Cultural Differences/Similarities

This picture is of a small street where there are only small restaurants. They reminded me of Pasta Trio.

One thing I found is different in Europe is their directions. While in the us we use an upward pointing arrow to indicate one should go straight ahead, they use a downward pointing one. I spent quite a while in the Paris airport looking for the stairs to go down.

There is a modern tram that runs throughout the city. It uses new technology so that there are no wires above. The electricity comes from the ground, but only when the train is over the rails, so there is no danger for pedestrians.

At the grocery stores, you have to pay for a bag (or bring your own). This is done for environmental reasons.

This is a picture of me at the fair, taken by my French friend Sebastien. The fair (not like ours with rides) has many exhibits and vendors from various countries.

Unfortunately, I was not feeling well during the fair because I got motion sick from the bus. I never get motion sickness, but the bus drivers here are crazy! And, there are lots of potholes in the roads. I don't have any problems with the trams, though.

Many things here are less expensive than in the US, such as wine, cheese, and bottled water (and other non-imports). But, eating out is pretty expensive, especially with the exchange rate right now. We have been going to the grocery store often.

Here I met up with my friend Guillaume (also from my French conversation class). He is the tall one in the beret. There is also (L->R) my roommate Kat, one of Guillaume's buddies, Dana (UT), and finally Chris (UT) on the right.

There are a lot of college students in Bordeaux, so the college area (Place de la Victoire) is fun at night.