I didn't expect that I would have written such a long article just to respond 王文華 's 白天紐約、黑夜巴黎‧.  There is a question that I keep asking myself, "Would I move to France?"  I had the chance, and could be offered another one.  Would I, and should I?

Paris is the captical of France, but Paris is not France.  Do you know how many French people don't like Paris?  In the early 20th century, France was actually largely rural country with conservative Catholic morals. Through the years, changes happened.  Two world wars and the development of the modern economy, depopulated the countryside and moved people to the major cities.  

France, officially French Republic, is made up of the Hexagon and a collection of overseas islands and territories.  The first place I visited in extended period was actually the island in Mediterranean, Corsica, the birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

I appreciate 王文華 's article because it also mentioned the dark side of the current French culture. The past few years, the traditional value system in France is challenged, in education, history, economy and the culture particularly.  What is the origin of France culture, the ancient Gaul of the Rome Empire, the monarchy of Duke of France,  the First Republic or the third Republic?  There are many conflict in the French society. 

It is correct that France's economy is anti-American, most companies are private enterprise with government intervention.  Now, it is getting into more capitalism with the fast pace globalization.  This introduced the conflict.  The young generation is overly relax with the French culture, and American style entertainment, video games, etc.  The social responsibility concept is weak in the young generation.  The consequence is the low productivity, hence lead to low government budget.  The minority are not well taken care of This led to the riot last year.  I briefly mentioned this in the article: 2005, it's the wrap! as one of the major event in the year 2005.

France is a very popular country for foreign visitors.  Paris being the foremost with its richness in cultures.  Many people are going to the beaches and seaside resort, like Nice, or ski resort in Alps.  To me, visting the rural regions where the food are prepared differently, the winery, the farm provide the natural beauty and the tranquillity.   Agricultural produce is France's another main economic power, outside the high-tech air-bus and ST-Micro Electronics, who is the biggest customer of the company I am working in. 

Though all these years, I am getting to learn more about this country. Lyon becomes my favorite place for dining. Paris becomes my favorite place for night strolling. Hotel Moby Dick in Corsica becomes my family beach. Loire river is where I go to find the best Chenin Blanc.  Am I going to move to France for good?  No, I won't. 

Apparently, I tend to see the dark side of a culture, and bad side of what people always consider good.  French life style, and their philosophy is something we can accept?  No, I will suggest you to go there and feel it.  It is not as simple as you think.  Travel for leisure purpose might let you fall in love with some places, but adopting the culture and dreaming of living there, is another matter. 

We have to learn to compromise.  Life style in Taiwan and New York is intense, throwing a little French flavor in your life will do you good.  Appraising French styel and negate Taiwan, or New York?  No, think deeper...