Waving

Americans like to wave. It’s a way to acknowledge people. Germans are less enthusiastic about the waving, but they have a similar attitude. French people have a whole different attitude all together. While in France, I have received some funny looks for waving and I was starting to get the feeling that my gesture wasn’t entirely appreciated. However it takes more than a few awkward waves to break an old habit. Therefore, when a car drove by while I was playing on a deserted country road with Axel, (the son of my French Family), I waved. I was a little shocked when the driver turned around, got out of the car, and started talking to me. I asked him if one of the boys playing soccer in the field was his son, and he said no. We chatted a little more, and then he left. Upon recounting this experience to Carole I was told that in France people only wave to friends and it implies one should stop and chat. Oh la la!

The French custom toward waving is particularly amusing since the French say “Bonjour!” every chance they get. I walked into the doctors office and quietly took my seat like I normally would in the States, but the people must have thought I was rude! Everyone who entered the waiting room after me said “Bonjour!” and everyone waiting politely responded in chorus “Bonjour!” How could I have known?