les differences entre les francais et les americans

               I've only been in France for 5 days, and yet it feels like I've been here for much longer. I think that the fact that I've been here twice already has much to do with it. I'm feeling more comfortable here than I felt my first two times, which is good. It's nice to feel comfortable in a foreign country. Here, one usually has to pay a few extra cents for a plastic sack when one goes shopping. For those who've lived here all their lives, I'm sure it seems common place and is seen automatically as a way to be conscious of one's effect on the environment. People commonly carry their own sacks with them when they go to the market. But to a foreigner like me, it seems like an ingenious way to get people to think about the fact that their actions do have consequences. And things here are smaller in general. The elevators for example. In the apartment buildings that I've been to, the elevators are tiny. It creates a more intimate environment in which strangers are encouraged to speak with one another. For friendly old me, and for people in general who like such things, it's refreshing.
            I visited the Opéra Garnier with two other assistants today. I also had my first crêpe since I've been back in France. It was a bit too sweet for me, being as how I've laid off sugar in the past few months. But it was delicious. I had a staring contest with some beautiful, brightly colored macarons today as well, in the same place where I got my crepe. They tempted me, sorely. But I decided that the crepe was enough sweet for one day. I was right. I bought a pair of boots today. They cost me about an arm and a leg, but I worked for that money in America and I will spend it here in France! Wisely, of course. Oh, and back to things being smaller. Space is more widely used here, in general. A square in the floor and a second floor to get to? Why, how about add a circular staircase that wraps around a pole to take care of that level difference? A tiny space in which to live? Why how about a tiny washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher to help you with your daily activities? And the cars! They're just downright cute! I'm particularly in love with a bright blue one owned by a handsome man living down the block. (My future cuddly French husband who smells of croissants?)