Okay, I have to get this off my chest to the world at Fodors, but I have to warn you: it's about the war.<BR><BR>I don't understand how so many Europeans think that American media has no free speech or are not allowed to print anything against the war. Where do they get these ideas? While I'm obviously not in the US to keep up on the magazines, I know Feb 6th issue of Le Monde showed a Newsweek cover titled &quot;Why Business Wants War.&quot; Newsweek is using it's free speech to show how businesses can exploit the war. And I'm not sure about Time, but generally it is liberal as well .. I'm sure there are plenty anti-war or skeptical articles out there in the immensely popular magazines like Newsweek and Time. <BR><BR>One Greek asked me if there are anti-war demonstrations in the US. He had assumed that there haven't been. I know that there have been hundred of thousands anti-war protesters in San Fran and Washington DC. <BR><BR>I really don't understand how the rest of the world develops such an opinion about the US media and our freedom of speech. I would say that most of the media is liberal, therefore they are against the war and looking forward to uncovering Bush's mistakes ...

Genesea, If you consider Newsweek and Time as liberal, what would you call The American Prospect and The Nation?

Genesea<BR><BR>It seems there are plenty uninformed (or erroneously informed) people everywhere. It is interesting to get your perspective as a longer term visitor to France. BTW, I quit reading Newsweek years ago after they deteriorated from tolerably liberal to the more frequent yellow journalism. I think most would consider Newsweek and Time both liberal. Can you get U.S. News and World Report?<BR>

Yeah, I too thought that the Washington Post and the NYT were the epitome of &quot;liberal&quot; among American press titles. Well, after the recent round of French bashing insults in these two papers, so vulgar that they are bordering on the pathetic (and frightingly reminiscent of the way Antisemitic press in the 30s used to describe the Jews), I feel that even &quot;National Hebdo&quot; (the Front national's weekly) might pass for ultra red ! Basically, Genesea, have you read one single article in the American press (I'm not even mentioning TV of course)questioning the rationale of the Iraq war? Is it possible to criticize the Bush administration in mainstream American media without being labelled antipatriotic?

I just returned from my 5 day trip to Rome (via 20 hours on the train), so I'll update you all on interesting events, but first I want to respond to a few things:<BR><BR>Vincent: Many Europeans believe that newspapers/magazines in the US all support the war. I can honestly say that I disagree because in the last few issues of Time and Newsweek (Newsweek in particular), I have found articles about <BR><BR>1) The US offering Turkey $5 million and a forgiveness of $5 million in debt if they let the military use the border.<BR><BR>2) US companies making a financial killing off of the Gulf War and &quot;Why Business Wants War&quot; (a recent Newsweek cover).<BR><BR>3) Why the war is about oil<BR><BR>The list could go on ... makes me really wonder about the war.<BR><BR>Even the city council in my conservative town passed a resolution against the war, and there are anti-war articles daily in the local paper.<BR><BR>From what I've read online most big name papers have anti-war articles and pro-war commentary ... But I think I'd say that from what I've read I haven't found any major publications that are pro-war. Are there any out there?<BR><BR>---------------------------------<BR><BR>On a french note: <BR><BR>For those looking to visit a traditional French cabaret in Paris (not like Moulin Rouge), my prof says that people need to visit &quot;Au Lapin Agile Cabaret&quot; in Montmartre.<BR><BR>For those looking to drink caf&eacute; where Camus and Sartre drank (and others), the caf&eacute; is &quot;Caf&eacute; de Fleur&quot; (I don't know exactly where it is.<BR><BR>More later ...

Actually, it's Caf&eacute; de Flore on Boulevard Saint-Germain next to Aux Deux Magots.

Hey All .. Here I am finally having time to write about my trip to Rome with three other Am&eacute;ricaines … This is a type of play-by-play on the trip (February 13th – 20th) and the excitement on the 20 hour train ride :<BR><BR>Thursday the 13th : Brooke, Ali, Kelly and I hopped on the train around 8pm to embark on the 20 hour train ride to Rome. Nothing exciting happened that night except that I got some sleep which is a YAY ! ! because night trains are uncomfortable. The other plus is that our car was virtually empty, so we didn’t have to worry about things being stolen, or just dealing with people in cramped quarters. The only annoying thing : for over an hour our box car was being moved around the station and it was difficult to sleep .. but since that’s the worst thing that happened, I’m a content chicka.<BR><BR>Friday : Arrived into Nice in the morning and missed our connecting train across the border. That wasn’t bad though because we picked up the next train without having to change tickets since the train was essentially a commuter train that took us along the French coast where we saw the amazingly aquamarine water that the C&ocirc;te d’Azur is so famous for. One petit station was named « Beaulieu sur mer » (Beautiful place on the sea) which I think was accurately named. <BR>After a 45 minute ride we reached our next stop in Italy and boarded the train to Rome. Each car contained separate compartments containing 6 seats and a door that doesn’t lock (*suspenseful music in the background*). We four grabbed an empty compartment and thought our train ride would be peaceful … that assumption changed when I saw 5 guys walking by our door staring in and making faces. So we closed the blinds. They came back and just sat outside our door. Eventually they left. The train started its path along the Italian coast, and we hoped we would be left alone. Not so. At another stop about 10 guys from the Italian navy hopped on board and sat on either side of our compartment. They spent their time banging on our door, staring through the blind, and making faces at us. But that isn't the end with the encounters on the train. We had another group of 3 guys who would walk by and open our compartment door at talk at us in Italian even if we were sleeping (I was later told that I should have rigged the door shut; I just didn't know what was proper etiquette on the train ..). We tried to ignore them, but they wouldn't stop opening our door. So we finally just told them to go away in Italian (the word we specifically learned for that incident) and I told them that we spoke either French or English -- but not Italian. For some reason they thought we spoke Italian ... not so ...<BR><BR>The story continues ....<BR>

