Let’s celebrate!
One of the things I love the most about USA — and Chicago doesn’t fail in representing that — is how much people are into celebrations: all year long, all occasions are good to sparkle the day and inject some fun in the routine.
I’ve only been here for 3 weeks — OMG time flies sooo fast — and yet I had the chance to witness 2 special occasions and as much as excuses to party:
1 — Birthday
Turns out that my birthday fell at the end of my first week here. Which means that I only spent 4 days with the team before my special day. Approximately 30 hours together since we initially met.
Let’s say that we barely knew each other.
And yet, I had one of the most epic birthdays I’ve ever had…!
First, because EVERYONE is wishing you a happy birthday. It’s as if a special announcement would have been made to everyone or as if your birthday was one of the opening news titles in the morning shows.
“Happyyyyy birthdayyyy!!!”(picture Britney saying that to you — gif below is here to help)
coming all day from people I knew, people I didn’t, bosses, clients…Yes, even clients.
It really makes you feel special!
Second, because here, you don’t screw with birthdays! So even if you don’t really know her, the birthday girl has to enjoy her day. Mission accomplished guys.
The whole team invited me for lunch, which was planned days ago and chosen after the kind of food I wished. In my case, I dreamed about having a good risotto. So we went into a fancy Italian place, where I enjoyed my birthday risotto and had the joy to taste a perfect chocolate birthday cake along with the singing of happy birthday (nice but a bit embarrassing, which was I think, the main purpose of it).
As we were leaving the client office later, at the end of the day, the team asked if I had plans for the night. And as I didn’t, they made me have some! So we went for a drink, and then another and then… I stopped counting! Last thing I remember is getting back home at the beginning of the next day with the nice feeling of having had a perfect birthday night!
2 — Pride
Each year, in many places all over the world, pride takes place. According to the city, it runs more or less for a long time. In Paris though, we have the quinzaine des fiertés. Which means Pride Fortnight. Here in Chicago it’s Pride Month.
Basic maths: 15 days against 30, point goes to America.
What about the Pride in Havas? Well, you can’t miss it. Starting at the 1st floor, then continuing to the elevators and even on the dogs—yes, ON them — pride is everywhere.
And of course here, celebrations come along with food. We are thus enjoying Pride ice cream each afternoon!
Nice, huh?
I’ll stop counting points between USA and France as I’ll be heading back home in a few days and I would like to still have friends there.
But I know you know who would be winning this match.
Oh, and let’s finish the article with this perfectly-quoted-shirt:
