there are lots of reasons that i'm glad i lived in france for a year.

1 - when someone at the library says to me: "my friend only speaks french. i don't suppose you speak french, do you?" i can say "yes, as a matter of fact, i do."

2 - it works as good "getting to know you" conversation since almost everyone has an opinion on the french and french things. (in case you're interested, the french have lots of opinions about us, too)

3 - i can confidently say that i just don't like wine all that much and know that it's not because i haven't had the good stuff.

but, most of all,

4 - when i open a container of past prime fetuccini alfredo, the strong cheese smell doesn't bowl me over.

totally worth it.