Please, pray for France.🙏🏻🔥
(files.catbox.moe)
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I've been to Paris twice and found the French people to be very hospitable. Two people helped us find our hotel when they noticed we looked lost, despite the fact they didn't speak a word of English. The key is to not barge into their country like entitled Americans. It doesn't matter how much French you know, or how badly you mangle it, they appreciate your efforts. I visited a church and wanted to buy a book in their bookshop. I spoke to the woman in French and she helped me out. I told her up front that I only spoke a little French, and not very well at that. At the end of our transaction, she took me over to the postcard rack and picked out two postcards showing the patron saints of the church and just gave them to me, saying that I spoke French very well. I knew it wasn't true, but I appreciated her gesture.
Sometimes in life, you get back exactly what you give.
Well-stated. That's been my experience as well the one time I visited Paris. My parents went there once or twice many years ago as well. We all felt the city was beautiful and interesting in so many ways and the French people were pleasant and lovely. I've heard the same kind of disparaging remarks made about Canadians and, again, my visits there in the past showed my "neighbors to the north" to also be lovely, nice, helpful, etc.
For the record, I've been there on two separate occasions.
Maybe, i am the bad man then. I just do not think so.
I will mention that I studied their culture before going over. You have to understand another country's mindset and customs, as they will not be the same as your own. To think that it will be is hubris. If you approach things in the same way they expect their own people to do, you will find your path to be much smoother. If the French see that you are trying to adapt to their ways, you will find that they are very appreciative and forgiving. One way to do this is to use as much of their language, as possible. Even if all you know is bonjour and au revoir, use it. This is a small way to show your respect.
As the old saying goes, "When in Rome do as the Romans do."