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What do you think ? It seems to me that Americans have an obsession with Paris. Especially in TV Shows and movies, Paris is mentionned quite often, and they often talk about it as if it is some lovely charming little town whereas Paris is actually very harsh and cold.
Many people around the world like NYC even if they've never been there, but they have a realistic vision of it. Busy, loud, overwhelming. Yet people around the globe (and not only Americans to be honest) have that idealized vision of Paris.
Here's an article about the Paris Syndrome some Japonese tourists experience : Elizabeth Zephyrine McDonough: 'Paris Syndrome' And The Shock Of The City Of Light
That's not happening to Americans because we share the same western culture of course, but their vision of Paris is also clearly flawed.
I don't know if it's an obsession rather than typical American lack of knowledge. Americans frequently lack knowledge about cities in our own country they've never been to so it only makes sense the same would happen with Paris or any other city. The thing I've noticed is when most Americans think of France, they're really thinking of Paris.
What do you think ? It seems to me that Americans have an obsession with Paris.
Basically yes. Paris is the quintessential romantic city to Americans. But not only that, Paris has a mythological larger-than-life quality to Americans as well.
"Going to Paris" gets raised eyebrows from nearly everyone. People think you're about to have the time of your life. Nothing can quite compare to it. Having been to Paris myself, I can say that I quite enjoyed it. It's one of the best cities I've been to.
Somehow I wonder how Americans can appreciate Paris with all that unfriendlyness and 'rudeness'. Maybe if you just focus on visiting the N sites you wanted to see and then go back home after 5 days you might not realize the hostile environment in Paris. Especially if you don't venture ouside of the inner arrondissements.
I'm always amazed at the difference between what Americans (or the Japonese) have in mind when they think of Paris and the reality. I think it's the only city in the world with that kind of misconception. Maybe L.A too, but it's a different kind of misconception.
I notice most who criticise Paris for the usual reasons (unfriendliness, dirtiness) seldom mention what makes Paris great, it's architecture, cafe culture, charm.etc. Maybe they're just the glass half empty types. Do rude people detract from the beauty of the buildings and the streets?
People here think Paris is THE city too. I don't get it. I've never been there but it's never been near the top of the list either. I just don't feel drawn to it, although I would like to eventually go.
I find it annoying that people base there entire opinion of France on Paris. It is Like basing your entire view of the US on New York.
I have been to France often but never to Paris. I am an American but have been living in Germany now for 14 years with no plans to go back, My work has taken me to Alsace, Strasbourg is not far and I have been to Bretagne and Normandy several times. Only passed through the Mediterranean parts. Need to visit Paris soon.
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