A Day in Paris

Friday, November 19, 2004

The Coffee

I attended a coffee get together this morning. There were about 7 of us and it was such a pleasure speaking English (although everyone was not American). The coffee was held in honor of an out-of town guest so maybe that is why so many of us were chatting about some of the things that surprised us about life in France. This group would not normally talk about these things because most of the women have been here for years and many are married to French men and will live here for the rest of their lives. We all love living in France.
But what fun it is to compare stories of our experiences. It was very cathartic. I think the funniest conversations were about our trips to the ob-gyn or to get a mammography. In the US, they always give you those flimsy white robe things -- which we all complain about. Well, many of the women were given nothing and had to walk around nude from the waist up. A couple of women had to stay in a little waiting room, alone, with nothing on the top. After this embarrassment, some women said that the (male) doctor would make comments like "your still have a nice body" or "we have services to take care of your cellulite!" We had a good laugh over all of these embarrassing stories.

-- said Auntie M in Paris
1:38 PM

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Comments:

we're not given anything to wear on top in belgium either. this doesn't bother me at all - except it's always so cold in those places - perky nipples all the way!

# posted by zoe : 4:46 PM

Le Cafe'
Writing from Detroit: Well, the coffee here is not as rich as the coffee in Paris, nor was today's conversation as rich as yours (ours was work-related). Still, there is something universal about "doing coffee" as it creates a sense of community...a community of one, of two, of many. These connections last for a few minutes, for a few years, or for a lifetime. And, I like the idea of modern-day meetings taking place the World over, with an appreciation for the fact that these casual (or sometimes not-so-casual) gatherings have been taking place for centuries, as long as coffee - and tea - have existed. So, here’s to sharing a cup-a-Joe, across the ocean, and across time...world peace though Java.

# posted by Rocher Detroit : 5:02 PM

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# posted by Rocher Detroit : 5:11 PM

Zoe, I'm a bit of an exhibitionist myself, so the nude on top doesn't really bother me either. BUT when you are used to the US where you are always covered and are rarely/never by yourself with a male doctor, it is a bit disconcerting.

# posted by Auntie M in Paris : 9:29 AM

Rocher Detroit, welcome to the blog. There is something wonderful about getting together over coffee and chatting -- the conversation is always lively and if it isn't you can always leave -- much easier than a lunch or dinner committment.

# posted by Auntie M in Paris : 9:42 AM