think! 😊
@@kimc555 I'm also from Vancouver!
Ah, where to start? Some of it might be city-countryside differences because I'm in a tiny village now, but in general:
- the "can do" attitude (in France, you're often met with "ce n'est pas possible" and it's up to you to convince them that it IS possible! 😊)
- simplicity in paperwork
- some organic or international grocery stores with amazing selection (the biocoops here differ, but can be really expensive and not always have great selection)
- higher take-home pay
- cheaper gas and electricity
- access to international cuisine (I have to drive 180 km return to get mediocre sushi, for example!)
- being 3 blocks from the beach (Kits and Jericho, respectively!) I now am a 3-hour drive to the nearest coast
- Que pasa tortilla chips with excellent fresh salsa (Vancouver-specific!)
I agree with the parking lots being really cramped, but have gotten used to them.
All that being said, some of the amazing things in France are:
- organic bread and pasta made in my village from ancient grains grown and harvested in my village!
- excellent local and organic produce and products
- sense of community in the French countryside
- affordable housing
- excellent health and dental coverage
- access to so much in the way of professional development, training, courses (you earn points every month you work that you can use as you please)
- 5 weeks paid holidays
- so many cultural activities, thanks in most part to much governmental support
- 35-hour work week
I agree with you on the lack of screens on windows, but I think that is a European standard. I saw this in Ireland and Poland so it must be continent wide. This summer I was eaten alive by mosquitos. I did have screens put in on the top floor, it did make a difference.
Oh, and on the topic of spiders. The area I live have these huge spiders that manage to come in my home and when i try to catch them but they are like Speedy Gonzales.
I couldn’t agree more with you. You really hit the nail right on the head.
I always enjoy watching you talking about your experiences in France.
I did the opposite of what you did, I left France to be with my ex in the US. At the risk of sounding superficial i will admit that the things i miss the most about France are dairy products and pastries. I am very happily living in the States but like you there are a few things i miss.
Thanks
I lived in Paris for almost a decade and loved it, but then I’ve lived in many countries on several continents so I’m accustomed to adapting. I loved your video and your emphasis on the changing perspectives that living outside one’s own country requires. I now live in the Southern Philippines, largely because work brought me here years ago and I found myself enjoying the people, the culture and learning to live in and to enjoy a distinctly non-Western civilization. That said, I do miss France, most particularly l’art de vivre and the French language.
I liked your image of a warm blanket 😊 I can totally understand you.
Diane, You should ask for motor arms for your volets battants. Once installed, you can have it opened/closed without touching the screen thanks to a remote control so that the screen in your bedroom can remain sealed. Price starts from around 200€ for a set. Also use set in screens (featuring a screen roller and aluminium sides for the screen to slide in) and not DIY screens to ensure longevity and efficiency.... 🎁🎄
In order it would be washers and dryers that get your laundry done efficiently, a/c and central heat, screened windows.
I like the perspective you point out with the French phrase: tu me manages!
3:55 So true! Another example of that is "still life" subjects in paintings and photography is called "nature morte" which means "dead nature". 😂
Oh yeah - the heat and mosquitoes part - I hear you! In Montpellier, summer kills me!!
I think that the larger Monoprix stores in Paris can almost compare with Target stores. When translating "I miss you" I convert it to "it's you I miss" in English to make easier to translate to French.
Another great vlog. Love the way you're so open and balanced. While I never lived in France, I've spent a lot of time there. I definitely miss the variety of cultural foods in France, especially outside of Paris. I'm from rural Virginia and surprisingly, old fashioned Virginia food is very similar to rural French food.
BTW, I lived in somerset County NJ for 2 years (work assignment where I commuted from VA to NJ weekly). Loved it.
Where in NJ? I currently live in Bedminster
@donnabeland2686 sorry for delay. I had a Corp apartment in Basking Ridge. Loved the area.
Yay to the NJ Shore!!!
Woot woot for Jersey! Fellow Jersey girl here! And I live at the shore. I'm about 5 minutes to Long Branch and Asbury.
So well put, thanks! We get a lot of military folks where I live, and they are often moving from one place to another. Sometimes they complain ("the way people drive here is insane!" to which I reply "hey, I resemble that remark!") and sometimes they like it so much they end up staying here, mostly because "it is such a great place to raise children". Wherever we are, it will be different than "home" and it is our attitude that makes the place, not the other way around.
