Having just returned from a holiday in London, with the grand-daughters I was struck by a few differences.
The first being how much fatter people are in England generally than in France.
And I mean really fat. I'm 5'9", and until retirement weighed around 11 stone or a bit more. Over the last twelve years I've developed a belly, so now I take 34" waist from M&S,
36" from everyone else. I've always thought of myself as being average, a few more a few less, but now I seem to see loads of fatties.
Second, when did fashion for men include shorts with white hairy legs and socks with trainers, and often fat legs.
I suppose chinos and a polo top are old hat now.
But where England does score is the friendliness of people in shops, cabbies, waiters, hotel reception, they were all helpful and smiled. Take it from me it's not like that in France.
Then a personal viewpoint, thanks to the architect Hauseman Paris is beautiful, but, what's the word, all of a muchness.
All seven stories high, same stone, similar styles.
London is far more dynamic, with old and new mixing everywhere, a modern block next to an eighteenth century one. It's a mix I much prefer. Plus London has countless parks, Paris few and not that special either.
Anything else anyone has noticed?
London vs Paris
posted on 6/8/22
In the UK you get more people who rage against wokeness, but then get upset when they are labelled as morons. Not in London though. Primarily on online football forums.
52, I have the same feeling about Paris. It's a wonderful city. But a shame about the architectural homogeneity. Cities are supposed to be a bit chaotic, to be full of paradoxes and incongruities.
posted on 6/8/22
comment by Slippin’ Robb (U22716)
posted 1 hour, 1 minute ago
comment by scholayScholes (U13961)
posted 39 seconds ago
Because London is full of wokies. No accountability whatsoever. If someone is fat, they say MH, especially women. You can't call someone fat in this country, although statistics show obesity by 2050 will be the biggest killer here.
Take it from me I have travelled to over 40 countries, once you start travelling you realise how unhealthy and fat people are in this country
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Please never say ‘wokies’ ever again. It’s aged worse than that ‘whasssssup’ Budweiser ad
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I said wokies once and the dog started chasing his tail at the front door
posted on 6/8/22
I wonder if people are more socially tolerant in Woking 🤔
posted on 6/8/22
Good old fat, friendly England.
posted on 6/8/22
Obesity is definitely becoming more and more of an issue, not just in the UK/England, I’m sure I read somewhere that the south of France has big issues with obesity among young people? Where in London were you, just that if you’re central then there will be a very high percentage or tourists there, both domestic and international.
I enjoy Paris when I’ve been but I’ve always had friends showing me around and it’s just for a couple nights at a time so don’t really know it well. I think with any city you need to know it well to fully enjoy and experience all it can offer and living in London for over 20 years now there are so many things to enjoy although with a kid we are doing far more weekend trips outside of London.
England has historically had bad diets and food tastes, I think this is a mix of not having great weather for fresh produce and also attitudes after the war and rations. We’re getting better though although I feel you notice far more of a rich poor divide in London and sadly it’s often the poorer who eat poorly which is causing obesity.
posted on 6/8/22
I wonder how many products Greggs have sold in the time this article has been up
posted on 6/8/22
There was a story this week that Greggs tried to open a 24hr shop in Leicester Sq but the council refused.
posted on 6/8/22
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 12 minutes ago
Obesity is definitely becoming more and more of an issue, not just in the UK/England, I’m sure I read somewhere that the south of France has big issues with obesity among young people? Where in London were you, just that if you’re central then there will be a very high percentage or tourists there, both domestic and international.
I enjoy Paris when I’ve been but I’ve always had friends showing me around and it’s just for a couple nights at a time so don’t really know it well. I think with any city you need to know it well to fully enjoy and experience all it can offer and living in London for over 20 years now there are so many things to enjoy although with a kid we are doing far more weekend trips outside of London.
England has historically had bad diets and food tastes, I think this is a mix of not having great weather for fresh produce and also attitudes after the war and rations. We’re getting better though although I feel you notice far more of a rich poor divide in London and sadly it’s often the poorer who eat poorly which is causing obesity.
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We stayed in Royal dockland area, but also Chichester.
I tried to see which were English when I became aware of it. I once worked in Paris in the 16th arrondissement, and used to visit London for work and pleasure, also my sister lived there so know both cities quite well, though not as well as you know London.
posted on 7/8/22
I am a Londoner, but love visiting Paris. A city of culture and history. Both are great in their own ways. Both very vibrant.
10/10 for both cities.
posted on 7/8/22
comment by scholayScholes (U13961)
posted 15 hours, 27 minutes ago
Because London is full of wokies. No accountability whatsoever. If someone is fat, they say MH, especially women. You can't call someone fat in this country, although statistics show obesity by 2050 will be the biggest killer here.
Take it from me I have travelled to over 40 countries, once you start travelling you realise how unhealthy and fat people are in this country
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Do you even know what some means?