Bonjour blogsphere,
So, I've decided today that my computer has decidedly turned French. Why, might you ask? My work computer (and bear in mind, I work for the company who created it) has decided to go on strike, something which could be considered the French national past-time. The French, especially the students, enjoy organizing grand Manifestations, where people demonstrate against whomever is the oppressor du jour. A good friend once explained that Manifestations are such an integral part of French life- babies go with their mothers to shake their fists and learn the art. It is, perhaps, the only time the French actually arrive to an activity on time. At the same time, I am also thankful for the 35 hour work week and the 5 weeks that have come of such manifesting! :-)
After living in three neighboring countries, Germany, Switzerland, and France, I firmly believe that the train strikes in particular really give you an insight into the cultures of the country itself. In France, when the trains go on strike, you don't really know which trains will be affected. So you go to the train station, and maybe the trains will run. Maybe they won't. It's always a fun question. In Germany, if the trains (especially the city network: S-Bahn/U-Bahn) are on strike, there is an announcement in advance which trains from what time will be on strike. So, even though it is a minor annoyance, it can be planned for and avoided. In Switzerland, there are no strikes. Period. (Please note: the Swiss start freaking out when the trains are a minute late, and you can literally plan to the minute when you will arrive at your destination.)
Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
With summer, something every girl needs to get by is some good waterproof mascara to get you through any sudden poolside splashes. My take: Hypnose Waterproof (Lancome), DiorShow Waterproof, or Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof. One major no no with waterproof mascara is using any lash primer- many times it will cause your mascara to flake.
Click of French Culture:
Coming back to the trains, anyone who's spent their fair share of time in French train stations will be quick to tell you about the singing announcements. Yes, that's right. Before any announcement is made by comforting computer generated woman's voice, the computer woman sings a few notes to announce the announcement. It's so well recognized that it has been turned into various remixes and is used to close out most of the SNCF commercials.
Well, blogsphere, here's to hoping my work computer will not need to be reimaged again. Off to the office for some IT TLC!
A bientot!
- Liz Anne
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