French Interview and Observations

6/12

You could say that all of France should have more pollution from smoking than cars. I know I've mentioned it before but nearly everyone smokes! 

As for food, the are fresh markets everywhere. We even saw a lot in Paris. Their produce is definitely fresh! In Nice, there was a lot of seafood offered, since we were on the coast. 

The vast majority of people were slender.

My interview was with the girl who worked at the leather goods store, Juliet. She's 22, and from Nice.

1 and 2. What do do you like best about your country?

My country, or Nice? France is split up into so many providences, and each has their own culture. I like Nice because it has the sea and the mountains, and it's small, but popular. In Old Nice, everyone knows everyone. Also, there is no pollution because its a small village. 

3. How much time do you usually spend with family, and what do you do with them?

I visit every Sunday, and we eat!

4. What are your plans in terms of education?

I want to be in leather working school, but right now I'm in school for Psychology. I'm still not sure. I have 2 years yet but we'll see... I have an exam on the 18th that I haven't studied for yet.

5. What is the typical meal for your country (or for Nice)?

A lot of vegetables. We have a very Mediterranean diet- fish, bread, veggies, eggs, and oil instead of butter... Produce is fresh. 

6. Do to play any sports or do anything for physical activity?

Tried pole dancing as a sport, and now she runs on her own.

(yes, I did clarify, she said pole dancing. She clarified that I was not exotic, and almost like gymnastics in Europe)

7. Do you have a regular doctor that you go to? Is this common in your country?

Yes, primary physician. And yes.

8. How often do you visit the doctors? 

Old people go very often, but for me it depends how sick I get. Maybe 3 or 4. 

9. Do you smoke?

I used to smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes a day, but I quit last month.

10. Do you feel that your country (or Nice), is overall healthy?

Yes.

11. Does your country have national or private health care?

We have Social Security and Mutuality. Say you pay €30, Social Security will pay €5 and Mutuality will pay the rest. You pay Mutuality insurance (she said its like health insurance).

So, there are definitely similarities to the US, like the education being 4 years, and she's studying Psychology, which is definitely common in the US. 

The health-conscious people in the US try to eat "the Mediterranean" diet to be healthier, or to lose weight. 

I know tons of people that run to stay in shape (but not so much pole dancing).

And, the fact that she quit smoking is very admirable, but deviates from a lot of the French culture. I'm not sure about the American culture. 

Look forward to an Australian interview next!