What I love about France and the French
Sep 25th, 2008, 04:43 AM
#61
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"1. I love the sound of the gravel that is used throughout France, my friends have tried to replicate this in the U.S., but for some reason, the size or shape is different, and it doesn't mimick the french.
2. Love the sound of the crickets in the South of France, although others may say we have the same sound in the U.S., I will stand by my assumption that it sounds different there, and always brings back memories of Provence in the summer."
An intriguing question - what is your favorite French sound? For me, it is the click-clacking of the stones on the Nice beach when a wave is receding. A unique experience which I have not duplicated anywhere else, and which is my touchstone to the city.
2. Love the sound of the crickets in the South of France, although others may say we have the same sound in the U.S., I will stand by my assumption that it sounds different there, and always brings back memories of Provence in the summer."
An intriguing question - what is your favorite French sound? For me, it is the click-clacking of the stones on the Nice beach when a wave is receding. A unique experience which I have not duplicated anywhere else, and which is my touchstone to the city.
Sep 25th, 2008, 08:22 AM
#62
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We stopped for coffee at Place de la Contrescarpe in Paris this summer on an Electric Bike tour. Our guide asked me what was my favourite thing about France and I answered "Driving!" She said nobody had ever told her that before.
But I do. I love to drive in France compared to North America. The roads are well kept and the traffic moves quickly. Having just driven
2,100 km from Nice to Paris I was still on a French driving high!
Another thing I love is eating outdoors. I think we ate inside once during 15 days in France last month.
Rob
Sep 25th, 2008, 10:36 AM
#63
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This has been around a while, but it's still funny.
Travel tips for US citizens visiting France
---------------------------------------------
The following advisory for American travelers heading for France was compiled from information provided by the US State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and some very expensive spy satellites that the French don't know about. It is intended as a guide for American travelers only.
General Overview
-----------------------------
France is a medium-sized foreign country situated in the continent of Europe. It is an important member of the world community, though not nearly as important as it thinks. It is bounded by Germany, Spain, Switzerland and some smaller nations of no particular consequence and with not very good shopping. France is a very old country with many treasures, such as the Louvre and EuroDisney. Among its contributions to western civilization are champagne, Camembert cheese and the guillotine.
Although France likes to think of itself as a modern nation, air conditioning is little used and it is next to impossible to get decent Mexican food. One continuing exasperation for American visitors is that the people willfully persist in speaking French, though many will speak English if shouted at. As in any foreign country, watch your change at all times.
The People
---------------------------------
France has a population of 54 million people, most of whom drink and smoke a great deal, drive like lunatics, are dangerously oversexed, and have no concept of standing patiently in line. The French people are in general gloomy, temperamental, proud, arrogant, aloof, and undisciplined; and those are their good points.
Most French citizens are Roman Catholic, though you would hardly guess it from their behavior. Many people are communists, and topless sunbathing is common. Men sometimes have girls' names like Marie, and they kiss each other when they hand out medals.
American travelers are advised to travel in groups and to wear baseball caps and colorful trousers for easier mutual recognition.
Safety
-------------------
In general, France is a safe destination, though travelers are advised that, from time to time, it is invaded by Germany. By tradition, the French surrender more or less at once and, apart from a temporary shortage of Scotch whisky and increased difficulty in getting baseball scores and stock market prices, life for the visitor generally goes on much as before.
A tunnel connecting France to Britain beneath the English Channel has been opened in recent years to make it easier for the Government to flee to London.
History
----------------------
France was discovered by Charlemagne in the Dark Ages. Other important Historical figures are Louis XIV, the Huguenots, Joan of Arc, Jacques Cousteau and Charles de Gaulle, who was President for many years and is now an airport.
Government
------------------------
The French form of government is democratic but noisy. Elections are held more or less continuously, and always result in a run-off. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into regions, departments, districts' municipalities, cantons, communes, villages, cafes, booths, and floor tiles.
Parliament consists of two chambers, the Upper and Lower (though,confusingly, they are both on the ground floor), whose members are either Gaullists or communists, neither of whom is to be trusted, frankly. Parliament's principal preoccupations are setting off atomic bombs in the South Pacific and acting indignant when anyone complains
According to the most current State Department intelligence, the President now is someone named Jacques. Further information is not available at this time.
Culture
-----------------
The French pride themselves on their culture, though it is not easy to see why. All their songs sound the same, and they have hardly ever made a movie that you would want to watch for anything but the nude scenes. And nothing, of course, is more boring than a French novel.
Cuisine
--------------------------
Let's face it, no matter how much garlic you put on it, a snail is just a slug with a shell on its back. Croissants, on the other hand, are excellent, though it is impossible for most Americans to pronounce this word. In general, travelers are advised to stick to cheeseburgers at leading hotels such as Sheraton and Holiday Inn.
