Emma

Hello, France! I've been reading your letters with curiosity and, though I have no account, would like to ask you things.

I hope nobody mistakenly assumes that the French people are weak fighters or perverts, (I certainly don't), but it sadly is a bit of a stereotype. It would make sense to show itself in you, being a personification, right? Or am I wrong?

You once said during a bloodbath that you knew the other countries found them to be harassment, but would continue anyway for…various reasons, I guess, you never specified them at the time. I'm sure they were all valid.

Please don't think I sound accusatory! I don't think any less of you for that, I understand we all do things and think in ways others frown upon. It's what makes us human (and you representing humans), of course!

But, that's just a side point. My main question is something I'm quite curious about. What is your favorite place to be in your country? Are there any parks, stores, or places like that that you find to be unrivaled by any other country? I'd like to hear about them.

Thank you! I really can't wait to hear your answer.

I don't have a name on here, as you've noticed, but you may call me Emma.

Chère Emma,

«Bonjour !

Nice to meet a loyal reader such as yourself. I hope I didn't make you wait too long ? It is true that Big Brother tends to partake too much into festivities, especially when it comes to les fêtes de fin d'année.

Now, now, don't be afraid to give your opinions, Emma sweetie. Big Brother France is a good listener; that's what big brothers are for after all, n'est-ce pas ?

Firstly, to answer to your main question about my favourite place in my country;

There are a lot of gorgeous places of course: Mont Saint-Michel, Les Châteaux de la Loire, Les Gorges du Tarn, Le Puy de Dôme, Carcassone, Ajaccio, Lyon, Marseille...But I have to admit, my heart goes to my beloved Paris of course !

I love to gaze at the city's lights at night: everything looks so romantic and mysterious, you can feel l'amour in the air.

I love to see all the lovely couples on the Pont des Arts hanging up their lock with the others, with only the golden dusk and the shining Seine river to witness their vow of love.

I love how I can always find music bands fill the air with their magic, it never misses to lift my mood and when this magic really gets to me, I would invite a pretty lady in a dance. Les Bals Populaires really are the best.

I love to spend time in a Café when it rains, because I can enjoy the warmth, the décor, and the people. And before I know it, the time flows too quickly and I almost wish for the sun to hide behind the gray clouds again.

I love walking in the Parc Monceau, adorned with lovely statues; I would sit on a bench and enjoy a fine book, bathing in the city's music.

I love the sweet smells from the restaurants of the Quartier Latin, the fancy shops in the Champs-Elysées, the cold and relaxing air of Notre-Dame, and the leaves from tilleuls, chênes, châtaigners that the wind blows.

Ah... Paris is indeed splendid. I wish you can see all of this for yourself one day. And maybe, if fate is on my side on that day, Grand Frère shall give you a tour ? Et plus si affinités...

I would say that yes, there are a lot of people who do -as you accurately pointed out, mistakenly assume the stereotype you were mentioning to be true... in the American continent, that is. It is an English invention that got popular in America for various reasons that would take too long to list. But nevermind that !

I will only add that outside America, my History is known enough to make that stereotype sound ridiculous, like a joke actually. So, how my portraying stereotypes about my people should make any sense ? I'm afraid I don't understand your point, dear.

Oh well, I hope I could give you good pointers. Come and visit Big Brother France soon, I'll be waiting !

Avec amour,

France.»

P.S: Oh right, about that Christmas Bloodbath thingy... which one was it exactly ? I think my memory is lacking... I don't really remember saying something about harassment but I do recall sharing my thoughts about this event, in 2011. I don't know what more could I say.

Fêtes de fin d'année: Year's end celebrations

Bal populaire: Public dance

Tilleuls, chênes, châtaigniers: Lime trees, oak trees, chestnut trees

Et plus si affinités: And more if there's chemistery

Avec amour: With love