The French 25

So... On Facebook right now there is a thread going around about posting 25 random facts about yourself. I thought here on my French life blog I would provide you with random facts about France. I hope you enjoy!

1. All Cars are stick shifts- and only 8 U.S. states have drivers license that qualify you to drive in France longer than one year. (please note California is not one of these states)
2. It's freezing- bring warm clothes.
3. Want a Shopping carts- that will cost you one Euro please.
4. If you return the shopping cart, you get one Euro back.
5. Sprite tastes different- they put less sugar in their sodas.
6. Stop signs and traffic lights where possible are substituted for roundabouts.
7. French people are nice.
8. Rather than taking a license plate shot when you run a red light- they take a snapshot of your license plate when speeding on the highways.
9. The French work week is only 35 hours- and comes with 5 weeks of vacation. (I think America should adopt this work lifestyle!)
10. When invited over for dinner- bring wine, it's polite.
11. Do not turn right on a red light.
12. The person turning right has the right away to someone driving straight.
13. Most people hang dry their clothes. And when using a dryer there is an area where it collects the water and must be emptied out when your load is complete.
14. Do not expect a kitchen to be included in your apartment. There is an empty space for it but the counters, cupboards and appliances are up to you.
15. When entering a store greet people with Bonjour. And be prepared to wait for customer service lines.
16. Being a chashier checker at Carrefour (their version of a Wal-Mart/Albertsons) would be the best job- you can just sit there- it is your job (the buyer) to price your produce, and to bag your own items- and those bags will cost you- so bring your own or pay 10 to 60 cents depending on the bag.
17. Black is a common color worn. And scarfs is the most common worn accessory.
18. There is Chinese food. And then menus are in French, may seem obvious but it wasn't to me :)
19. If you come- order French Onion Soup! It's my favorite here by far.
20. Ordering a coffee is more like ordering a shot of Espresso you would want a Cafe au Lait if you wanted Coffee with milk.
21. Sidewalks also known as a great place to park.
22. When a car is not taking up the entire side walk, watch your step. They do not clean up after their dogs do their thing.
23. They will get confused when you want to slide your credit card. Their cards don't work that way and never require a signature.
24. Unless it's Ikea, as a rule the store will be closed on Sunday.
25. America's national sport is Baseball, France's national sport is protesting.