Just returned from a two-day trip to Paris (from the Netherlands) and after the past few months of following the French-bashing in US media, politics and yes, even in this forum, I wanted to report that we have never had more friendly, generous, or charming encounters with Parisians than on this trip. Smiles, jokes, help with directions, prompt waiters, extra service, even lollipops for
children...everything was made special. Merci Paris!

I too think Parisians are tres gentile!

J'aime Paris et Paris m'aime

Scarlett, nicely said! =D>

Je suis avec toi!

dear Jenviolin,

I 200% agree with you !

Thanks for this post.

ahsamuel

Totally agree! Before our 5th trip to Paris in May I was a little worried but no need to have been. As usual, the French were very kind and helpful. Sad to say that here in the USA I still hear nasty comments about the French!

Could be that we're allowing Bush to make it unsafe for us to travel. He's belligerent toward countries which deviate from his views. Is France to blame or is it our fault for electing Neanderthals? The Pew surveys show people hate us everywhere. No wonder we worry whenever we travel. But lets not forget we're the ones who are responsible for this mess. And, yes, this is travel-related.

I usually refrain from these political discussions - but just because many of us dislike Bush, that doesn't mean we don't like the US. I know many many people who have a strong dislike for Bush (me included), but still love their country. Dislike the current president does NOT = dislike the USA!

What an unpleasant way for jens report to end up. Can we try to keep political debate off of other peoples threads?

Good thing the founding fathers of this great country of ours didn't all think the same was as our dear sliver! Otherwise, we'd all be being told exactly what to think and when to think it! I mean, in sliver's little fantasy USA, the "official" position on everything from Paris to politics would be drilled into our brains from the time we were children.

Hmmmmm . . . In fact, now that I think about it, if sliver had HIS way, we'd be living in a country a lot like the former Soviet Union--a country when any difference of opinion and respect for others is NOT to be tolerated.

Gee sliver, for such a patriot, you obviously have no idea of what it means to have freedom.

Jennie

I am enchanted with France, especially Paris. I cannot wait to get back to the most romantic city in the world. I am counting the moments!

Interesting editing. My posts, which were at least civil, are cut and Sliver's (should be SliMer's) posts stay. What am I missing here?

High ho Silver, Get off the throne and put your (rear) in the army so you can put your (rear) where your mouth is. I did.

BTW, We know that your old name is Uncle Sam.

Well said, Zootsie and Jennie! BTW, wasn't Sliver an Ira Levin novel about obsessive voyeurism, a landlord watching his tenants 24/7 with video cameras, a la Big Brother?

And merci to you, Jenviolin. Glad you had a wonderful time.

Can we really always keep political debate out of travel chats, especially since we're embroilled with France, and Paris, the city I adore and where my part of my heart remains. Will it accept me back?

I truly value what it means to be an American. One of things I especially value about being an American is having our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and one of the things I especially value about the Bill of Rights is an American's right to freedom of speech, a freedom which includes the freedom to criticize the government and its policies.

Well put,Capo. Too bad the same rules can't apply to fodors as they delete some posts that are critical of the original poster. ( I write this with a big smile).

Also for fun,lets not forget the right to bear arms(14th amendment)?

Well, I hear in London it is so hot they are all baring their arms too!!

I suppose that's a lot better than arming bears.