Ten Questions for une Française

WHO: Nguyen, age 36, accountant.

PM: Where are you from originally?

NT: Saigon, South Vietnam, but I am a French citizen.

PM: Have you ever been to an English-speaking country?

NT: Yes. Back in 2004 I was able to realize my dreams by spending six months there. I slept under the stars one night and couldn't believe how vast everything was. I also traveled all around the east coast. I particularly loved New York city and the energy there.

PM: So what did you think about it?

NT: It was simply marvelous. I loved it! I would love to live in New York and in San Francisco for awhile.

PM: Do you have any Anglophone friends here in Paris?

NT: Yes I have one American friend, and one English friend.

PM: If you run into Anglophones here and they don’t speak French, are you disappointed?

NT: No, I'm not disappointed at all. Why should I be? I understand it's difficult. I even encourage them though so that they can practice if they want.

PM: Do you feel that Anglophones living here in France should try to live in the “French way”, i.e. total immersion into the culture, or not?

NT: No, not really, but to be involved in the culture and country help you to better enjoy the experience, for sure.

PM: Paris is probably the most visited city in the world. How do you feel about all the tourists here ? Does it have a direct impact on your life?

NT: It doesn't bother me at all and I work on one of the busiest streets here: Les Champs Elysées! It makes me proud of my country that so many people want to visit it. It's great for our economy too.

PM: What would you change about Parisians in particular?

NT: I would encourage people to travel. I've noticed that Parisians who travel are much more open minded than those who don't. They need to get outside of France and see something different, see other European countries and North America. Your perception of life and life in France certainly changes once you've seen other places. It's undeniable.

PM: I totally agree. If there are problems with France, what are they in your opinion?

NT: French people need to be more customer service oriented, sincere and smile more!

PM: Amen! Sego, Sarko ou Bayou?

NT: Sarko!

Priscilla Lalisse moved to Paris from New York City in 1999. In addition to being the Editor and Founder of Prissy Mag, she is the author of the novel STOCKDALE . For her complete bio, please click here.

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