We have added the phrase "it's the French way" to our everyday vocabulary. Everyday, because it seems we experience something that has no "American" explanation, so it is simply "the French way".
We know a wonderful couple at church who have suffered injuries that have required ongoing physical therapy treatments. Nothing French about that, right? Well, this week they are in the south of France for a week receiving SPA TREATMENTS. That wouldn't be terribly unusual, except that they are there on a "second honeymoon" because it is paid for by their health insurance. Yep, hot rock massages, mineral rich hot pool therapies and mud therapies all paid for. Talk about an "all-inclusive" vacation!! It's the French way.
Many of you have had the privilege of giving birth to a child or two. You have also had the pleasure of seeing your body after this miraculous event. Having been stretched and expanded for 9 months, it isn't a pretty sight. The French healthcare system (over generous as it can be) offers mothers of 2 or more children a free tummy tuck. Yes, it is paid for by the French government. It's the French way.
Moving on from French healthcare, lets consider vacation time. In France, each employee receives 5 weeks of vacation. Have I mentioned that the French work week is only 35 hours? We know of someone who went to his doctor because he was feeling "tired". After all physical factors were ruled out, the doctor asked about his last vacation….he had taken a 2 week vacation last year….BOOM, here is a DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION for a 3 WEEK vacation. It's the French way.
David and I have been married for 23 years. He once took a vacation from December 21 until January 6th. That has been his record. Here in France, it is perfectly normal for employees to take a 4 week vacation. Yes, I said 4 weeks…..the entire month of July or August. It's not only people. There will be many restaurants, bakeries and even businesses that will close for vacation. Not just a day or a weekend, but for several weeks at a time. Can you imagine? It's the French way.
How about sports? Do you like to participate? If you have kids, are they athletes? I can remember every year that my kids would have to get a physical to participate in athletics. It had to be dated AFTER May 1, and had to be on-file with the school before their first day of practice. Just one physical good for the entire school year and it wasn't required until they reached 6th grade. That seems normal to me.
Kids (and adults) here need to see a doctor for EACH sport that they'd like to participate in and age isn't a factor. If your son/daughter wants to swim, play tennis, be on a soccer team and play softball/baseball, then you have to make 4 separate doctor appointments, paying for a "different" physical each time.
If you are an adult? You don't get off any easier. David just had to leave work last week to get his "physical" so that he could play on the company basketball team. Now, as an adult, you may also have to get a "license" to participate in activities. Have you ever heard of a GOLF LICENSE? Not a PGA tour card or a club membership card, but an actual license that allows you to play golf. If you don't have one, you will not be permitted on a French golf course. They are actually surprised that they are the only country that requires one. David has his basketball license, but he has refused to get a golf license. It's the French way.
I could go on, but you get the idea. You take the good with the bad (and inconvenient). I would definitely sign up for the spa week and tummy tuck, but some of the other "differences" I can certainly pass up. Who knows, by the time we relocate back to the states Obamacare might offer some of these same perks…..
Speaking of inconveniences, I will go to make what I hope is my final attempt to pick up my slow cooker today. Say a prayer for me (and the clerk) that they have one to pick up and that the store is not closed for vacation!!
Happy birthday, Stan! We like Teresa a lot, too.
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