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France or Israel?hi
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Helen_Davis
France or Israel?hi
I am saving up and working to get a career so I can save up to explore some more. I have an interest in both of these vastly different countries. I have a good friend in France whonwants to see me but i am more sympathetic to Israeli culture and would like the weather there. However I speak French whereas I dot speak hebrew. I hear French people are mean though and ive heard night the jews and arabs in Israel are not. So- where to?
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Lisa
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I've never been to Israel so can't help there, but my partner is French and I've spent quite a lot of time in France. I don't like to generalise entire cultures, but it is a common misconception that French people in general are quite rude. In truth they don't mean to be - they're just a lot more direct than, for example, many British people or Americans. Many French won't think to be careful with how they word things, having been brought up to be less sensitive, and not being used to this, our perception could be that they are being 'mean' even though no offense is really meant on their part. Conversely, people who are used to being more direct probably won't have a problem.
If you're quite a sensitive person you might find France a bit difficult at first, but as long as you persist and get yourself out there, meet people, make friends, you will get used to it and develop as a person. Research the culture in Israel too and see how you would fit in there. In my early twenties I lived in Japan for a year, and it took about three months to finally break through the 'culture barrier' and feel more comfortable. I'm quite a shy person so it maybe took longer than it should have, but in the end I was glad I did it, and it certainly taught me to see the world in a different way.
If you're quite a sensitive person you might find France a bit difficult at first, but as long as you persist and get yourself out there, meet people, make friends, you will get used to it and develop as a person. Research the culture in Israel too and see how you would fit in there. In my early twenties I lived in Japan for a year, and it took about three months to finally break through the 'culture barrier' and feel more comfortable. I'm quite a shy person so it maybe took longer than it should have, but in the end I was glad I did it, and it certainly taught me to see the world in a different way.
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Helen_Davis
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Madeleine
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A tour of the Holy Land would be a great introduction to Israel.
Not sure what part of France you're planning to visit, but they are much more liberal over there, and less "politically correct" than the US and UK, for example you might find magazines such as Playboy prominently displayed on news-stands and kiosks. The French can be blunt, especially in the cities, but to be honest I think most cities are similar (New York and London to name but two!) - my friend and I were once lost on the Metro and a very helpful lady came over and asked if we needed help, likewise another time we were poring over a map and someone just came over and helped us. Try to learn a few words of basic French as that helps a lot. They do tend to have a much more liberal attitude in general, so try to keep an open mind.
Not sure what part of France you're planning to visit, but they are much more liberal over there, and less "politically correct" than the US and UK, for example you might find magazines such as Playboy prominently displayed on news-stands and kiosks. The French can be blunt, especially in the cities, but to be honest I think most cities are similar (New York and London to name but two!) - my friend and I were once lost on the Metro and a very helpful lady came over and asked if we needed help, likewise another time we were poring over a map and someone just came over and helped us. Try to learn a few words of basic French as that helps a lot. They do tend to have a much more liberal attitude in general, so try to keep an open mind.
Last edited by Madeleine on Thu November 8th, 2012, 11:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
Currently reading "The Girl in the Painting" by Kirsty Ferry
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princess garnet
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Helen_Davis
[quote=""Madeleine""]A tour of the Holy Land would be a great introduction to Israel.
Not sure what part of France you're planning to visit, but they are much more liberal over there, and less "politically correct" than the US and UK, for example you might find magazines such as Playboy prominently displayed on news-stands and kiosks. The French can be blunt, especially in the cities, but to be honest I think most cities are similar (New York and London to name but two!) - my friend and I were once lost on the Metro and a very helpful lady came over and asked if we needed help, likewise another time we were poring over a map and someone just came over and helped us. Try to learn a few words of basic French as that helps a lot. They do tend to have a much more liberal attitude in general, so try to keep an open mind.[/quote]
I think I'll opt for Israel then
I'll visit France when I'm a little older, or maybe just the Alps village where my friend is.
I'm blunt too, though, so I'd just give it right back to them.
Not sure what part of France you're planning to visit, but they are much more liberal over there, and less "politically correct" than the US and UK, for example you might find magazines such as Playboy prominently displayed on news-stands and kiosks. The French can be blunt, especially in the cities, but to be honest I think most cities are similar (New York and London to name but two!) - my friend and I were once lost on the Metro and a very helpful lady came over and asked if we needed help, likewise another time we were poring over a map and someone just came over and helped us. Try to learn a few words of basic French as that helps a lot. They do tend to have a much more liberal attitude in general, so try to keep an open mind.[/quote]
I think I'll opt for Israel then
I'll visit France when I'm a little older, or maybe just the Alps village where my friend is. I'm blunt too, though, so I'd just give it right back to them.