Visible Differences Paris (RLN)

• Food: Since I don't have much time during the day usually I will eat a panini, kebab or baguette sandwich from one of the close by vendors. From cheap to midrange stores will sell well made pastries and sandwiches that will contain many traditional french recipes and herbs such tomate campagne which is sun dried tomatoes, herbs, raclette cheese, and ham. I have to say that almost no matter where I go the food will be much better than any fast food place in the U.S. and done at about the same speed. Many think that the French are always eating fancy meals and sitting down for their lunch, taking their time, but after being here for a couple months I can say that, that is not true and that many are just trying to get their food as quick as possible so that they can get back to what they are doing. 
• Clothing and personal grooming: For the most part almost every person that you will see on the street will be well dressed and well groomed. This usually consists of dark jeans, a dark overcoat, a dark scarf and maybe a satchel. In general bright or vivid colors seem to be frowned upon here as most people no matter they are wearing will be wearing black, grey or maybe a dark blue. Cologne or perfume are a must have as everybody seems to be wearing them. Clothing and grooming is very important. If you are French and not dressed well they seem to look down on you and if you are clearly not French and are wearing sweatpants, running shoes, or anything else that you'd usually see on a U.S. campus or city they immediately know that you are a tourist and most probably American. 
• Religion and Faith: France has a long history of secularism and has instituted laws which make it illegal to wear obvious expressions of faith in many public areas therefore one doesn't see much expression of faith on the street except for one sees a church or a mosque. There is, however, an undeniable christian influence on French politics and history which is still present today. 

• Culture shock: I would say that I am at point 4 on the culture graph and feel very integrated. My conversational and professional French skills have improved immensely and once I got the Parisian wardrobe down I felt that I assimilated into the streets and metros just like any other French person would. At this point I have even been asked several times by French people on the street if I know the area and could direct them somewhere. Though I have not been able to help I would say that the fact that they asked me in the first place means that I must not look immediately like a tourist on the streets of Paris.