Paris.....The 2 Hour Lunch

Now, this has 2 different meanings. Here in Paris, most working people come to work around 9-10am and then leave around 7-8pm Some would say, "but I thought the french take it easy." Well, after coming to work, they will take 3-4 coffee breaks and then they will take a 2 hour lunch. Some in the US would say that 2 hours lunches aren't uncommon, but they are for 95% of americans which is the opposite here in Paris. Parisians work hard, but they also take their time in leisure during the day. Stereotypes run amuck? Not trying to stereotype, but point out observation. Now this is not what the focus of my ramblings.

While the working world is taking their 2 hour lunch, the rest of us try and get things done, grocery shop, cleaners, shopping, going to Nicolas (http://www.nicolas.com/index.php/en/178.htm) for your daily selection. This is where cultural difference become evidently clear. It seems from the observer that the french culture works just hard enough to eek out a living and capitalism or entrepreneurialism (is that even a word). They have no need for amassing large amounts of money. It is for that reason that most of the shops close from 1pm-3pm. If you want to shop for a purse, not now; if you want to get some wine, not then either; how about plan a vacation with a travel agent...no way. So for those of us not working we must take a forced nap everyday and wait for the shops to open back up in order to complete the day.

I am not one to complain about a forced nap everyday, but 2 hours? Can't we at least do an hour? Well, for 10 hours a week, I must find something else to do other than take care of the business I need to conduct. Maybe I will take up crocheting, basket weaving or maybe I will learn to drink coffee or espresso.

See you later (just not from 1pm-3pm)