Tour Magne - highest point in Nimes - a tower built by the Romans in 2nd century BC - AND IT'S STILL THERE
Initially when I got to France, I think I was suffering some culture shock after a month in Britain speaking English and being English, getting the English. Then suddenly I am in France.
Yup - not feeling entirely thrilled my first morning and afternoon there
At first I was finding the French very inhospitable except for the few people you deal with from a tourism standpoint, i.e. those at the hotel or at tourism information. For the most part, initially I found Nimes awful. I felt like a stranger in a strange land. I didn’t get their culture or their way of going about things when I first arrived.
But I snapped out of it moments later
Of course, I arrive at 9 am on a Sunday. So pretty much the streets are quiet and everything is closed. Finding a simple meal, other than crepes, seemed to be a challenge, that I gave up upon. I felt like such a foreigner. Even though my french had been warmed up with Luisa, I still felt of balance and unsure.
Roots worn over time
And I must have had a poster on my head that said “newcomer” because sure and enough, the small groups of men roaming the street as I walked about, looking like a stranger in a foreign land, tried to pick me up. And why is it always black men with a white woman? That’s all that tried with my – three different ones. Not the white men, the black men. I think they figure – here is this middle aged white woman on her own. Obviously not happy with the white man, so I will sidle on up and be chivalrous and friendly and by god, how can she not fall for me. Yet I know, as experience and wisdom shows, that they are no better or no more serious than any schiester white guy who has treated me poorly. They are looking for a fun ride or better yet, a sugar momma. Ya, right, that’s going to happen.
This little French girl was so excited - I will be the little ponies' sugar momma!
So after dealing with that and not being able to find anything I wanted to eat because the town was asleep and all the cafes were only full of men for the most part, I just retired to my room.
My awesome comfy room in Nimes - of course not so cheap as others
But Nimes is interesting and I will post more on that. But with not a great taste in my mouth for the French, I started my trip. But before I post more, I will let you know. Now that I am figuring out how it functions again, I am feeling more comfortable. And the nice thing is, even though I am not hassled like I was in Turkey, and I am not ignored like I am in any Western english country because of my age, I actually feel appreciated for my mature beauty and body. It’s just in their looks. So that I gotta like!
Wearing with time - kind of how France was hitting me when I first arrived
I’m happy to hear that you have overcome you culture shock and that you are adjusting to the French language and people….
Personally, I don’t think that I could survive in France, but then again, I’m an Anglophile. 🙂
sorry to hear that the French are so inhospitable. that must be why Dad did not like them. love Mum
Well, I did say, now it is better. I have just had a couple of run ins that made it a little unwelcoming, but others have been very kind and warm. So like any country -can’t make a sweeping statement like that. But when I have met a dousy, they certainly seem to go out of their way to be rude.