FROM LAGOS TO ANNECY, FRANCE
Cultural shocks I encountered ~ From our DIsruptor Tobiloba SAnni
Embarking on my first-ever trip from Lagos to Annecy, France to be a part of the Annecy Film Festival was an incredibly exciting adventure, filled with delightful surprises.
As I set off on this journey, I couldn’t help but encounter a few cultural shocks that added an unexpected twist to my travel experience.
Public transportation is a little TOO organized:
One of the first cultural shocks I encountered in France was the exceptional organization of public transportation. From the meticulously timed schedules to the organized network, everything ran like clockwork. The trains arrived promptly, departing with impressive efficiency. Although initially surprising and off-putting, I soon realized that this precision and reliability are deeply ingrained in French culture, emphasizing their commitment to punctuality and efficiency.
For someone like me who traveled with the African time mentality , of course I. missed my train but was thankfully saved by a gentleman who advised me to board the next train. However, there was an interesting catch – I had less than 10 minutes to reach the other end of a very long platform to join the right train.
I ran like my life depended on it and at that moment, I couldn’t tell if I was jumping buses in Ojuelegba, Lagos, or trying to catch up with a train in France.
As I ran, my expressions were a mix ofdetermination and embarrassment and I said to myself – this is what happens when you bring the lasgidi blood to a white man‘s land.
NOT everyone speaks English…
I don’t know why but for some reason I thought everyone in France would understand English.. LOL!.. on getting to Annecy, I discovered that English proficiency among the locals were very limited.
Engaging in conversations often required a creative mix of gestures, basic French phrases, and the universal language of fake smiles.
One of my most memorable experiences was an amusing encounter with a lady to whom I reached out for directions. In perfect English, she responded with the unexpected phrase, „I don’t speak English.“ We couldn’t help but exchange puzzled glances, as I was surprised by her fluency in a language she claimed not to speak. While I couldn’t discern her intentions or her level of proficiency, I found this exchange to be a humorous anecdote worth sharing.
Despite the occasional challenges in communication, we found that locals appreciated our efforts and were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making our interactions easier.
The people live simply but are very fashionable
I knew France is like the HOME of FASHION but I was still impressed with its unique blend of simplicity into fashion.
The locals here effortlessly exuded an undeniable sense of style and I have seen a lot of what we like to call- The Gen Z style.
I must say, the people here showcase a keen eye for fashion without compromising their simplicity.
It was quite fascinating to witness how individuals expressed their personal style, reflecting their individuality and creative flair. This cultural contrast reminded me that fashion is not necessarily synonymous with extravagance.
France has a deep rich, history of graffiti
Another unexpected cultural shock that awaited me as I viewed the cities and streets of France while on the train is their deep-rooted history of graffiti. Contrary to the typical perception of graffiti as a form of vandalism, I was captivated by the artistry and storytelling displayed on the walls. The intricate designs and thought-provoking messages spoke volumes about the vibrant and outlaw spirit of the people of France. It was a fascinating reminder for me and. that challenged my preconceived notions of art not being limited to museums and galleries but also the vibrant street art that permeated the cityscape.
Annecy is a different kind of BEAUTIFUL
As I was at Annecy, I was taken aback by the city’s breathtaking beauty. For a minute I was convinced I had entered a portal into some sort of Sims game. The city is filled. with beautiful streets, buildings and cute shops exuding its own character and charm. A mix of medieval old town and contemporary city, with its winding canals, flower-filled balconies, old buildings and. chic shops adds a touch of magic to the city. Every corner turned revealed a new enchanting sight, leaving me constantly in awe of its beauty.
If you are ever in France, I think the city of Annecy is a great place to visit mostly if you enjoy a simple and quiet lifestyle filled with vintage looking buildings. Just make sure you pack light and be on time, especially at the train station..LOL!