Genesea<BR><BR>I think I'll be in Pau this coming Saturday.<BR><BR>Email me if you'd like to have a drink or something<BR><BR>[email protected]

Hi Genesea,<BR>Reverting back to a previous question I had about phones and your answer pasted below:<BR><BR>&quot;2) If you live with a family, you should be able to receive and make calls, provided you use a phone card. In France the phone cards can be used for public or private phones .. I haven't bought a card that can only be used for one or the other.&quot;<BR><BR>Quick question re phone usage: As long as I use the phone card, the family shouldn't get charged anything, right? Just wanted to make sure. Thanks!<BR>

craisin:<BR><BR>You are correct !! No charges to the family whatsoever.<BR>

Genesea,<BR><BR>Interesting comment you make about how so many Europeans think Americans don't have access to tons of different opinions about the war and that the media is one sided. The same nonsense appears on these boards frequently.<BR><BR>Anyway, do you really think it's possible France would use its UN veto against the war? It now looks like the US and GB have the nine votes needed to approve the new resolution. Even a week or two ago it didn't look like France would go to such extremes. You're on the ground -- what do you think? <BR>

Jacko,<BR><BR>As of last night Chirac said he doesn't want to change his anti-war stance because the French people don't want war and he doesn't think it is a good solution. But according to the BBC, &quot;President Jacques Chirac's anti-war views are also due to come under scrutiny in the French Assembly, where many of his own party are worried about lasting rifts with Washington.&quot; (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2801099.stm).<BR><BR>I really don't know if France will use their veto power because they seem to waver in their stance. A few weeks ago French officials were saying that they wouldn't veto the war proposal .. and now, I don't know. But I don't hear a solid &quot;no&quot; or &quot;yes&quot; ... I kinda have a feeling from what I've read that France may eventually vote yes. However, I believe they will hold out until the very last minute.<BR><BR>On another interesting bit of news, a Danish pizzeria owner is trying to ban French and German customers over their anti-war stance (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2801099.stm). <BR><BR>But back to Rome news ...

Some pratical comments on Rome to leave you with until the next installment:<BR><BR>Metro: There are only 2 metro lines which is a nice breather compared to Paris. BUT the metro ticket (0,77) machines only take exact change and you have to put in the 0,02 first! No one has any way of knowing this except through word of mouth. We spent time helping the English speaking travelers and passing out 0,05 and 0,02 pieces.<BR><BR>Safety: I was told by my french family to watch out for theives that would slit my backpack with a knife or yank a purse of the shoulder or neck. We never encountered any pickpockets or anyone that looked dangerous whatsoever -- but we weren't walking around at 3am either. <BR><BR>If you are young at heart and want to ride: You can rent scooters for about 38 euros for 24 hours, and I heard from a bunch of Aussies that it is a great way to see Rome. I, personally, would be scared to try to drive in any sizable European city ...<BR><BR>Hostels: we found &quot;Freedom Traveler&quot; which was a good deal of 15 euros a night and offered pasta dinner and a light breakfast. We saved a lot of money this way by eating at the hostel and eating lunch at a restaurant.<BR><BR>And thankfully there was no dog crap on the sidewalks!

Okay, back to France for a second --<BR><BR>This is all about parties tradtional to my region and the B&egrave;arn region (all this info was provided by my professor Catherine Guisle) ..<BR><BR>Today, the 26th of Feb., is called the &quot;Mercredi des Ours&quot; (Bears Wednesday) which is a day for the kids. Since the bears are coming out of hibernation around this time, the 26th was set up for a day when people can dress up as bears and walk around the town for the kids.<BR><BR>Feb 27th: Another B&egrave;arn &quot;holiday&quot; is the &quot;F&ecirc;te Etudiante&quot; (Student Party) where all the bars and clubs have a collective party for the students.<BR><BR>Feb 29th: &quot;Vendredi du Cochon&quot; (Pig Friday) is a family day where people get together and roast porc and just hang out as families and friends. <BR><BR>Up-and-Coming French holidays:<BR><BR>March 1st: &quot;Samedi Folie&quot; (Crazy Saturday) which is start of the Mardi Gras festivities.<BR><BR>March 4th: Mardi Gras complete with a carnival. In this B&eacute;arn region the Mardi Gras story goes like this: Saint Pansard (a faux Bernais saint) brings craziness and disorder to the town resulting in Mardi Gras. To close the Mardi Gras festivites, the townspeople have to burn Saint Pansard. So .. after the Mardi Gras festivies people will be burning Saint Pansard (in the form of a doll, I believe). <BR><BR>Interesting, eh? It should be interesting to see how Mardi Gras here differs from the US.