Well versed Jersey Girl (Jersey Guy now living in FL). Even though I am in the US, there are so many things I miss from NJ.
I grew up in the Netherlands, but have live in the US for 40 years now. Everytime I go "home" I am shocked how few windows have bug screens. There are LOTS of bugs in a let place like the Netherlands. With their super advanced triple pane windows with muli-open / tilt feature.... you'd think they could figure out how to integrate bug screens. The Dutch are slowly getting more split system A/C units now that summer heat has become more and more severe. They tend to have wall to wall glass in houses with relatively small opening sections. A large percentage of houses also have drop down awnings to help reduce intensity of sunlight coming into homes and that helps a lot. I wonder how much US A/C usage could be reduced is we had awnings everywhere to block sunlight during the most intense times of the day in summers. We used to live within a few miles of the Dutch coast and I missed going there regularly. We now live close by both lake Erie and also lake Ontario is not far away. Even though each is the size of a sea, it just isn't the same a tidal salt water beaches. I still miss that. Regarding New Jersey, a few years back we took a family vacation to Southern Jersey. Oh my goodness what a lovely place. Before I'd only seen the industrial mash lands opposite Manhattan. That is not attractive. Once you get south of that, it's absolutely loverly. Atlantic city however is still sadly not much to look at, other than the boardwalk, the reset of the coast is just idyllic and the Pine Forests were also loverly to explore.
These are the reasons for why I want to leave the US. Funny how all of us are so different but just confirms that France is for me.
I’m also an expat living abroad. Differences can be challenging at times but worth it in the long term. 6 years now
I’m in the US and moved from the Detroit metropolitan area to a rural area in the woods of Lake Huron. It’s gorgeous and I never want to move back to the city but I miss all of those things too. One thing, the restaurants were a huge adjustment so my husband and I learned to cook Chinese, Thai, Indian and Mexican food. We have two 5 star restaurants and the rest are diners and bars. Just not the same.
Somerset County Jersey Girl in the house!!!❤❤❤ You have a great sense of humor and such a lovely, genuine way about you. My current French teacher said she loves the American Spirit also. Your grocery store video was very enjoyable and loved your souvenir ideas.
Hi Lori! Great to see you in the comments. Thank you for your kind words. ;-)
This is a super fun list! Thanks!
Another great video!! I live in central Florida and there are big spiders here called the wolf spider. They tend to run away quickly when people come around.
I am moving to france from the east coast of Canada in december to be with my girlfriend of two years and watching these videos are definitely good to get me preprared - I definitely feel you on the mexican food
Yeah, I didn't know about the Mexican Food. Or the pizza. Yikes. We are looking at several European countries for retirement. With Francem I just thought about the fact that French is my favorite cuisine. But I would miss good Mexican food and pizza. :)
@@izzytoons i would say in Paris especially there’s lots of good pizza!
@@bilong92 Good to hear! I admit I have been to France and Paris five times but I've never ordered pizza. So I just didn't know. Thanks!
I spent most of my life in NJ but I married a MInnesota girl and moved to MN in 2004. I do miss NJ, but many of those I was closest too moved out of NJ in the last 19 years. So, even if one visits NJ, there aren't that many people to visit. I do miss the NJ shore, and I miss the area near the Delaware Water Gap. I miss NJ birding which is spectacular when compared to Minnesota birding.
Great video! I've never been to New Jersey but it looks fantastic.
Merci. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
My family lives in France but I live in the US since 1971. I decided to spend the rest of my life here because the conveniences of every facet of your life exist here in the US. US is the best place in the world for me as someone who traveled the world having worked for a major airline.
It is good to live in the US but for health care it is expensive in the EU the health care is very good or better than in the US but it is not so expensive
@@daylightdaylight6612 the good and the bad of both sides but you choose what's more important to you. Yes, healthcare is more expensive but the quality is excellent and no long waiting to see a doctor or having an operation. World leaders and super wealthy people come to the US for their major healthcare, that speaks for itself.
@@daylightdaylight6612 i needed a shoulder operation and it took one week because i had to go to my Primary Physician to get a health clearance to go through the operation. My friend in the UK however waited 3 months for the same operation. Similar story in Canada and France where I have relatives. You pay for what you get is true.
