Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I am 27 years old, overweight and American. I believe that the French people are masters of the senses and this is why I am looking forward to visiting Paris. I love to eat and I eat well. I love to eat, drink, smoke and love in excess. I also enjoy good debate and love laughter. It is my opinion that the French people, more than any other society, are lovers of good food and wine and are not like so many other nations that make people feel bad for being overweight and living life and living to excess. I do this quietly however, I am not boisterous to the extent of being annoying and obnoxious.When I visit Paris, how will people feel about me as an overweight American? Will I be looked down upon and considered an American pig for eating and drinking and enjoying myself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nectarine Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 well I wouldn't venture into any clothes shops in Paris, that's for sure. As a generous size 14 myself (oh, OK OK, perhaps a size 16 if I don't kid myself!), I found going into Parisian clothes shops most intimidating. The stick-thin assistants gave me fairly withering looks and looked horrified when I took clothes to try on. I am sur ethey were listening at the door for the ripping of fabric and buttons exploding off their expensive creations. I rarely found anything in my size anyway since Parisian clothes are not for us ladies who like our lunch.But in bars and restaurants, no problem. I think the only danger is being seen as a naive American with more money than sense and being shortchanged, i.e. handing over a note and getting a handful of euros and not bothering to count it and find you're short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Jesse may not be a cross-dresser so probably won't need to go dress shopping.Jesse have fun the French have a sense of future and there are many that are not stick insects.Eat drink and have fun.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 thank you, and yes, I am male :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Then have fun but dont wear the stetson. French men do not worry so much about their figures. By the way, the French are not such epicurians either; they love Macdonalds too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Where are you from in the States?Paris is OK but you won't find the best food in France there.How long are you visiting for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 I am a native New Yorker but I have been living in Bangkok for about 8 months now. I plan to visit Paris and return to Thailand. Why would you like to know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I asked as USA is a big place.Are you visiting France within the next month - it may be a bit cold and wet after Bangkok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buelligan Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 IMO, French people are like people everywhere; some are open-hearted and some are not. You sound like an out-going, friendly sort of bod so you're off to a good start as far as being viewed positively goes. If you visit France, try to make sure that Paris is not your only port of call. France has so very much to offer. You would be cheating yourself if you didn't take the opportunity to see more of her when you have the chance (especially the South). Whatever you decide, I hope you really enjoy your visit to this incredible country. Hopefully, it will be the beginning of a life-long romance...[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 I would like to visit when it is the cold because I am large and I like covering up with jackets. I was thinking January would be cold. When would you recommend I go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 January should be quite cold and wet.If you do not mind me asking how small are you - what do you weigh?Are you a satsuma or a sumo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 I am 5'11 315lbs, but I am built stocky and I have never been on a trip to a foreign country where I am not mistaken for an American football player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buelligan Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Yep, January should be pretty chilly![:D] BTW, I forgot to add to my last posting; If you don't already speak French, try to learn a little before you come. Lots of people here do speak English (especially in the cities) and are happy to help floundering foreigners BUT, they definitely prefer it if said flounderer makes a little effort first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 I think you are not very big - why not visit merry England no language problems and you will be of below average size at a good real ale pub. You could check out some rugby - though they do play a bit in France too.It will also be much cheaper (due to exchange rates) and the beer and food comes in bigger portions plus there are plenty of speciality shops if you want some european threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 thank you and yes, I will definitely learn some French before I go.I will visit England some day, but France is where I belong now.FYI,I was deciding between a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railroad from China to Moscow, or perhaps India, but I am almost positive it will be France.thank you to everyone who has posted and thank you to those that will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Why not do China to Moscow, then Moscow to Paris? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share Posted October 24, 2009 Because then I wouldn't be able to do Paris to Amsterdam and maybe one other place hahathank you though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 Direct TGV from Paris to Amsterdam or go via Brussels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share Posted October 25, 2009 [quote user="woolybanana"]Direct TGV from Paris to Amsterdam or go via Brussels[/quote]thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renaud Posted October 25, 2009 Share Posted October 25, 2009 JesseI guess the question is - how well would a non-English speaking person get on in a visit to New York?Even with good intentions about learning the language you are not going to have deep conversations with the locals. So best to research (as you are doing) where you might meet other francophile compatriots, with whom you can enjoy exploring this fantactic city.Bon chance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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