Interesting observation and advice:<BR><BR>Two weeks ago in the Pau train station I saw an American couple trying to get to Paris. They spoke no French, and the first thing they said was, &quot;We're Americans.&quot; I eventually went over to help because the train station employee was becoming very frustrated with having to read guestures.<BR><BR>My thoughts are that Europeans, especially the French, don't care if you are American. Saying that you're American implies &quot;Listen to me and give me respect because I'm American.&quot; I don't know why the first thing that couple said was, &quot;We're American,&quot; but I've heard in the past that Americans should say they are American. Believe me, people can tell you are American.<BR><BR>The first thing anyone should say in France is &quot;Bonjour/Bonsoir Madame/Monsieur.&quot; That simple greeting can carry you a long way -- especially if you can't speak French. <BR><BR>Just my two cents from an insider ..

I agree! At the very least, learn:<BR>&quot;Hello&quot;<BR>&quot;Please&quot;< BR>&quot;Thank you&quot;<BR>&quot;Do you speak English?&quot;<BR>At least get through that much in the local language!

Topping for yesmar

I'm so glad this was topped! Thank you Brutforce! Now Genesea, We'll be traveling to Toulouse in April to visit our former exchange student. We'll venture outside of Toulouse and I've learned a bit about Provence, etc but don't know much about your area around Pau. Is it a good spot for a day trip, or perhaps Lourdes? We might travel by train but we also might rent a car so any suggestions would be great! It sounds like you're having an awesome time and your stories are great! Thanks!

Kanoneli:<BR><BR>Pau is around 3 hours from Toulouse by bus/car ... it's easy to take the train as well. Lourdes is interesting with the Grotte and all their visiters. Around Toulouse you can visit Carcassonne which is a walled city ... from what I hear it's like being &quot;back in the day&quot; when one lived inside the castle walls ...<BR><BR>Pau would be a nice day visit. It's easy to walk around downtown, take a tour of the Ch&acirc;teau of Henry IV, see the Pyr&eacute;n&eacute;es, etc. There is also a famed confection and chocolate shop -- considered the best in France. You can also try different confections as well. But if you come to Pau bring your umbrella because it rains quite a bit. If you want some more Pau info and pictures, visit my travel website at:<BR><BR>www.geocities.com/truckzter

Here are some best of/worst of cities in France from Le Point, 10 jan 2003:<BR><BR>Best/Worse place to find a job: <BR><BR>1) Gap<BR>2) La Roche -sur-Yon<BR>3) Orl&eacute;ans<BR><BR>99) Calais<BR>100) Boulogne-sur-Mer<BR><BR>Worst autoroute security:<BR><BR>97) Cannes<BR>98) Avignon<BR>99) Brive-la-Gaillarde<BR>100) Antibes<BR><BR>Most unsafe city:<BR><BR>96) Toulouse<BR>97) Strasboug<BR>98) Marseille<BR>99) B&eacute;ziers<BR>100) Lyon<BR><BR>Where to be well taken care of in hospitals, etc.:<BR><BR>1) Lyon <BR>2) Nice<BR>3) Grenoble<BR>4) Toulouse<BR><BR>Best Handicap accessibility:<BR><BR>Monpellier<BR>Grenoble<BR>Tr oyes<BR>Vichy<BR><BR>Richest/Poorest cities:<BR><BR>1) Paris<BR>2) Lyon<BR>3) Aix-en-Provence<BR>4) Antibes<BR><BR>98) Tarbes <BR>99) Boulogne-sur-Mer<BR>100) Calais<BR><BR>Most Expensive living:<BR><BR>96) La Rochelle<BR>97) Nice<BR>98) Cannes<BR>99) Paris<BR>100) Antibes<BR><BR>Most Expensive Rent:<BR><BR>95) Strasbourg<BR>96) Cherbourg<BR>97) Troyes<BR>98) Lille<BR>99) Nancy<BR>100) Paris<BR><BR>Most &quot;Dynamic&quot; City (geography, activities, businesses)<BR><BR>1) Rennes<BR>2) Annecy<BR>3) Vannes<BR>4) Monpellier<BR><BR>Best place for high schoolers/ junior highers education:<BR><BR>1) Bayonne<BR>2) Poitiers<BR>3) Angers<BR>4) Tours<BR><BR>Where to be distracted:<BR><BR>1) Paris<BR>2) Lyon<BR>3) Montpellier<BR>4) Bordeaux<BR><BR>Most agreeable climate:<BR><BR>1) Marseille<BR>2) Montpellier<BR>3)Toulouse<BR>4) Valence<BR><BR>-------