I agree. We pay more in the US for Healthcare but do not have long waits if surgery is needed etc. I have a friend in Scotland that has some womans health concerns and fibromyalgia. She has been waiting a year to see a Gyn specialist and Pain management. Her mother died of breast cancer but she said woman cannot get first mammogram until 50. She is only 39.
@@elizabeth78269recently I was in the US I went to the family doctor and I paid 404 dollar without tax for blood presure check up, to take temperature and listening to my lungs and 350 dollar without tax for a pcr test. In my country I pay for a simple doctors visit 30 Euro and a pcr test is NOT costing 350 dollars.
If we go by instance to an oncologist or an other specialist doctor we pay more.
Please do not say " you got what you pay" because our health care is also excellent in the EU.
In the US health care is bussines in the EU health care is for curing people.
I agree with you on the bugs. I have a solution, an electronic bug zapper I found on Amazon. True the sound of zapping the bugs can wake me up, but I’d rather have that than 2 dozen bug bites on my body! Even though I like Target, I like Auchan just as much. When I go to London, I stop by Whole Foods there and take back a few items that I can’t find in France, but most of what I need is available in France. Since I’m splitting my time between the U.S. and a France at the moment, I take advantage of what’s available where I’m at, though I think I miss more things from France when I’m in the U.S. rather than vice versa.
Greetings from Montgomery Twp in Somerset County, New Jersey, from a new subscriber!
Welcome and thank you for watching and subbing :-)
I drove from Rhode Island to Washington D.C. a few years ago. As we drove through NYC into New Jersey, I thought it was terrible! But as we drove further south, I understood why it's called The Garden State: it was stunning.
My husband's family is from the east in France and they tend to shop at smaller markets and places where they are known: so they don't have any problems with returns, because they are friends. (I guess it helps that it's a relatively small town that everyone knows each other.
I did have a shopkeeper in Paris tell me about their return policy... I stopped her half-way through: "It's a gift for my niece in the U.S. If she doesn't like it, she's not coming here to return it, so I think we'll be okay. 😀
Thank you. Another great vlog!
The drive on I95 leaving NYC through north Jersey is terrible, the pits (think the Soprano's intro), but go a few miles off that turnpike and there are beautiful areas and extremely affluent towns (3rd most affluent state in the country). I know because I live here.
You're so right about the can do attitude. I'm Belgian and I feel it's an issue also here especially in certain areas of life 😢
You’re from NJ! Ooo Somerset County! Me too. Ill say hello to Ocean Grove for you. Love France but never saw a large spider. Ill consider myself warned. But also i don’t travel in the summer.
Whole Foods (better known around here as Whole Paycheck), Trader Joe's, and Sprouts are rather pricey. Fortunately, we have a local small chain here that is similar in what it offers, but at much more reasonable prices.
Wrong. TJ’s has good prices.
Lived in Caen in 1986/87 and 1989/90. You're spot-on about tech. On the other hand, we really couldn't conceive of the notion of instant cheap communication. One simply called family once a month, wrote many letters, and tried not to panic about uncertainty. France had Minitel (ask an older person about it), but that was useless for calling the US.
SO grateful for WhatsApp/Facetime these days. I really don't think I could have made it if I had moved to France before those things existed.
Hello from Gensac. I also miss Target-and Micheal’s! My mom just left after a 5 week visit and she said if she didn’t have such good friends where she lives, she would move in with us. She loves the life here. That said, family is the biggest miss for me.
Window solution: make a wooden frame that can fit on the inside of the window (between the shutters and the window doors)and attach the screen to that frame.
You'd have to take it down every day to open and close the shutters but it works
Right, the bugs come in during the few seconds we have to open and close the shutters so that won't work. No easy solution.
@@OuiInFrance way less bugs inter in few minutes than hours on a time. There's also some types of insects repellents in chalk form. They can help
Diane, the more I listen to you, the more I think you're fab
You're too kind.
I learned French on my own from a dictionary in Africa. If you look "miss" up in the dictionary, it says "manquer." I said once "Je manque la Zaire." I got a strange response. I spoke French reasonably well so it didn't occur to anyone that I didn't know what I was saying. It was probably years later when I figured it out. I also love New Jersey. If you move to Virginia, you miss NJ pizza.
