B.1: Customer Service

While in France there has not been much NOT to like. Most people are friendly, helpful, and endearing, (so far). The only issue with cultural difference I've had are the customer service/wait time differences. In the U.S., we have this mind set of getting people in and out as quickly as you can so as to turn a profit faster and more often. In France, it is not like this at all really. While I do not find this to be entirely off putting yet since they aren't rushing you out and you can sit and enjoy a meal, some wine, and lingering conversation. On the other hand...in the United States we have this mind set that the customer is always right basically. We are (usually) given fast service with a neutral mood or tone. So far, here, people are nice once you get service, it just may take a little longer to get it initially. When walking into a restaurant or cafe it can sometimes be difficult to figure out whether or not you should wait to be seated or to just seat yourself or what's going on exactly. Then it can also take a bit to order, receive your check, etc...Sometimes when enjoying your present company or when you have no further engagements it is a nice thing that they leave you be if you have somewhere to be, like catching a train or something, it can be quite nerve-racking. As with most things, there are two sides to everything. And while it may be frustrating to wait on a check, at lease if need be there is the option to just look at a menu and leave that amount and go on ahead and leave and that is acceptable.