FITTING INTO THE FRENCH WAY OF LIFE - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: France - page 87

Emotions Euphoria. You are really in France and

it is really so beautiful.

Physical response Some problems with all the food and

wine, the condition known as crise de
foie , a kind of hangover effect from
too much rich butter, cream and fat
in the diet. Some difi culty sleeping in
a new place, with new night noises.

The Second Month
'This post ofi ce eats my letters.'
Activities

Moving into a permanent residence.
Full job responsibilities and settling
into a routine.

Attitudes The charm of that tiny apartment

and those exquisite menus of local
restaurants start to pale. Growing
awareness of what isn't available,
or what is ridiculously expensive.
Impatience with 'rude' waiters and
'indifferent' shopkeepers.

Emotions Nervous, uncertain about how to

function. Some withdrawal from the
French, and seeking the familiar in
friends and food.

Physical response Colds and the flu (especially in

winter). Gaining weight.

The Third Month
'I like France but I don't like the French.'
Activities Language skills hit a plateau and

seem to stop improving. People still
don't understand you and work keeps
you too busy to study, anyway. Work
performance declines.

Attitudes Discouraged, irritable, hypercritical.

Negative cultural value judgements
predominate. Conversations that