Another Jersey Girl here, transplanted to Hawaii since my 20s. I'm moving to France in Spring 2024 and the Angers area is one of the places I'll be exploring for potential long-term residence. Id appreciate your pro/cons of your town/area, and why you chose it. Thanks for all your insights about life in France as an American. I rarely comment bcs I watch UA-cam on internet TV but want you to know I watch&like every video and let the ads run as a small gesture of thanks and support. Aloha🌺🙏
Thanks so much, Donna. I appreciate that. ;-) I live where I live because my husband was already established there when we got married, so I moved to be with him. I love where I live. ;-)
Check out the pros/cons video I did here in case you may have missed it: ua-cam.com/video/HuVL3Okq954/v-deo.html
Major things people underestimate when moving to France: ua-cam.com/video/LGxzBIflu8E/v-deo.html
Well said ! I've lived in France for over 30 years now, originally from California....
Thank you!
Been here (France) 25 years (from NY). I miss Peppermint Patties, red Twizzlers, root beer - and YES the CAN DO ATTITUDE.
I feel your love for grocery stores. I sought out Raleigh NC in part because it is (one of) the most competitive market(s) for grocers in the US. I moved here from FL's most crowded skintag. Nothing against Publix, but I want multiple options for 'regular' grocery stores that are not Winn-Dixie.
So now, I enjoy Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, and Lidl in addition to the chains that are present in FL (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Aldi, TJ's, the trinity of warehouse clubs). And Wegmans deserves to be praised separately because this NY-based grocer makes Publix look like a dirty Winn-Dixie. Where else in the US can I find reasonably-priced regular groceries available alongside massive $200 wheels of cave-ripened cheese, displayed all cazh like it's just another thing to put in your cart on a Tuesday.
I miss my car. I don't need a car in Cuenca, Ecuador but I did love driving around.
Hi, Diane. Great vlog! I spent three months in France back in 1996 (gulp). I did an immersion program in Lisieux (Normandy). Talk about culture shock. I was living in Canada at the time. But after a couple of months, I got the hang of it. Now, I live in the US. It took awhile to get used to things here as well. I still miss certain things from Canada but really like life in the US. Like you said, no country is perfect. You learn to appreciate things and this makes you a more well rounded and better person.
I think you always do a good job in your videos with balance. You talk about the things, that in this case, you miss but you don't neglect saying that it's just part of living someplace else. it doesn't mean that you don't love the place that you're living as well. And even if we stay in the United States there are things we miss. I often wish I lived abroad and when I visit I take advantage of those things. We lived in New York for 10 years and I agree with you, best pizza and I would add Chinese. 😃
Thank you! The Chinese food is top notch, totally agree. The Korean food in Ft. Lee, NJ is also fantastic. I was there with a friend last year and it was even better than I'd remembered.
I hear you...
I live in the States since 1983. I am from New Caledonia...What I miss most is my family and a good French baguette....The rest, I can do without. Hahaha....
With technology nowadays, I can talk to my family but having good French food is another story. I learned how to make my own "Sirop de Menthe" as I used to bring back 6-10 bottles of Sirop Teisseire in my luggage after each trip home. My luggage was, literally, another French pantry.....
L'ideal?...6 mois en Amerique et 6 mois ailleurs...Bientot la retraite...J'y pense!@@PascalDupont-ft7hd
Ahah I feel you for the underground parking lots ! I have quite a big car (because i have 4 kids) and my office parking lot is a very narrow underground one. I must be careful everyday at every move of my car. So scary ! But i didn't scratch it even once !
There are window screens in France, but they aren't super popular. Maybe because many of the buildings are so old. In some locations in France the bugs can be bad enough for screens, but not everywhere, as France in general is fairly far north. I lived in a house in France with roll shutters / storm shutters, rather than the more common traditional hinged shutters. I stayed in France for 5 years and then returned to the US. During my stay in France I'd return to the US for a visit about every 3 months, for a 1 week stay in the US to visit family and friends.
