30 days in Europe so far, who would have guessed this would ever happen?
It's been fun, but there are some stereotypes I must set straight. The French aren't rude...Yes, I know you are thinking "Well, have you been to Paris? The Parisians are!" I didn't find that to be true either. For the 6 days I spent in Paris people were very friendly. Every waiter or waitress we had was great, regardless of the language barrier. Yeah it is frustrating at times, but I think it may be the Americans that get frustrated most when they don't understand, because, for the most part, none of us have much international travel experience, much less a familiarity with other languages like other people of the world.
We are blessed...We speak a language that everyone is expected to learn - in their schools. English is universal. If you have a guy from Japan meet a guy from Croatia, they will most likely speak English with one another to communicate. Thus, giving Americans reason to be lazy, and not branch out. We actually witnessed this at a hotel...Two women having a business meeting...Both foreign to each other, yet speaking English. Pretty neat. But then it leaves Americans with a stereotype. I met a guy at a bus stop the other day from Australia - he was lost in Metz - and lucky he bumped into me, cause he spoke even less French than I do! But, when he found out that I had also been to London his immediate reaction was "Wow! You are well traveled for an American!" ...He only knew of me going to 2 places!! So when he found out that I have also been to Italy, Honduras, Canada, and Mexico, he was floored. He had a great statistic, and it's probably true...8% of Americans have passports. It's too bad! There is so much to see in this world, yet so many people are confined to their own little spaces in fear of doing something outside of their normal routine. My advice = get out when you can...See the things God has created ALL over the world...Not just in your neighborhood. It helps you understand His true size.
It's been fun, but there are some stereotypes I must set straight. The French aren't rude...Yes, I know you are thinking "Well, have you been to Paris? The Parisians are!" I didn't find that to be true either. For the 6 days I spent in Paris people were very friendly. Every waiter or waitress we had was great, regardless of the language barrier. Yeah it is frustrating at times, but I think it may be the Americans that get frustrated most when they don't understand, because, for the most part, none of us have much international travel experience, much less a familiarity with other languages like other people of the world.
We are blessed...We speak a language that everyone is expected to learn - in their schools. English is universal. If you have a guy from Japan meet a guy from Croatia, they will most likely speak English with one another to communicate. Thus, giving Americans reason to be lazy, and not branch out. We actually witnessed this at a hotel...Two women having a business meeting...Both foreign to each other, yet speaking English. Pretty neat. But then it leaves Americans with a stereotype. I met a guy at a bus stop the other day from Australia - he was lost in Metz - and lucky he bumped into me, cause he spoke even less French than I do! But, when he found out that I had also been to London his immediate reaction was "Wow! You are well traveled for an American!" ...He only knew of me going to 2 places!! So when he found out that I have also been to Italy, Honduras, Canada, and Mexico, he was floored. He had a great statistic, and it's probably true...8% of Americans have passports. It's too bad! There is so much to see in this world, yet so many people are confined to their own little spaces in fear of doing something outside of their normal routine. My advice = get out when you can...See the things God has created ALL over the world...Not just in your neighborhood. It helps you understand His true size.
Ok, so now it is time for some pictures and fun stuff :o)
Lately, David and I have been spending our time finalizing our vacation plans, while he tries to finish up his research and presentation so that we can leave!! So in the meantime, we have had friends visit (Danielle and Katy) seen some pretty cool things (waterfountain music and light show, Alice in Wonderland play in the streets, a hedgehog - they don't like to to touched, and untouched Hershey bars in the refrigerator at GTL - sooo tempted)
Here are some pictures of my world here in France:
from the left: an acquired set of soft drinks...although misshapen, very refreshing. New sunglasses for the future Dr. Swafford, raising him to a new level of "cool." And a meal seen as a delicacy in most countries...or it should be...tacos! And our new 'official world cup' soccer ball, for fun times at the beach!!
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Col.2:6-7
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