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16 Questions you should not ask in Paris

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16 Questions you should not ask in Paris

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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 07:05 AM
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16 Questions you should not ask in Paris

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_5030187.html
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 07:09 AM
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Nothing original...
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 07:29 AM
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17. Do you have any Australian wine?

18. What's this, liverwurst?
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 08:47 AM
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Bah. Clickbait. (And, darnit, I clicked!)
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 09:12 AM
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You really love these silly articles about Paris, don't you.
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 09:28 AM
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cigal; I didn't open the site, but this is not a pleasant crowd!
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 10:57 AM
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they're all so superior (not)
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 11:11 AM
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Well berets have been out of fashion my French friends tell me for eons and what most of us think are berets are 'cascets' - so asking for a beret would be double flummoxing.
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 11:21 AM
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If you want a beret go to Ponsol in San Sebastián/Donostia and ask for a boina.

http://www.casaponsol.com/
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 12:19 PM
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you can buy the on the rue de Rivoli. Some women do wear them.
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 01:28 PM
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Here are some more questions not to ask:

You got wine in this joint?

How come you brag about the food but you got all these McDonalds?

You use real butter in this croissant or is just greasy?

Where's the king buried?

Has anyone ever seen a used WWII rifle?
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 01:37 PM
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I enjoyed reading this list, although most of it was so silly! Don't ask where the Eiffel Tower is--why not, if you need help finding it?

Also, regarding the bread plate:

It says that in France, bread is torn, not cut. But in the US it's not correct to cut the bread on one's bread plate--that's torn. So, OK.

But further: is it true that there is never a bread plate in French restaurants? Not even fancy ones? I honestly can't recall!

Of course, finally: if I want a bread plate, I will ask for one, politely, even if it;s not the done thing in France, because why not?
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 01:44 PM
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<i>if I want a bread plate, I will ask for one, politely, even if it;s not the done thing in France, because why not?</i>

Would you ask for one in Japan?
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 01:58 PM
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Actually, only #4 and #10 raised my hackles. And #10 is not because it is inappropriate to ask for a bread plate but simply because lots of French people cut their bread rather than tearing it. And if you go to a restaurant that has tablecloths, it is even likely that you will get a bread plate.

But who on earth calls the metro "sketchy"?
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 03:08 PM
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vjplovesilaly, Yes I do as much as you like being nasty
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 03:12 PM
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Kerouac, I agree that was strange. The Metro is one of the easiest to find your way
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 05:13 PM
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I can't stand watching someone slice a biscuit so can understand tearing of the bread. You need a serrated knife or do damage to the texture of the bread. My problem is I love French butter and make a mess with it without a plate. Butter stains are hard to get out of tablecloths. Must be neater.
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 06:26 PM
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I have repeatedly hailed taxis in Paris, most recently by calling out "taxi" to a passing one.
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 07:26 PM
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Michael, let me make this much clear: I would ask for a bread plate in Japan if I wanted one, but only if bread were being served. 'kay?

As I said, the list was fun to read, and fun to quibble with
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Old Nov 10th, 2014, 08:29 PM
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Too many rules. If I forget to place the friggin bread in the wrong spot, I assume the world will not stop turning on its axis.

We ate at Taillevent twice while M. Vrinat was still alive. The bread was extraordinary like everything else. When I mentioned this to to the waiter, we had an extended conversation on the baking chambers and the mist they sprayed to make the crust perfect. This is exceedingly more interesting than any placement or clawing of the bread.
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