Economy
--------------------
France has a large and diversified economy, second only to Germany's in Europe, which is surprising because people hardly work at all. If they are not spending four hours dawdling over lunch, they are on strike and blocking the roads with their trucks and tractors. France's principal exports, in order of importance to the economy, are wine, nuclear weapons, perfume, guided missiles, champagne, high-caliber weaponry, grenade launchers, land mines, tanks, attack aircraft, miscellaneous armaments and cheese.
Public Holidays
-----------------------------
France has more holidays than any other nation in the world. Among its 361 national holidays are 197 saints' days, 37 National Liberation Days, 16 Declaration of Republic Days, 54 Return of Charles de Gaulle in Triumph as if he Won the War Single-Handed Days, 18 Napoleon Sent into Exile Days, 17 Napoleon Called Back from Exile Days, and 112 France is Great and the Rest of the World is Rubbish Days. Other important holidays are National Nuclear Bomb Day (January 12), the Feast of St.Brigitte Bardot Day (March 1), and National Guillotine Day (November 12). Bastille Day is July 14. (or as the French would say, "14 July"
Conclusion--France enjoys a rich history, a picturesque and varied landscape, and a temperate climate. In short, it would be a very nice country if it weren't inhabited by French people. The best thing that can be said for it is that it is not Germany.
A Word of Warning--The consular services of the United States government are intended solely for the promotion of the interests of American businesses such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut and the Coca-Cola Corporation. In the event that you are the victim of a crime or serious injury involving at least the loss of a limb, report to the American Embassy between the hours of 5.l5 am and 5.20 am on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and a consular official who is supremely indifferent to your plight will give you a list of qualified dentists or something similarly useless.
Remember, no one ordered you to go abroad.
Travel tips for US citizens visiting France
---------------------------------------------
The following advisory for American travelers heading for France was compiled from information provided by the US State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and some very expensive spy satellites that the French don't know about. It is intended as a guide for American travelers only.
General Overview
-----------------------------
France is a medium-sized foreign country situated in the continent of Europe. It is an important member of the world community, though not nearly as important as it thinks. It is bounded by Germany, Spain, Switzerland and some smaller nations of no particular consequence and with not very good shopping. France is a very old country with many treasures, such as the Louvre and EuroDisney. Among its contributions to western civilization are champagne, Camembert cheese and the guillotine.
Although France likes to think of itself as a modern nation, air conditioning is little used and it is next to impossible to get decent Mexican food. One continuing exasperation for American visitors is that the people willfully persist in speaking French, though many will speak English if shouted at. As in any foreign country, watch your change at all times.
The People
---------------------------------
France has a population of 54 million people, most of whom drink and smoke a great deal, drive like lunatics, are dangerously oversexed, and have no concept of standing patiently in line. The French people are in general gloomy, temperamental, proud, arrogant, aloof, and undisciplined; and those are their good points.
Most French citizens are Roman Catholic, though you would hardly guess it from their behavior. Many people are communists, and topless sunbathing is common. Men sometimes have girls' names like Marie, and they kiss each other when they hand out medals.
American travelers are advised to travel in groups and to wear baseball caps and colorful trousers for easier mutual recognition.
Safety
-------------------
In general, France is a safe destination, though travelers are advised that, from time to time, it is invaded by Germany. By tradition, the French surrender more or less at once and, apart from a temporary shortage of Scotch whisky and increased difficulty in getting baseball scores and stock market prices, life for the visitor generally goes on much as before.
A tunnel connecting France to Britain beneath the English Channel has been opened in recent years to make it easier for the Government to flee to London.
History
----------------------
France was discovered by Charlemagne in the Dark Ages. Other important Historical figures are Louis XIV, the Huguenots, Joan of Arc, Jacques Cousteau and Charles de Gaulle, who was President for many years and is now an airport.
Government
------------------------
The French form of government is democratic but noisy. Elections are held more or less continuously, and always result in a run-off. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into regions, departments, districts' municipalities, cantons, communes, villages, cafes, booths, and floor tiles.
Parliament consists of two chambers, the Upper and Lower (though,confusingly, they are both on the ground floor), whose members are either Gaullists or communists, neither of whom is to be trusted, frankly. Parliament's principal preoccupations are setting off atomic bombs in the South Pacific and acting indignant when anyone complains
According to the most current State Department intelligence, the President now is someone named Jacques. Further information is not available at this time.
Culture
-----------------
The French pride themselves on their culture, though it is not easy to see why. All their songs sound the same, and they have hardly ever made a movie that you would want to watch for anything but the nude scenes. And nothing, of course, is more boring than a French novel.
Cuisine
--------------------------
Let's face it, no matter how much garlic you put on it, a snail is just a slug with a shell on its back. Croissants, on the other hand, are excellent, though it is impossible for most Americans to pronounce this word. In general, travelers are advised to stick to cheeseburgers at leading hotels such as Sheraton and Holiday Inn.
