USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 5

The police have guns. Real ones. With bullets and everything.

 

USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 4

People in both countries call crisps “chips”.

Although in France, this is pronounced “sheep”.

 

USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 3

The United Statesians are well known for their one-size-fits-all: “Have a nice day”. Usually at the end of a retail-related conversation or transaction.

Over in France (a country that seems to pride itself on unnecessary complexity) the expression is the equally simple: “Bonne journée”.

Unless it’s the evening, in which case: “Bonne soirée”.

Unless it’s Friday evening, when you say: “Bon week-end”.

Though on Sunday morning: “Bon dimanche” is the way to go.

And just before any meal: “Bon appétit”.

Whatever have-a-nice expression should always be followed by: “Au revoir” (or “à bientôt” or “à tout à l’heure”, depending), with each person playing the game, thusly:

PERSON A: “Bonne journée.”

PERSON B: “Bonne journée.”

PERSON A: “Au revoir.”

PERSON B: “Au revoir.”

Needful to say, Person B has the opportunity to say (instead of “Bonne journée”): “également”.

Or “pareillement”.

 

USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 2

This one I call: The “Mailbox”.

Which also comes with a way to tell if you’ve got mail.

Typing ‘Mailbox’ instead of ‘Postbox’ reminds me of a scene from my time working in the US.

ME: (TO DEPARTMENT SECRETARY & OTHERS NEAR HER DESK) Where can I post a letter around here?

SECRETARY & OTHERS: (BLANK LOOKS)

ME: I’ve got some post to send.

SEC & OTHERS: (STILL BLANK, UNCERTAIN)

ME: (SHOWING LETTER) Where do I take this?

SEC & OTHERS: (BRIGHTENING) Oh. The Post Office.

 

USA & France: Separated at birth: Exhibit 1

This is the first of my least popular (with United Statesians and French people alike) series of posts on the astonishing similarities between the US and France. (The title is a bit of a giveaway here.)

I call it: The “Stop” sign.

Photographed moments ago at the end of my street. In France.

I know.

Wait until you see the others.