Column: Discovering culture with American eyes

Hi! My name is Brooklyn Webb and I am a junior here at BHS. I love to travel and experience different cultures and lifestyles.

I enjoy writing and wanted to share my experiences with everyone through our newspaper. Most people appreciate hearing about what other countries and cultures think of our own.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

Still, I wanted to talk about what it’s like experiencing and viewing those countries as not just an American but a person from our small mountain town.

Even after multiple trips to the United Kingdom and across Europe, it is still very jarring to see languages other than English, or the bustle of a city subway, even just talking to people and noticing their mannerisms are all so different than our own.

Recently I just came back from London and Paris. Although it’s not my first time visiting London and I am familiar with their mannerisms, it was, however, my first time in France.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

As someone who stands out as American, considering the red hair and the fact that I speak zero French, it was very surprising how the people bounced from being completely rude or very welcoming.

It’s always very interesting to hear another language and see the way these people live their day-to-day lives; my mom and I got to experience life as a person living in one of the most well-known cities, Paris.

“Mona Lisa” on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris

From the overpacked subways to the cheering and laughter of seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle its lights, it was an amazing experience to view life outside of our small town.

Check back at The Broadcaster if you want to learn more about our school exchange trip to Denmark!