Mon ami, le français

30.09.10

Today I experienced more of Blois and after a little bit of frustration, it turned out great.

So, my program told me that I was supposed to go to one of the main French banks to open an account prior to our orientation (Friday).  Since I was still getting over my jetlag yesterday and did things (groceries!) with the family, I waited until today to do the bank and cell phone stuff.

The phone was easy to get and the phone guy was very nice and interested in the US.  He helped me call the activation line to get my phone number since I was sure I was going to misunderstand what my own telephone number was to be!  Pas de problèmes.

After that, I walked more around the city and was amazed that even though this is considered a small town, it’s pretty active!  Its biggest street is not nearly as busy as Aix’s Cours Mirabeau but there were still more people out than I’d thought there would be. 

So, the bank story.  I went to the bank my landlady told me about, Société Générale.  The woman there was very nice but told me I needed a few more documents to get an account with them and that it wasn’t going to happen today.

Next bank.  Waited in line for twenty minutes to find out from a cold Frenchwoman that they can’t give me a bank account because I’ll only be there for seven months and there are “too many” documents required for foreigners.  She spoke to me like I was stupid and didn’t give any recommendations or apologies.  Instantly, I remember that this is France and customer service does not exist.  And also, how easily a French person can cut you down.  I was feeling great about my French and my experience in Blois in general until that lady.

After a huffy walk around the block, I decided to try once more since I just love to have the whole bank hear my accent américain and then get nothing in return.  At the third bank, my French fairy godmother must have done something because I am now the proud owner of a French bank account!!

The man who helped me was excited to speak some English and help me out.  He was very disappointed when I told him that the other banks had turned me down and not in the nicest way.  He hoped that it wouldn’t taint my opinion of Blois!  In perspective of the day and since I’ve been here, it hasn’t tainted my view.  I’ve had great experiences with Valérie (my landlady), her boyfriend, his 18-year old daughter, Valérie’s three children, the guys who helped me get my luggage off the train, the cell phone man, the third bank, the florist, and even the family’s kitten (though who isn’t far off from my host family’s cat, Cookie, who was a bit crazy).  So far, it all has been really nice. 

This just reminds me that no matter where you go, there will always be not so great experiences but certain ones get amplified sometimes when you’re away from home or not speaking your native language. 

As I left the bank, I started thinking things to myself and after a while I stopped and realized that I was thinking in French.  Ah, it’s such a good feeling to get it back.  Mon ami le français, tu es revenu.