Christmas in Another Culture
A rainy Christmas Eve morning has slowed us down and given me time for reflection on being in a different culture at this time of year. This is the 4 th time (out of 52) that I have not been in the United States at Christmas. 26 years ago I was in Paris during Christmas week on my first honeymoon. It was fascinating. So much less commercial that the U.S. back then. People spent time with families on Christmas Eve and then spent Christmas day going to the movies. We say 3 old movies that day. It was funny to see trees covered in fake snow throughout the city. I have to say that I had a wonderful time. Everywhere we went, except for a café across from The Louvre, we met people who gave lie to the Parisians are all rude and mean meme. In the market on Rue Mouffetard, where we shopped every day for lunch, in the small tabacs and cafes where we warmed up, caught out breath and empties our bladders when we were out exploring, people just made us feel welcome. Two other ...