Side effects
Being a French expatriate has done the following things to me:
*Cemented my inner stubborn and indignant on particular issues (familiarity, health care, Southern Hemisphere seasons to name a few)
*Made me pine for the map of France when watching the weather forecast
*Introduced me to Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, and other Christian favourites that I can now share with him (also introduced me to Oprah – whose existence I was not aware of before then – and just to clear things up, not a Christian favourite)
*Made me feel like I discover treasure every time I hear French spoken, or rediscover an expression I have not used in a while
*Made me realise direct translations from French, as well as gestures, are not always understood
*Made me develop a love for all these kitschy stereotypical things – like that pop-up accordéon postcard and anything in the shape of the Eiffel tower
About that last point: I am actually very restrained and never buy the kitschy things I lust after. It may have something to do with the slight inner shame I feel about it…
Upon a Fold ‘Make City-Paris‘ via The Design Files
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