Cultural Shock: Eating like the French

I love France. I love the language (even though I haven't mastered it yet!), I love the history, the architecture and of course the fashion! I love Paris, even though I've only been a few times before. 

And I love my Frenchy of course!

But, being in a foreign country for a while, makes you see beyond the obvious and immerse yourself into the culture.

And there are some major cultural shocks I've had to overcome!

Firstly, the biggest shock for me is the food. I'm not much of a foodie. I eat to live, not live to eat. And since being in France, I've never eaten so much food in my life.

A typical French dinner party consists of 5 courses. Appetisers, entree, main, cheese and finally dessert. This does happen in Australia, but very rarely. In Australia, it's more typical to have 3 meals. Entree, main and dessert.

In Australia, I'm accustomed to fresh produce. In my household especially, I am used to eating salads, vegetables, fresh fish and lean meats. And it's also a rarity for us to eat bread.

In France, all I eat is bread! It's served in baskets in every restaurants. And you can buy baguettes longer than my torso for less then 1 euro ($2) so why wouldn't you eat it?

When you think of typical French cuisine... What do you see? I see red wine, baguettes and a side of cheese. Does anyone else see that? 

Personally, I'm not a fan of cheese. I only enjoy cheese when it's melted on my pizza, otherwise, I can't stomach it or handle to smell. Since being in France, I have met some wonderful people, all of who, tell me I won't be a true Frenchy until I can eat cheese! 

That's never going to happen!

While I have tasted some wonderfully home cooked meals here in France, it's time for me to pay more attention to what I am putting into my body. I need to start eating proper meals, monitoring my meal sizes and enjoying those delicious french pastries all in moderation.

Where my shoes took me: In the streets of Munich

I was lucky to experience Oktoberfest.

And it's based in one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited.

* M U N I C H *

When I wasn't enjoying the festivities at Oktoberfest, I was exploring everything Munich had to offer.

I went on a city walking tour to see the city centre and learn some of the city's history.

We started in Marienplatz and walked around for 3 hours. We learnt how the city of Munich was built into the city it is today and the history of the people who built it. It was rather fascinating. 

Things to do in Munich:

• You definitely should enjoy some traditional beer in one of the many, many beer halls. If you are not much of a beer drinker, you'll get over it and learn to enjoy it! 
• After enjoying your beer, you should head to hans im glück for the most amazing burger!
• Walk through the parks and gardens to enjoy the nature and serenity
• You can climb the top of the church in the city centre for just 2 euros! You'll climb about 200-300 stairs but the view is worth it! 
• After climbing the many stairs, you can enjoy a German pretzel! I had two favourites, sugar pretzels for the morning and cheesy pretzels for an afternoon snack! Definitely worth the 1.80 euro!

One thing to know when travelling in Munich, no shops are open after midday on Saturday or all day on a Sunday! So don't leave grocery shopping to the weekend! We spent close to two hours walking around the city centre trying to find a shop to buy some toilet paper and chocolate! Weird combination right? :) We were lucky to discover a small convenience store at the train station.

If you have the chance to be in Munich during Oktoberfest, I highly recommend it but Munich is so beautiful to explore... Anytime of the year is a bonus.

I don't need my shoes anymore...

During my trip to Montpellier, I saw many shoes hanging high above the houses in the street. At first I thought it was random. Just someone being silly and throwing shoes way above everyone's head.

But when I saw more and more of them, I realized it wasn't so random and that the shoes were meant to be there!

And I needed to know why people were throwing their beloved shoes out of reach...

Apparently when you throw your shoes above your house, it means you are happy where you are.

That you no longer need your shoes because you aren't leaving this place.

It's nice to see so many happy people in the city of Montpellier!

Have you found the perfect place to leave your shoes or are you still exploring?

3 months in France...

I still can't believe I'm in Europe.

Every month goes by and I am still in shock.

Ever since I was 21, I always wanted to live abroad. I love Perth and having all my family close by but I always wanted to experience something different.

And now, I finally get to achieve it.

12 months ago, I was lucky to meet someone special. We dated and got to know each other but after a few months, we had to decide if a relationship together was possible. Right from the start, we knew a relationship together would be difficult. A French man and Australian woman, how could that possibly work? I mean, we don't even speak the same native language!

