Everyone always speaks about how unfriendly the French are.
Let me tell you this. Having nothing but two years of Junior High French under my belt (meaning: almost no knowledge of the language at all):
I have ordered everything from sandwiches to complete meals in Paris.
I have bought (way too much) bread in various bakeries in various towns and cities across France.
I have somehow criss-crossed my way across the country in trains, buses, and taxis.
I have exhaustedly slumped in the seat in a Cafe and mumbled something about a "thé vert" or a "café au lait," or if things are really bad and it's a hot day, "rosé s'il vous plaît."
In every instance I have been treated with nothing less than completely polite patience.
They know right away that I am an English speaker (how could they not), and they either switch into MY language in THEIR country, or - if English is not at their disposal - they do their best to help me anyway.
Seriously. I have nothing to complain about. In fact, I am endlessly grateful.
Besides that, in the small towns, like where I am, people constantly greet each other. Everyone is so damn friendly.
On the street, in the grocery store, in the cafes, there is a constant exchange of niceties. A person exiting or entering a restaurant automatically says a general hello or goodbye to anyone who is within earshot.
And then things like this happen:
Mary (passing an elderly couple on the street): Bonjour!
Elderly Lady: Bonjour, ma belle!
Honestly. Can you GET any sweeter than that?
No. No you can not.
Let me tell you this. Having nothing but two years of Junior High French under my belt (meaning: almost no knowledge of the language at all):
I have ordered everything from sandwiches to complete meals in Paris.
I have bought (way too much) bread in various bakeries in various towns and cities across France.
I have somehow criss-crossed my way across the country in trains, buses, and taxis.
I have exhaustedly slumped in the seat in a Cafe and mumbled something about a "thé vert" or a "café au lait," or if things are really bad and it's a hot day, "rosé s'il vous plaît."
In every instance I have been treated with nothing less than completely polite patience.
They know right away that I am an English speaker (how could they not), and they either switch into MY language in THEIR country, or - if English is not at their disposal - they do their best to help me anyway.
Seriously. I have nothing to complain about. In fact, I am endlessly grateful.
Besides that, in the small towns, like where I am, people constantly greet each other. Everyone is so damn friendly.
On the street, in the grocery store, in the cafes, there is a constant exchange of niceties. A person exiting or entering a restaurant automatically says a general hello or goodbye to anyone who is within earshot.
And then things like this happen:
Mary (passing an elderly couple on the street): Bonjour!
Elderly Lady: Bonjour, ma belle!
Honestly. Can you GET any sweeter than that?
No. No you can not.
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