I’ve visited France countless times, and it’s safe to say I love the country!
While studying French in Paris, I immersed myself deeply in the local culture. Despite my efforts, I occasionally encountered cultural misunderstandings.
I stayed at the same hotel for over 90 days for one year and consider myself a loyal customer. Flights to Europe often arrive around 7 a.m. On one trip, I was eager to spend a whole day exploring the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Upon arriving at the hotel, I piled my luggage on the bed and headed out.
After enjoying a wonderful day at the museums, I returned to the hotel. As I entered, the manager approached me seriously, saying he needed to speak with me. I was puzzled—what could I have done wrong? I had been there for less than five minutes since checking in.
An older gentleman who didn’t speak English escorted me to my room. Once inside, he repeatedly scolded me for leaving my luggage on the bed, explaining that the maid couldn’t make the bed otherwise. I tried to explain that I didn’t plan to sleep in the bed, but he was insistent. It seemed ironic since my room didn’t require any other servicing—clean towels, unopened soap, shampoo, etc.
I was both shocked and offended. I approached the manager I knew well and asked, “Who is he, your boss?” He confirmed, “Yes, he is the boss.”
Here’s the French cultural twist: I asked Jean, the manager, why I was treated that way when I wasn’t even using the bed. Jean shrugged. I couldn’t understand why they would treat such a loyal customer poorly. I added, “I’ve probably stayed here more than anyone else!”
Jean’s response, reflecting French culture: “No, there is one other person who has stayed here more than you.”
Perhaps it was all part of the cultural experience.
Excusez-moi!