In Britain I'd come to terms with the fact that I probably couldn't have functioned very well if I were to be transported back a couple of decades, or even if I had to resort to 'old school' methods to get a job done. I'm not designed for all that. We are pretty snug in our current lifestyle and I simply assumed that France had made all the same steps forward into the modern world as we have. It's not to say that France is a third world nation or anything, but I've noticed small differences that make France seem a little more traditional and conservative than the whole laïcité parade had let us come to believe.
I feel like in France there are small reminders of what things used to be like with added modern refinements. Of course we all have access to the Internet and electricity etc. but the windows aren't all double-glazed so all the noise outside sounds almost as if it's inside. Lots of buildings have toilets that are separated, with the sink and the shower in a different room. The shops close at 7.30pm at the latest here and you're lucky if you find many open on Sundays. The church bells ring almost every hour and a little extra for Christmas/ Sunday mass. Although they can be slightly inconvenient, the shop opening times, for example, tell you to just go home and relax, maybe go make a cup of tea or have a meal with your family and friends but stay indoors. In that way, it's a sort of family-orientated weekly routine and something that Britain must've had before I can remember. It also keeps you a bit more organised because you can't pop into the shop as and when you please, and even shopping keeps you on your toes because many supermarkets charge for carrier bags so you've got to go prepared with your own every time you venture out!
Just a little reminder of the perks of living in Britain and maybe of all the things we lost along the way.
Enjoying the blog so far. It's really good to read because you have better English than me lol
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