I like the way you move.

Here in Paris, it isn't just about the things you say or the way you say it, Parisians like to have emphasis behind their words and that can be seen through gestures. Watching people sit and talk in cafes is a perfect example of observing the french and their use of hand gestures to emphasize their meaning. I have noticed that people like to wave their hands in a motion seeming to reference that the action was ongoing, or that they are continuing on to another subject. It is almost a hand roll. People in cafes also always look very intrigued and immersed in conversation. You can read the tone of the conversation on their face, a furrowed brow to express confusion or contempt, pouted lips to express doubt, or even a rare parisian smile, to indicate that they are truly happy. Although reading speaking gestures can be intriguing and informative, I prefer to watch the Parisians as they walk. There is a walking path surrounded by flowers right by my house. I frequently jog or walk along the path, and when I do I love to watch the others as they pass me by. On sunny days, the promenade is full of people, young, old, you name it.  This promenade is like a small haven above the city streets, where everyone is walking quickly with and agenda. On the promenade, everyone walks slowly, soaking in the glorious leisure time away from the normal life of the busy city.  My favorite people to watch are the older couples as they stroll in the brilliant sunshine. They walk arm in arm in coats and hats.  The older couples walk very slowly (obviously) but they seem to stroll as if time is of no importance to them.  They speak to each other softly, and make small hand gestures, pointing to newly bloomed flowers.  The majority of people in France walk with very rigid posture, walking with their backs straight, and on the street people seem to march. They walk quickly and don't seem to really be looking at anything, just a blank stare forward. The men are the most different from American standards. In America men who walk in a feminine manner or hold their hands with limp wrists are regarded as gay, or womanly. In France, it is normal to see men speaking to each other very closely, or even to kiss each other's cheeks as they are saying goodbye. Hand holding in Paris is much less common than it is in the US among couples. I see many more couples arm in arm, than holding hands. If I wanted to blend in more, I would need to work on my posture and my overall body tension. In my mind, to perfect my posture I just think of a ballerina, graceful and effortless posture, with incredible intricacy and delicate body movements; with brutal discipline, and no leaning on things! I also use lots of hand motions already when I speak, so in that department I am somewhat French. While walking, I feel like I have already gained more of a Parisian stride just from being here.  My pace has quickened, and I try not to dilly dally and look like I am a tourist. I don't mind being a tourist, but it is really fun to play pretend that I am french too.