Things French People Do Give a Shit About

1. French people give a shit about dogs. There are dogs everywhere!! It's the best thing I could have hoped for. Some of them have little dresses on, some of them are naked, but all of them are wonderful. There are dog accessory shops all over the place. Charlie is going to have an entirely new wardrobe by the time I get home.

2. French people give a shit about shoes. For example, I was told in no uncertain terms that no French person would take me seriously if I were wearing flip-flops. Maybe all the flipping and flopping offends their noble French sensibilities. On Paris streets, you never see anything but heels or expensive looking sandals on women, and polished business shoes, or cool looking skater shoes on dudes. I've also seen some vintage high-tops on both genders, which are all the rage, according to a magazine I read in the airport.  Being the sort of jackass that wears flip-flops, I wouldn't have known. 

3. French people give a shit about what you're wearing in general. Specifically women. Apparently, it's less important if your clothes are somewhat out of style, or don't match, because that can be considered trendy in the right crowds, but may the French gods of fashion strike you dead if you wear clothes that are ill-fitting. If you're fat and you wear a tight shirt, expect death stares from women of all ages. If you're skinny and you wear something obviously too large for you, expect pitying glances from girls who then shake their heads and sigh, as if they are thinking, "Poor girl, if only she could dress well. Her life could actually mean something." The men don't seem to care what you're wearing as long as they can see your boobs or you don't have an entirely hideous face. Men are more forgiving in this respect all over the world, I would guess.

4. French people give a shit about music. Almost everyone I pass on the street has headphones on. There is music coming from every other window in the Latin Quarter, and posters for bands on every street corner. During lunch time, I passed a bar with dim lights and live jazz, even though it was the middle of the day. I guess some French people can't even wait until evening to lose themselves with a drink and some smooth tunes.

5. French people give a shit about coffee. They are constantly drinking it. At every cafe or restaurant, no matter what time of day or night, you can expect to see coffee on every single table. I have to say; this is something I give a shit about also, because the coffee here is just so fucking good. I'm going to have to get used to the caffeine buzz. I suspect most French people have so much caffeine and nicotine in their bloodstream it must be like walking around with a vibrator jammed inside their brains. And they like it.



6. French people give a shit about flowers. There are gardens around every corner, and flower boxes in most windows. My favorite are the giant hot pink roses.