The Top Four Differences Between Paris and New York
The Top Four Differences Between Paris and New York
Learn the differences between two of the most famous cities in the world.
Learn the differences between two of the most famous cities in the world.
Work to live or live to work?
In Paris, people sit outside at cafés slowly drinking espressos. They believe (מאמינים) in enjoying life. The pace (קצב) is more relaxed than in New York. France has the most vacation days of anywhere in the world, long lunch breaks, and only a 35-hour work week.
In New York, people buy large cups of coffee "to go" on the way to work. Life is fast; people rush from place to place and everyone is always working. The goal (מטרה) seems to be to move as quickly as possible through the day (מהר ככל האפשר). Tourists are warned not to stop in the middle of the sidewalk so as not to get in the way of busy New Yorkers.
No problem or your problem?
In New York, people are optimistic, while the French can be more negative. It is difficult to get good service in Paris. Going to a store, office, or restaurant can be a test of patience (סבלנות). You don't get what you want just because you are paying.
In New York, service follows the famous rule: The customer (לקוח) is always right. Service is faster, people are more helpful, and just about anything can be delivered (להישלח) to your home.
Large or small?
Everything is smaller in Paris: streets are narrow, cars are tiny, and there are little cafés on almost every street corner instead of large chain (רשת) restaurants. If you need to buy medicine, you go to a pharmacy (בית מרקחת). If you need clothes, you go to a clothing store. You can't just go to one huge store to find everything under one roof (גג), the way you can in New York.
Names or Numbers?
The map of New York City is a perfect grid (כמו דף משבצות). Streets are numbered and set up to make it easy for a tourist to find his or her way around (למצוא את הדרך). Paris is much harder to navigate (לנווט). The same is true for the subway (רכבת תחתית) in New York – it follows the same grid as the streets and is easier to use than the Paris Metro.