Wash me, please!

[amalthya]

Monday 6:54 pm, May 21st, 2007

One of my absolute favorite things about traveling is doing the things in the city of choosing that would ordinarily seem completely plebeian. For example, today I walked through the town of Cannes on my way to the grocery store. I love finding the things in different countries that don't change -- and honestly grocery stores seem to be one of them. As I wandered through the aisles, no one had an idea that I was a foreigner. As I selected my fruits and veggies, I reveled in my cultural anonymity. I even managed to camouflage myself as I went to the cheese counter.

Of course, I pronounce everything in my head first. As I walked through the parking lot, I giggled at a van that had a big dusty back window in which some person had scrawled "wash me, please!"

Honestly, I feel almost guilty when I come to another country and do touristy things. I love acclimating into the local swing of things.

Some things are definitely different. So many people have dogs, but no one seems to be looking for dog-appreciation. You can see a cute dog and smile at the owner, but they don't even notice. I always feel like Americans are cruising for dog-reassurance.

Seeing funny old men out on their balconies is quite something too, with their reddened, leathery skin and hairy French chests. It's so natural.

And yes, ladies sunbathe topless. But when they do push-ups next to their pool chaise, they apparently put on bikini tops. Seriously.

---

French supermarkets are wonderfully nature-conscious. They don't have plastic bags. You must buy this woven plastic bag. It's sturdy, and costs 59€ (probably about a dollar). You're welcome to bring your own bag, and I'm sure after spending a certain amount of money you'd eventually bring your bag back. But what a wonderful practice to be endorsing! I wish that Whole Foods, at the very least, would start it. Ah well.

And with that, I scurry off to enjoy the rest of the day night!

Comments

[shaysdays.livejournal.com]

Some things are definitely different. So many people have dogs, but no one seems to be looking for dog-appreciation. You can see a cute dog and smile at the owner, but they don't even notice. I always feel like Americans are cruising for dog-reassurance.

That is so weird. I cannot imagine a world where I didn't stop and say hi to every dog I see, even if it's just the quick, "Hello, puppy."

[proserpia.livejournal.com]

While Whole Foods doesn't make the bag thing mandatory, they do sell the woven reusable ones, offer a discount for their use and try to get you to use them here in MD. Ikea recently started charging money for their regular plastic bags and are pushing the reusable bag movement. MOM's also still has their discount if you use reusable bags.

I love when stores do that.

[xoder.livejournal.com]

But what a wonderful practice to be endorsing! I wish that Whole Foods, at the very least, would start it. Ah well.

Actually, at least the Whole Foods in Chelsea gives you a 20¢ discount if you bring your own bag (plastic, paper, or canvas).

[insheepsclothng.livejournal.com]

I always feel like Americans are cruising for dog-reassurance.

Ha! It's so true. A dog is an accessory.

Maybe the French are better at accessorizing so the dog can just be a dog?

[leighbug]

My King Soopers sells canvas bags...they're 5$ each. It makes me wince when I see them, because they're not that great. However, I would love to not have the plastic bags gathering under my sink.

LJ has made me so crunchy!