Bob W wrote:
Paris is probably my favorite big city. Wonderful food,
fabulous photo ops, and, for the most part, nice people. Paul
Uhhh, nice people? Which Paris is that, Paul?
These things are probably all relative. I know some non-Parisian French
people who think that Parisians are so far up their own culs they can see
the Eiffel Tower from above.
My wife and I talked, in soft-spoken English, to a number of French folks all
over the countryside, south and east of Paris, who felt exactly that way. Even
THEY were treated as 2nd class citizens and frequently snubbed by Parisians.
However, as a Londoner who sometimes has to
struggle to get through the tourist crowds, I can certainly sympathise if a
Parisian is occasionally, er, more assertive shall we say than the tourist
is used to. Especially when faced with crowds of Italian schoolkids blocking
a doorway or standing fifteen deep right at the foot of a crowded
escalator...
Yessir, I tried to take that into account.
Nevertheless, even if Londoners are occasionally a little terse with their
guests, please be assured that you are all honoured and very welcome. I'm
sure the Parisians (and indeed New Yorkers) feel the same way, and my own
experiences of Parisians have been generally positive.
Bob
Good for you, Bob.
To be fair, we sometimes feel the same way about New Yorkers, and sometimes
even those in downtown Boston, for that matter!
On the other hand, our visits in London were generally positive and a lot of
fun. We know folks all over the Isles, including Wales and Scotland, and get
along with them very well.
The only time I ever felt Parisians were helpful or even recognized we were
alive, is when we had our 16-year-old daughter with us. She was an attentive
3rd year French language student, being taught by a Parisian citizen. So, she
knew the language reasonably well and spoke it with the proper accent.
THEN they smiled at us! When they deigned to look at us at all...
None of our family are stereo-typical Americans, loud, brash in manner or
dress, or demanding in demeanor. Long time travelers, we are respectful, quiet
and usually quite easy going.
As such, we find those who act as tho’ we ARE undesirable or otherwise gauche
travelers, more than a bit puzzling...
2 1/2 trips in Paris without our daughter confirms our opinion.
Best, keith
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