Why spanish are always amazed when I say I like Madrid ?

Member since 22 February 2011

furisernMember21 September 2011 19:25:14

I am french, so for most spanish, I am from Paris. Well, I am from north of France (Bienvenidos al Norte - if you have seen this movie, you know what I mean), but I did live a lot of years in Paris.

It's incredible that no spanish believe that I prefer to live in Madrid than in Paris. When they realize - from my brrroooody french accent - that I am french, I am sure to have the question: 'de donde eres'. And if I say that quality of life is better in Madrid than in Paris, they all are surprised.
It never, never fails.

Well, I can understand it because Paris has a very romantic image. Sometimes, I am buying something - food, cigars, anything, ... - and the guy (no, ladies not) tells me he had a week or a week-end with his wife in Paris and suddenly, it's like I am his best friend (which helps when you are buying something).

Do you ever meet this same reaction ?
If so, de donde eres?

MadridManSpain Active member

Member since 07 July 2008

MadridManSpainActive member22 September 2011 10:19:25

I think it's pretty natural to loathe the place where you're from or where you live. As they say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Also, France has worldwide reputation as being a wonderful, magical, romantic place. I'm positive a lot of French people would argue that is not the case at all, but it's the perception - and it's the image the French Board of Tourism is selling to the world, too, just as the Spanish Board of Tourism is selling the reputation of Spain's great wines, food, flamenco, bullfights, and culture. And while all these things may or may not be true, most Spaniards would probably deny that these are the best things Spain has to offer.

Saludos, MadridMan @ !