People are always curious what the rest of the world thinks of Americans and our way of life. Here are my wife’s thoughts on the subject.
“Both places have their positives when it comes to the daily life experience.”
Angelique Vallat is a French native who moved to the valley. She is married to Dallas Fields and they have one son who is in elementary school. They have lived together both in the U.S. and in France.
One positive that stands out in living in Wyoming is how well mannered and open people are to strangers. For example, people greet each other they don’t know and wish them a good day. In France if you make a friend it is a friend for life. They come to visit and invite you over at least a couple of times a year if they live far away to stay for a weekend. They keep in touch and call on a regular basis.
The difference in food is not so much about the products but the importance of the meal ritual. In France, most people sit at a table for lunch and dinner. On holidays or weekends it’s very common to sit for hours at the table. Some weddings and birthdays have meals that last all throughout the night and can go early into the morning. It’s a tradition after such a meal to have onion soup at the break of dawn after staying up all night at the table.
Religion in France is not as present, important, or valued as in the U.S. today. With that said, the cathedrals and churches in France are architectural masterpieces that have had a long historical importance to the country. In the U.S. anywhere can be a gathering place for religion compared to in France it was more for architectural expression, town prestige, and to show off the wealth of the municipality.
Education in the small school systems in the U.S. has more of a family atmosphere, with more staff to take care of the kids. Their is more money dedicated to education in the U.S. and more extracurricular activities are available to the students. There are way more events organized (athletics, concerts, plays) in the U.S. and the rhythm of a school year in regards to vacation and days spent in class is more practical here in the U.S. It’s easier on the kids with this type of organization of the school calendar year.
Here in the U.S. it is such a privilege to have a class of ten students in a small community. In France that school would be shut down and kids sent to a bigger school further away.In France, high school kids can get out as late as 6 p.m. and have school on Saturdays. With that said, schools also get two week breaks once every six to eight weeks.
What is nice about France is for adults there are more recreational organized activities (sports, music, etc.) that meet once or twice weekly. Any adult can play in sports competition at a local club with the same type of game experience that is provided to kids in the U.S.
In the U.S. it’s normal to take more chances and change professional paths compared to in France. The U.S. is more open to stepping outside of the box and encourages individuals to be creative. In France, if you get a certification or job that is almost set for the rest of your working career. The system tends to put people in a box and have only one set way of doing things/thinking.
These are some of the comparisons experienced from living both in Wyoming and in France.
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