Cultural immersion

I knew I’d be seeing churches, mosques, and temples. But I could never imagine the cultural immersion that I am experiencing. It is fascinating to hear French, Italian,German,Spanish, Portuguese all at one table and try to all converse. Luckily I studied French for 4 years in High School and a few years in college. I can actually converse with the 600 or so French people and when I speak they really try to get to know me. There are no words to explain all of the differences in culture but I will make a list of informal observations. The Italians refuse to speak English and make the best food. They basically shun the Americans. And, I kinda get it. The French are friendly if you speak French but God awful if you don’t. They are ultra chic and cool but brutal to Americans they see as sloppy or uncultured. But they do know how to have a good time.

The Germans do not smile. It it so weird. If you look at them and smile they will pretend they can’t see you. We did hang out with a German couple last night that hate Trump and were very curious about us. The French smoke at aerobics classes. It is so hilarious. They sit on the sidelines and watch people exercise while smoking. The Americans are the most friendly but the most uncultured and expected everything to be in English tailored for them. They have terrible understanding of the cultures and talk to people in English without asking what language the people speak, assuming that everyone speaks English. Last but not least are the Chinese. We have not met one yet but there are 80 on the boat. Hopefully we will make friends in each culture and learn the customs as we go. But at least the Americans (as gauche as we are) don’t trample us for a roll at the buffet, cut in lines, push people out of the way or be rude intentionally. Americans are clueless but kind people with manners.