( Yvonne) Here's some observations (in no particular order)
1) 1 out of 4 cab drivers are trying to kill you (or at least shorten your life). The question you have to ask yourself when you get in is "Do I feet lucky?" (Well do ya? Punk?)
2) Bread- is served with everything, even pizza. It is not uncommon to see a teenage boy walking down the street gnawing on a whole loaf. Do yourself a favor. Eat the bread. It's amazing. You'll work off the extra calories with your jaw muscles gnawing through the incredible crust.
3) Wine- some good, some OK (I haven't had any really bad ones yet). The thing to remember is that wine costs the same amount as water in a restaurant and half as much as a soda (coke). This is really a no-brainer. Drink the wine.
4) Fashion- It's true- most Parisian women make Americans look like yesterday's leftover meatloaf. It's not our fault. It just comes naturally to them. Color, blending patterns, hairstyle (and let's not forget the famous pout). At least one in two women always wears a scarf. ALWAYS. And would never dream of wearing sneakers. These women wear stilettos or at least shoes with heels. Walking on cobblestones. I don't stand a chance and will merely bow down to their fashion sensibilities.
5) City of light- this is so true. Nighttime is magical and the streets just shine with thousands and thousands of lights. I am wondering who pays the electric bill. This is why I'm American and not French.
6) Museums- we loved Musee D'Orsay and were merely "meh" about the Louvre (sacrilege, I know!) The Louvre was crowded, confusing and full of very pushy tour groups which made it hard to really see anything. Orsay was much less crowded, the building (an early 19th century train station) was amazing and the artwork was spectacular. Hands down, if I ever come back that's where I'm going.
7) The French and being politically correct- they don't even understand the concept. Enough said. Sometimes it's just hilarious to listen to them (in amazement at what is actually coming out of their mouth in casual conversation).
8) Walking- this is a walking city (for the most part) and EVERYONE walks. I have gotten pretty good at it and can walk long distances, do my tour or activity and then either walk back or walk most of the way back until my feet give out. And then there's the cab driver incentive to walk (see comment #1).
9) Food- we've had great, we've had good and today I had pretty awful- just like back at home. When it's great it's really, really great.
10) The French and being unfriendly- we've only experienced this once, at a restaurant where I got so annoyed that I actually wanted to walk out because of the attitude. This is by and large NOT the behavior of most French people- they are gracious, courteous and helpful. Most have a great sense of humor. They are willing to work with you when they realize your French is limited (or non-existent). They feel as triumphant as you do when they finally figure out what you're trying to say.
More observations as we see the rest of France.
These are good.
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