After being in France for over a month, I have learned that while there are similarities between France and America, there are many differences that are not seen easily that make a difference in the level of trying to fit into the culture. While I have noticed a lot of differences, one major one that I find interesting is regarding mealtimes in France.
Mealtimes in France are revered as a time to get together with family or friends. Foods like fast food are not common in France, and even if it is quick to receive the food, it is expected you eat there or take it away to your home or office. It is even looked at bizarrely if you decide to eat food while walking. When we do sit down for food, it is a big time commitment. Dinners can last anywhere from a minimum of one hour to three hours or more. They never eat food separately from each other or outside the dining room. I find this is very different because this is each meal is an important event, unlike the random ones here and there at my home.
I have talked to teachers and my host family regarding this and they gave some insightful answers. Besides it being just a custom social practice in France, the French people care for and love their food and wine. They view it more as an art and pairing together. They don’t eat one huge portion but instead little meals for the course of the meal, which makes it longer. Their opinion as well is that the French care more about food and the health attached to it. They eat slower and care what they put into each meal making sure each type of nutrition needed, is met.
Overall, this has been a fun custom to get adjusted to, and I have really enjoyed spending more intentional time at dinner. This is a tradition I hope to continue back to the United States.