But naturally we couldn't stay away from each other.

How to go shopping for shoes in France

The first thing I did when I decided to travel to France was to learn some important French phrases to get me through.

Bonjour, au revoir, s'il vous plait, merci etc.

But then I realised, the most important phrases every fashionista should know in France...

Is... How to go shopping for shoes in France!

Galeries Lafayette in Nantes, France

To me, this was the most important thing to learn, so I could successfully go shopping for shoes, without my French speaking translator.

So, with the help of my boyfriend, I have compiled a list of French phrases for you to learn, to help you go shopping for shoes in France without knowing the French language.

1. Where can I find the shoe department?

Où est ce que je peut trouver le rayon chaussure?

2. May I try on these shoes in a 37, please?

Puis je essayer celles-ci en taille 37 s'il vous plait?

3. How much are these?

Combien est-ce? (est cela/c'est)?

4. I will take these please!

Je prend celle-ci / Je vais les prendre s'il vous plait!

5. Can you direct me to the Christian Louboutin shoes?

Pouvez-vous m'indiquer le magasin Christian Louboutin?

The most important thing to remember when you are shopping in France is, it's always polite to say hello (Bonjour) when you enter a shop. It is also polite to say thank you and goodbye (merci, au revoir) when you leave.

What else would you like to know when shopping in France?

Where my shoes took me: Oktoberfest

* O K T O B E R F E S T *

If this is something on your bucket list, you definitely need to put it at the top of the list right now! It is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime.

Millions of people from around the world flock to Munich to enjoy the beer and enjoy Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest 2015

You get to meet so many people, drink German beer and sample German cuisine.

At one point, I was sitting at a table full of people from France, Germany, Australia, America, Holland, Spain and England.

It was incredible.

I was in shock the first day I arrived in Munich.

Firstly, I couldn't get over how an entire city embraced the tradition. Getting off of the bus, it was like I stepped into a different century. Women were walking around in dirndls and men were wearing lederhosens.

After settling into Munich and our accomodation, we decided to check out the festival.

There were rides, food stalls and of course beer tents.

I went into a beer tent, with a crowd of thousands, singing along to German songs, drinking litres of beer and all having a good time. I was surprised to see so many people, all having a good time together.

I'm not a beer drinker. I've only tasted a few beers in my life but when at Oktoberfest, you have to try the beer, right? The beer was fresh, strong and ridiculously heavy. It was a workout in itself just to hold the beer.

If Oktoberfest is something you want to experience, you should plan 6-12 months in advance and reserve your table in a beer tent. The beer is nice to drink but the 1 litre steins gets heavy after holding it for only 5 minutes. Having a table makes it so much more enjoyable.

Oktoberfest Munich was a great experience and one that I will remember for a long time.

Ask Fiona

NEW TO THE BLOG

Have you got a shoe crisis, fashion emergency or travel query?

Ask me your questions and I will help you out!

Some Q&A will appear on my blog!

I've had numerous emails from my loyal readers asking me questions. 

The questions range from style advice, understanding fashion trends, to personal ones. I admit, I'm no expert but I've had more than 4 years experience working in footwear and experience at one of Australia's leading fashion retailers. 

So, I've decided to launch a new page on my blog, called 'Ask Fiona' (I know, original right?). 

If you have a fashion crisis, shoe emergency or just want to know more about me, send me an email with your questions via the 'Ask Fiona' page and I will respond to you within 48 hours (unless I'm travelling, it may take longer!).

Some Q and A have appeared on my blog already and your's might too.

XOXO

Where my shoes took me: Hola Barcelona

After 4 days in Toulouse, we travelled through Argeles and continued into Spain. We drove for a few hours and found our destination...

[ B A R C E L O N A ]

It was only meant to be a one night destination but we loved it so much so we stayed an extra night!

Travel Partners

12 months ago, I met this cute French man. 

I have a crazy sweet tooth and discovered a love of macarons, who knew I would find true love as well as delicious French pastries.

I've always wanted to explore France and I have been lucky to do it with the most patient man ever!

I'm looking forward to exploring more of the world with my special Frenchy!

XOXO

Perth