Economy
--------------------
France has a large and diversified economy, second only to Germany's in Europe, which is surprising because people hardly work at all. If they are not spending four hours dawdling over lunch, they are on strike and blocking the roads with their trucks and tractors. France's principal exports, in order of importance to the economy, are wine, nuclear weapons, perfume, guided missiles, champagne, high-caliber weaponry, grenade launchers, land mines, tanks, attack aircraft, miscellaneous armaments and cheese.
Public Holidays
-----------------------------
France has more holidays than any other nation in the world. Among its 361 national holidays are 197 saints' days, 37 National Liberation Days, 16 Declaration of Republic Days, 54 Return of Charles de Gaulle in Triumph as if he Won the War Single-Handed Days, 18 Napoleon Sent into Exile Days, 17 Napoleon Called Back from Exile Days, and 112 France is Great and the Rest of the World is Rubbish Days. Other important holidays are National Nuclear Bomb Day (January 12), the Feast of St.Brigitte Bardot Day (March 1), and National Guillotine Day (November 12). Bastille Day is July 14. (or as the French would say, "14 July"
Conclusion--France enjoys a rich history, a picturesque and varied landscape, and a temperate climate. In short, it would be a very nice country if it weren't inhabited by French people. The best thing that can be said for it is that it is not Germany.
A Word of Warning--The consular services of the United States government are intended solely for the promotion of the interests of American businesses such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut and the Coca-Cola Corporation. In the event that you are the victim of a crime or serious injury involving at least the loss of a limb, report to the American Embassy between the hours of 5.l5 am and 5.20 am on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and a consular official who is supremely indifferent to your plight will give you a list of qualified dentists or something similarly useless.
Remember, no one ordered you to go abroad.
Sep 25th, 2008, 11:41 AM
#64
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Talking about eating outside, this whole summer, all the restauarnts along Rue Guisarde in St Germain, aly out the tables in the middle of the street (the whole street), and the whole street and sidewalks are one swarm of tables from Marche St Germain to the bottom of the street.
The Champion on Rue Buci in St Germaine is open almost all day on Sunday, at least this summer, and as of last Sunday, when I visisted it. Monoprix is closed here though.
As for the sound of the water on the pebbles in Nice, that comment also brought back those memeories, as well as memeories of sore feet for days.
The Champion on Rue Buci in St Germaine is open almost all day on Sunday, at least this summer, and as of last Sunday, when I visisted it. Monoprix is closed here though.
As for the sound of the water on the pebbles in Nice, that comment also brought back those memeories, as well as memeories of sore feet for days.
Sep 25th, 2008, 12:51 PM
#65
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whenever i'm in france and i enter a freshly used toilette, i notice that the smell is heavenly yet earthy at the same time. it's a beautiful odour that is so much nicer than the smell of american faeces. omg...i just LOVE everything french! O...M...G!
Oct 24th, 2010, 06:36 AM
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I totally agree with you - I love France and moved here from the UK about 2 years ago - the people are friendly, the food is magnifique! and the air here is fantastic (I'm near the pyrenees!)
The language is rythmic and sexy ..but can be an issue especially with paperwork..but c'est la vie !
I Love it !!
<a href="http://www.speak-french.info">Speak French</a>
The language is rythmic and sexy ..but can be an issue especially with paperwork..but c'est la vie !
I Love it !!
<a href="http://www.speak-french.info">Speak French</a>
Oct 24th, 2010, 02:02 PM
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Love it! Agreed...I am horrifed thatt the rest of the world thinks we all don't know that Olive Garden is not good italian food! I also appreciate the use of pleasantries when encountering another person, as I am always surprised that people not only don't speak to others here but are perfectly fine with running into and not speaaking or seeming to even notice! I was once "chastised" by a taxi driver in Paris for not following up my destination with, monsieur. Touche!
Oct 25th, 2010, 06:38 AM
#72
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Not our favorite restaurant, but the Olive Garden does have some tasty dishes. I don't know why people make such a point that Italian food in the USA generally isn't the same as Italian food in Italy.
Any time a national cuisine is exported pretty much anywhere, the locals will adapt it to the foodstuffs that available locally and to local tastes. So you can get a Bulgogi Whopper Junior at the Burger King in Korea--not "authentic" American, but it's tasty anyway.
Any time a national cuisine is exported pretty much anywhere, the locals will adapt it to the foodstuffs that available locally and to local tastes. So you can get a Bulgogi Whopper Junior at the Burger King in Korea--not "authentic" American, but it's tasty anyway.
Oct 25th, 2010, 08:55 AM
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Well done! Loved your #5 &6. I too am a bonafide "Yankee" gal and if I never lay eyes on another Gap store in the remainder of my life I would be quite happy. I live in South Jersey/Philly area, I am surrounded by 5 strip malls, all with the same stores!!
I heading to Paris next May and I'm literally counting the days.
I heading to Paris next May and I'm literally counting the days.
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