Living in Paris for almost three years, certain facets of my home culture (I’m American, for the record) have become excruciatingly obvious. There are components of how we interface with the rest of the world that don’t necessarily align with a more global culture.
In many ways, I adore the way in which we’ve been raised and conditioned; American optimism and kindness is something for which I’m especially grateful (and something my French friends have positively remarked on as well).
Then there are … the other things. Ones that I’ve consciously modulated, and can now spot in my sleep when I see, hear, or — yes — smell Americans traveling.
Allow me to explain.
Cultural expressions are different, and they manifest in myriad ways. With Americans for example, we tend to be a loud crowd. Our base speaking volume tends to be at a markedly higher decibel level compared to many cultures around the world, particularly the French.
