French people smoke a lot...

When I arrived in Paris I was shocked to see that not just grown-ups smoke, but kids as young as ten years old! Apparently smoking here is a social norm and kids as well as teenagers want to look cool by smoking like the other kids. My brother said that a while ago he saw some ten year old boys smoking a bong! About a week ago a girl in my class asked the teacher if she could step outside and smoke and he allowed her to. Teachers don't prohibit students to smoke and they themselves do it. I see them in the corner of the school smoking away all the time. The teachers also smoke with the kids outside during break. How strange. I don't think I've seen many kids in my school back at home smoking cigarettes. Anyway, thought I'd share that because I found it interesting.

The rebellious French

While living here in Paris for nearly 3 months, I've been paying close attention to the French people. First of all I must say that the French culture is much different from American culture. The French have always had a long history of protests against their government, and I have noticed that it seems to have impacted all of the French people in some way or another. For example, in school the French kids are much more loud and crazy in class. While the teacher is talking the whole class is talking and laughing amongst themselves, and the teacher has to yell and swear at them to stop. But the kids just ignore the teacher most of the time, especially if the teacher is a nice one with a kind disposition.

I think that it is really cool that the French are so passionate about their opinions. There are protests all the time in the streets with many people. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Compared to the French, Americans don't protest as much. I wish that Americans protested more about injustices. If they did then the government and country would improve, and if enough people stood up for what they believed in then they could actually make a change. Because of all of the constant protests here in France things have changed and gone a long way. Many of the French people as a result have developed a rebellious spirit. They are determined for change. The only negative thing about constant rebellion is that there can be a lack of respect. In my opinion rebellion is natural and healthy, but it's a matter of balancing that and respect for others that can become a problem.

Breakthrough

Yesterday I followed my new friend, Alexandra and a few other girls to the gym for PE. I didn't expect us to be traveling on the metro, so I hadn't brought a ticket. We checked that the coast was clear and I slipped with them, past the ticket barrier after Alexandra had scanned her card. 

When we arrived at the gym all of us had to choose a sport to play and I chose basketball with some other girls I knew. Next we did common drills and ran for 3 minutes. It was not hard at all but it was hot outside. Basketball was easy but I didn't enjoy it. I think it's supposed to just be a guy sport..

After PE, walking to the locker rooms with some girls, I wished right then that I could communicate with them. I made an effort, forgot about sounding perfect and ended up having a conversation with the girls. It was a great feeling for me, because that entire week I hadn't been able to communicate with any of the kids in French.