Your apartment is adorable! Glad you made it back okay.
I think that sort of automatic "suspicious of intentions" attitude is actually quite American and I have noticed it more the longer I've been here. I found that it has often been my default, and I have worked hard to change it to assume that most people have good/innocent intentions, as it seems that is truly the case with the French. And I have also found that I like myself a lot more and am more at peace when I take this attitude.
I applaud your self awareness in this regard, Lori. It's a constant struggle for me and I often fall short. The Beatles had it right: "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make"
I had a friend who, no matter the situation always said to himself "I don't know that person's life, they're doing the best they can." He moved through the world with real grace.
I have to think the attitude here in the US has to do with the lack of safety in our society. Families with two full-time working adults can be living on the financial edge. An ambulance ride, a car repair, any number of things can push them to financial ruin. Living on the edge like that has to make you guarded and hostile and put you in a position where you have no choice but to be fiercely protective and on guard. In France a trip to the hospital won't ruin you, you won't go hungry, you won't lose your home, you'll have a retirement income. It may not be lavish but you won't be on the streets and you won't lose your life savings.
(Carolyn here) I also think the threat of gun violence in the US makes a huge difference. Cops, TSA personnel, security guards have to constantly be ready for a gun to appear. That would make me tense and hostile, too.
Loved seeing your long day's journey back to the states.
I hope you all enjoy your time back in Austin, and hope that it remains a temporary visit each year. Stay safe, stay calm, just don't stay there too long. :-)
The American security attitude exists at more than the airport and has been there since I can remember. When I lived in Canada for a few years, it was always a problem for me. When I lived in Texas and flew regularly to Mexico it was worse. When I traveled for business to many countries but more in Europe, it seriously got on my nerves. My passport was always scrutinised, and occasionally, as if to get me to stop traveling so much, they would put me in a room to wait while they reviewed my travel history. This attitude contributed to my choosing to exit the US permanently and never return, not even for a visit. I honestly think many Americans are oblivious to just how militaristic this is. They only countries I found worse were Panama under Noriega and East Germany when it was controlled by Russia, though the US was close behind.
Olá. Bom dia. Obrigado pelas vossas publicações. Queremos mudar-nos para Setúbal com a nossa filha e os seus filhos até ao verão. Deão e Cindy
Hello. Good morning. Thank you for your postings. We want to move to Setúbal with our daughter and her children by summer. Dean and Cindy
What a trip !!! How long will you be in Austin? We are supposed to go there March 16 th.
Welcome back!
Your apartment is adorable! Glad you made it back okay.
I think that sort of automatic "suspicious of intentions" attitude is actually quite American and I have noticed it more the longer I've been here. I found that it has often been my default, and I have worked hard to change it to assume that most people have good/innocent intentions, as it seems that is truly the case with the French. And I have also found that I like myself a lot more and am more at peace when I take this attitude.
I applaud your self awareness in this regard, Lori. It's a constant struggle for me and I often fall short. The Beatles had it right: "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make"
I had a friend who, no matter the situation always said to himself "I don't know that person's life, they're doing the best they can." He moved through the world with real grace.
I have to think the attitude here in the US has to do with the lack of safety in our society. Families with two full-time working adults can be living on the financial edge. An ambulance ride, a car repair, any number of things can push them to financial ruin. Living on the edge like that has to make you guarded and hostile and put you in a position where you have no choice but to be fiercely protective and on guard. In France a trip to the hospital won't ruin you, you won't go hungry, you won't lose your home, you'll have a retirement income. It may not be lavish but you won't be on the streets and you won't lose your life savings.
(Carolyn here) I also think the threat of gun violence in the US makes a huge difference. Cops, TSA personnel, security guards have to constantly be ready for a gun to appear. That would make me tense and hostile, too.
Welcome home! So glad you guys had a safe journey and made it through without too much ado,
Looking forward to continuing posts about what it’s like to be back in the US and what you miss about France.
Thank you, Beth!
Loved seeing your long day's journey back to the states.
I hope you all enjoy your time back in Austin, and hope that it remains a temporary visit each year. Stay safe, stay calm, just don't stay there too long. :-)
The American security attitude exists at more than the airport and has been there since I can remember. When I lived in Canada for a few years, it was always a problem for me. When I lived in Texas and flew regularly to Mexico it was worse. When I traveled for business to many countries but more in Europe, it seriously got on my nerves. My passport was always scrutinised, and occasionally, as if to get me to stop traveling so much, they would put me in a room to wait while they reviewed my travel history. This attitude contributed to my choosing to exit the US permanently and never return, not even for a visit. I honestly think many Americans are oblivious to just how militaristic this is. They only countries I found worse were Panama under Noriega and East Germany when it was controlled by Russia, though the US was close behind.
Wow! That is fascinating to read, Cecile!
Love the photo essay. Glad to have you closer and looking forward to a live chat soon. You are not wrong about the attitude/atmosphere, it’s on 11.
Welcome back! Wish it were less of a Mad & Evil Empire feel here. The worm will always turn, though…
So glad you are back in Texas!! Hope to see you soon!!!
XXOOO Peg