Snack Attack

Last fall semester I spent my time studying in Grenoble, France (a beautiful small city in the Alps). Part of my experience was living with a home stay.  I thought it would be a wonderful way to immerse myself into French culture. So here is a little scene of me among the French.

Food. It is extremely different there. The following anecdote with my brother will educate you on the eating patterns of the French.  It was about four in the afternoon and I had not eaten since lunch at noon and dinner isn’t until late, around 8.  So I went and found some leftovers in the fridge and asked my host brother in French if I could eat it. He clarified, “eat it?” and I said yes. “You want to eat that?” I said yes. “Now? You want to eat that now?” “Yes.” So he asked me in English “eat now?” I confirmed.

Switching back to French He informed me it wasn’t time for dinner yet. I said “I know it’s a snack.” He explained to me in French that there are three times you eat, breakfast, lunch and dinner. “le francaise ne fait pas SNACK.”

Me eating un kebab!

So basically he told me no, took the food from my hand, and walked out. There isn’t even a word in the French language for snack. They eat nothing, NOTHING in between meals. Never munch or nibble. Also my family eats very small portions at meals. For example for breakfast we have tea and two slices of baguette, the equivalent to a half a slice of bread. And remember this is at 8 and they won’t eat anything at all until noon.

I however was not willing to participate in this part of the culture. So I talked to my host mom and I explained to her I am accustomed to eating more, and she has given me permission to eat the leftovers. I also managed to find other ways to fill up, as you can see!