Lessons From A Montréal Pâtisserie
“In English, please”, I say as I try to figure out how to order my coffee and pastry.
It shouldn’t be this hard but the line at the shop is long and I can’t figure out what to do. It’s my first day in Montreal and everyone around me is speaking French and I don’t know the protocol for ordering.
There are three registers:
One by the loaves of bread
One by the desserts and pastries
And one by the coffee
I'm not sure what to do.
The first time I manage to get out of line and decide to go to the back of the line and try again.
The second time I go to the coffee area and am told to order by the bread section.
On my third time through (how embarrassing!) I finally put the pieces together– order at the first section and then pay at the appropriate register.
It turns out the third time really is the charm!
(Photos to show why perseverance was a must!)
And during this experience I am once again reminded of how travel and new experiences heighten nonverbal awareness.
The cues I typically think nothing of suddenly matter!
I start to look for unspoken clues:
How is the person in front of me ordering?
Does it appear they know what they are doing?
Do they “look” like a local?
Are they speaking French or English?
Can I figure out any clues from the signage?
Throughout my week I also notice people’s facial expressions and overall expressiveness more.
I think things like:
That woman on the bus looks friendly
I bet that guy is the life of the party
I don’t think I’ll ask that person for directions!
And people notice me, too.
When store clerks greet me they usually say bonjour & hello showing that I don’t look like a local. I wonder what nonverbals they are picking up on that give me away.
Is it my…?
Clothing
Confused look
Or did they hear me speaking in English
My week in a different country emphasizes the importance of empathy and good communication.
And it gives me a fresh look at how brave and cool the foreign exchange students are that our family hosts.
Stepping out of your comfort zone does wonders.
Your co-pilot (who would love nothing more to be mistaken as a French woman!),
P.S.
What is a lesson you learned while traveling?
Send me your story or takeaway lesson during one of your adventures!