Here is another installment of the “things found in Nantes” series, with the latest pictures!
In many historical buildings, French windows and shutters are often a work of art. Unlike Canadian windows, they don’t shield from the weather that well (French apartments are often chilly during the winter months) and they rarely have a screen to keep bugs out (something that is very common in Canada). But they are pretty! One-side or two-side exterior shutters are often brightly coloured are usually made of hardwood. This little head-shaped metal piece keeps shutters open during the day.
Many bars in Nantes don’t serve Coke or Pepsi but “Breizh Cola”, a local brand of cola bottled by Phare Ouest and sold in Brittany. This alternative cola probably appeals to consumers who are tired of giant companies and want to support local industries. Does it taste good? Well, I have to admit this is not my cup of tea—nor my glass pictured here. I stick to coffee and Coke Zero…
French are very picky about their language, and they generally value proper spelling and grammar. The education system stresses la langue française and until the end of junior high, conjugation tests and dictations are routinely dreaded by students. Yet, yet… spelling errors do creep in here and there. It’s not “piètons” but “piétons”, the accent is wrong here!
A green thumb gave plants growing wild through cracked concrete their (presumably?) proper name. This one is “Oxalis triangularis” apparently. I found the idea interesting and a bit different from the usual graffiti and street art!
Typography, fonts and letter spacing do matter… else it can produce hilariously wrong signs. I did a double-take when I notice the name of this store. “Anals”? Nope, presumably “Anaïs”, a French name. Ah bon.
It’s funny, when I first came to France I missed window screens. But now I would think, how do people lean out and smoke if they have screens? And I don’t even smoke.
Eh, that’s right! I didn’t even think of it (I don’t smoke indoors).
lol
I was once conducting a session on “why why analysis” and I was in a hurry so I wrote “why why anal.” that was super lol moment, I immediately realized what I had written and I corrected. Reading the last part of your article I sort of remembered 🙂
Lovely photos!
The classic in my job is “pubic relations” 🙂
lol 🙂
It took me a second look to realize what’s so funny about it.
😉
The best of both worlds would Canadian windows with French shutters ! If I ever return to Canada, I will dearly miss my dark dark dark bedroom !
I hear you!
Lol i did a double take on the store name too !! Ahhh spelling….
Glad to see it’s not just me 😆