I would miss a lot of those same things if I lived there I think, I also love a good grocery store. We were in France exploring around for the summer and now I miss how much safer and calmer the drivers are on the highway, feeling safer in general, not feeling pressure to make small talk or interact with strangers but still stand that people all over were so kind to us, the amazing Pharmacies and pharmacists, how much better I felt eating the food there (no acid reflux, less inflammation), Natural yards less manicured grass more gardens less billboards/ads it just felt more natural. The slower pace and calm vibes of most of the places we went, Family friendly/dog friendly, I loved all the little things for kids at the aires. Okay I have to plan to go back asap!
Thanks for the video Diane. We live in the Washington DC suburbs. My son's wife is from New Jersey, Freehold. We've visited a few time now, mostly going to the Jersey Shore, Point Pleasant, and it was lovely. We'll also hit Ocean City Maryland and Rohoboth and Bethany beaches in Delaware. My wife and I are looking at retiring to France. Not sure which part yet. Most likely the southern part. Cities Like Pau, Toulouse, Montpellier, Perpignan. Going to have to make plans for an extended stay to check these cities, and others so we can make an informed decision.
It's funny you mentioned ice, bug screen and no air conditioning because we have an American friend who stayed with us and mentioned all that. I also noticed my friend doesn't like to walk alot part of the car culture he so used to back home. It's funny 😂
I can appreciate you are longing your own experiences in France.
Being an American. But really those are minimal in nature to the culture and the astounding beauty in France. Not to mention the cuisine!
I can also relate to customer service for sure!
I am Canadian and when we visit Italy they are the mindset that they are doing you a favor!
So returns and customer service is not the same level. Great video on the difference however I am jealous that you live in the Loire Valley that's a awesome place!!❤
I live in Paris and can definitely recommend a long list of outstanding, genuine, traditional Italian and Mexican restaurants where you will eat the best pizzas and the best tacos you've tasted in your life (out of their respective places of origin of course)
Greetings from a Morris County native! (Now living in Seattle.)
Two things I miss from NJ that we don't have where I live now: The older architecture (particularly old stone houses) and the forested, hilly areas in the NW part of the state.
I haven't been to France yet, unfortunately, but the northern and northwest parts of the country have always seemed particularly beautiful and "comfortable"-feeling to me. I had a French teacher many years ago who spoke about how much she loved Brittany and, pausing to figure out how to phrase something in English, said, "I love the old stones." I felt like the only person in the room who understood what she meant.
Lived most of my life in NYC, live in Seattle now (from here). Seattle is horrible, but it's odd you miss "forested hills" when there's a shore, several islands, and a whole peninsula to the west, and nothing but hilly (and mountainous) forests to the east. Unless you're referring to deciduous forests, which I'd understand (lived upstate NY for a bit). About the only good thing about Seattle is all the great scenery and places when you leave it. Anyway, welcome to Seattle, hope you find places you like, but home is home.
Hi from a fellow Morris County native, moving soon to the NJ shore. Will miss aspects of this beautiful county. Love Seattle!
So funny about the window screens. Last summer I had a tiny bat fly into my apartment in Poitiers. Being a Floridian I thought it was one of our flying palmetto bugs so it didn't freak me out. It flew around then plopped into the sink. I scooped it into a coffee cup and took it outside. Yup, no screens.
You should go somewhere where the main language is Spanish like Mexico. People in Mexico and the language of Spanish Expresses a lot of beauty, romance, enjoyment of food and life. Once I've been in Mexico for about two weeks I start dreaming in Spanish, and my heart bursts with joy. I feel excitement and joy as we land, and I feel at peace and harmony in the country because of its people and the language. I cannot recommend it enough. And yes, the food is out of this world. Most places you will stay as a visitor will have air conditioning, dishwashers and all of the regular American amenities. In more populous cities are natural food stores. In the more remote places there are cool seasons which are great for visiting such as in the 70s Fahrenheit.
You seem to be describing the qualities of a fish out of water.
Good luck with your ongoing adjustments👍
I've been in France a decade now so all the culture shock and adjustments are luckily in the rear view mirror these days ;-). Thanks for watching!
On point! Je vais rentrer en France, mon pays natal, apres 20 ans d'expatriation aux USA, et je suis convaincue que certaines choses vont me manquer. Surtout la "can do" attitude et les Targets.
Love the explanation of tu me manque. Vey nice.
