Two days ago I finally bought a new bike. YAY! I have been searching on line forEVER and I found one that was 70 euro, front and back shocks, a great U-lock, comfy handlebars and a comfy seat! Couldn't ask for better! When I went to pick it up from the guy who was meeting me at the metro station, the first thing he said was "I never expected to be so lucky as to be selling my bike to such a beautiful girl!" Ok EW he was at least 35 years old. Really nice, but a little old. But I smiled and brushed it off of course. Right after I handed him the money (bargained quite a bit too ;) ) he asked me if I would like to go get a drink with him at a bar. Ok now that was a little too much! I felt like he could be my dad! I am not even twenty yet (for 5 more days)! So I said no but I appreciated the offer and I had to get home to cook for my family (the truth).
When I got home and told my host family that he offered me to get a drink, they were SHOCKED that I did not say yes and go. Wait, what? Didn't I just tell them that he was at least 15 years older than me? ...Well it turns out, it is common courtesy here to get a drink with someone after you buy something somewhat substantial from them. It turns out he likely thought he had every right to ask me to get a drink - just to ensure that his item was being handed over to a good person and to make sure that I was also satisfied.
Ah the French culture, is it not wonderful? Stuff that they collect is a novelty and when they let it go, they are proud of what they had owned! There you go Mom, I was meant for France, where having "stuff" is ok!
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