Cultural Observations from the French Presidential Election: 2012

So in case you didn't know, France has entered a new era (again) and has elected the socialist president Francois Hollande (pronounced Orland it seems to me. Not sure where the R comes from...it's like the double L magically turns to an R.) ANYWAYS, as an outsider who was in the 'thick of it' it was quite interesting to me. My uncle would not be proud -- I was a mere 5 minute walk away from the Bastille where thousands of socialists were gathering to celebrate this historical event, but I decided to watch it safely from my couch. The Collins gene certainly outshined the Scott gene last night.

Anywho, here are 5 rather frivolous observations.

1. The new first lady is much more age appropriate than Carla Bruni, but still a looker! I look forward to critiquing her wardrobe on the front page of newspapers in the future. 
2. Did you know that the French colonies can vote? I saw results for Guadaloupe, Martinique, etc while they were posting results for other regions of France. I guess the 'no taxation without representation' really works here. Poor D.C & Peurto Rico.
3. The car of choice for both presidential candidates was a TEENY TINY 4 door renaut (or peugot? i dunno, a French car). Compared to the limos and huge bullet proof vehicles I'm used to my politicians riding in, I was horrified for their safety. Also, the journalists were allowed to ride along side in Motos. There were no bodygaurds to be found.
4. I watched both speeches (watched being the correct word here, as I probably understood less than half). I can see why Sarkozy was president for 10 years -- he's an excellent speaker. And the crowd responds loudly and appropriately. Hollande just yelled and seemed like he might have a heart attack. I worry about this.
5. When they were showing clips they played random accordion music in the background. It was odd and so stereotypical.

Et Voila! I'm sure this transition period will have tons of blog worthy hilarity. Until then!