Diane, great content!!! We smiled, laughed and generally super-enjoyed your vlog...as always!
re: bugs/mosquitoes: I use a roll-on lavender scent. this really seems to help!
re: ice in drinks. I am gearing up for our european trip...dreading to have to beg for ice! Since I live in Hawaii, ice is a no-brainer: no ice, no soda!
re: beaches. sorry to say, girl, that although the NJ beaches and those fall trees are lovely, no way can your beaches compare with the lovely Hawaii beaches. Sand, surf, wonderful fish and octopuses and blue, blue water. The bomb!
re: parking in buildings. we live on Kauai and thankfully, there aren't that many big buildings. But gotta brag: we get to park both cars in the driveway. NO big building parking at all.
re: Target: found out recently that Costco did not have our fave liquor (Sazerac rye), but Target did! And you are totally right: so many great products at our local Target.
re: a/c. Sadly, our windows have jalousies, so a/c is not really an option. In days that are regularly 85 degrees and dry, we rely on fans. A/C is also very expensive, so another reason we don't. I sweat as I am doing my jigsaw puzzles! (Don't visualize that...)
Thanks, Diane, for always having great content and energy. I do appreciate!
a chick in Hawaii
I visited Loire Valley for 2 days this June and of course loved it. What kind of work do you do? Is Loire Valley very humid? The accommodation I stayed in in Vouvray was so damp, all the bed sheets felt damp. I do wonder if it’s just my room bc it was like a cave literally built into big hole in the rocks of a hillside.
I understand because (as a French guy) I lived just 6 months in the US and still, there are these things that I miss a lot. I am happy that I lived these things to the fullest when I was there. 1) the climate with hot summer and numerous thunderstorms 2) the music . Very common to hear house music, deep , soulful.. which are like unknown in France 3) laid back and nice people with very open people liké when I had an accident I was invited after my recovery by a witness lady at a dinner at her place with some friends of hers while I never knew this lady before 4) the Buick cars from the 90s that are still parked in some areas of the city I was 5) African american and latino people who are really part of the us people and try not to exclude themselves with another religion from the other mainstream culture (I am thinking of the difference with muslim magrebian people in France who very difficultly want to mingle with the French people). By the way Diane, what's your opinion about this last topic though Cholet is pretty small and diverse cultures might be not so frequent. Thanks for your videos!
I also have a mosquito net, and we made a couple of frames with netting for some windows, not foolproof but helps. Those shield bugs and house centipedes freak me out a bit. I’m in an old farmhouse so we have as much wildlife inside as out. I miss cheap salads while in France and the Lidl potato salad, they don’t have it here. Never had air conditioning (originally from UK) and I wouldn’t want it. It was roasting in Vienne and the fan was all we used.
Bonjour, Diane! I couldn't live without air conditioning! I wouldn't last one night without it, let alone a whole week!
I have been told Target stores were French . So that store being something you miss is funny. Now I know😂😂
Greetings from Bergen County (NJ)! I believe your father lives in the same area as my mother and whole foods is opening around the corner from
sprouts. plus-the super target near there is really terrific, compared to the one or two i’ve been in elsewhere. my husband and daughter head straight there from the plane, always. your videos and commentary continute to be honest, insightful, and super interesting-thank you!
Hi there! That's great news! We usually go to the one in Boca Raton when visiting my brother. I just googled it though and didn't see anything coming locally. Do you have a link? Is it still in contract stages or nearing the grand opening? My dad hadn't heard of anything about it either...
@@OuiInFrancehello! my mother lives in Boynton-my mistake, so sorry. but WF opening on the corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Hagen Ranch Rd.
No worries! I know exactly where that is. My parents used to live down that way!@@elizabethbaxter54
I feel you on the pizza and Mexican and Chinese!
I live in Thailand, and the only thing I miss here is Trader Joes. I would be so happy to shop regularly at French markets, something I did recently with my friend when I was in Marseille. US markets are trash compared to French. A good French market is literally a spiritual experience the food is so fresh and wonderful. Many items are not regularly even seen in the US. Don't miss any of the other things either when I'm in France.
For me I prefer Monoprix over target and appreciate a drink not overwhelmed by ice watering it down, although I drank mostly Sancerre when in Paris in June. I did however appreciate the air conditioning in the hotel since my Mom did not like the French windows open most of the time.
I do however prefer the produce in France. I find it fresher and tastier. 😊
You said correctly!