Beijing—Inspired by the hit American series “Emily in Paris”, Liu Wei, a 28-year-old marketing professional from Beijing, decided to immerse herself in French culture for a day. Her goal: to experience the allure of Parisian life without leaving her hometown.
Donning a beret, striped shirt, and a chic scarf, Liu started her day at a local café, ordering a café au lait and a croissant. “I wanted to feel the quintessential French morning,” she said with a smile. The café’s ambiance, complete with French music and decor, transported her to the streets of Montmartre.
Her next stop was an art gallery featuring European paintings. She spent hours admiring impressionist works, trying to capture the essence of French artistry. “The brush strokes, the colors—they speak to you,” she mused, attempting to mimic the contemplative gaze often seen in art enthusiasts.
For lunch, Liu visited a renowned French restaurant in Beijing. Eager to practice her limited French, she greeted the staff with a cheerful “Bonjour!” and attempted to order in French. However, her pronunciation led to some confusion. When her escargot arrived, she hesitated, unsure of how to eat it properly. A Frenchman at the next table, Jean-Pierre, noticed her struggle and offered assistance.
“She was enthusiastic but made a few typical mistakes,” Jean-Pierre recounted. “She held the fork incorrectly and was unsure about the wine pairing. But her willingness to learn was admirable.”
Liu’s day continued with a stroll through a park, where she attempted to capture the “je ne sais quoi” of French leisure. She sat on a bench, reading a French novel—albeit in translation—and tried to adopt the nonchalant demeanor of Parisian locals.
As the day ended, Liu reflected on her experience. “Living as a French person for a day was enlightening,” she said. “I realized it’s not just about fashion or food; it’s a way of seeing the world.”
Jean-Pierre gave her efforts a generous rating. “I’d say she scored a 7 out of 10,” he laughed. “She embraced the spirit, even if there were some humorous missteps.”
Liu plans to continue exploring different cultures within Beijing. “Next, maybe I’ll try being Italian for a day,” she chuckled. “It’s a fun way to broaden my horizons and appreciate the diversity we have right here in our city.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
