Since living in France I have noticed the difference in value placed on time, especially when it comes to work. One of the first weekends here, my host mom told me that we need to plan out our meals ahead of time because everything will be closed on Sunday. This is still a fact I am getting used to every week when Sunday roles around. Partially because I rely on my habits and culture from America, where I know food will always be there. Partially because of traveling so much on the weekends and not running into this problem in other places much. However, here it is definitely more prominent. After doing some research, I found that historically there were actual laws in place that enforced the shutting down of all shops (besides boulangerie and flower shops) in France. This was to ensure that Sunday was a day of rest for everyone but flower shops and boulangeries could stay open so that everyone could get their meals for later and gifts for house parties. Even the buses, although still operative, do not run as often as they normally do. This concept continues on Monday for many shops too. I was shocked to learn how many shops are also closed/closed early on Mondays. This is to give those employees who may have worked on Saturday a proper two day break. I do not think the law is still active today but the tradition lives on. I think many cultures have their own way that shows how they value time but I think we can all learn from each other and really appreciate the love and thought that is embedded in these systems. Having to face this custom has forced me to experience a vital part of the French way of living and is a habit I must continue to be a part of while I am here.
