Hey everyone, I know it’s been a little while since I last posted. Sometimes life gets so busy that I almost have to do a double-take when I finally realize what day it is! In my last post, I wrote about hoping to celebrate my birthday in Prague. Unfortunately, due to logistics issues we ended up spending the weekend in Paris instead. Not that I'm complaining! I've always wanted to visit Paris. As an American-born Southern Vietnamese, I wanted to learn a little bit about my roots beyond Southeast Asia. It was absolutely incredible to see the similarities and differences in everything from the food to day to day life to similar behaviors! If you cut off a Parisian on the road, you bet you’re gonna get an earful from the other driver whether or not the light is red. Same thing in Vietnam, except we regard traffic lights as mere suggestions. And man, do I have stories about that...
Are French People Actually Rude?
OK, so technically my experience was primarily dealing with Parisians... but the answer is no! Everyone we met was friendly and kind. They listened patiently as I dusted off what few words I had left of my French from my college days. Many were eager to practice their English, which for the most part was far better than my French! I think people were appreciative that we tried to make an effort to communicate with them in French.
I honestly don't understand why so many people insist that the French are callous, cold, and rude. I just don't get it.
I think much of this perceived animosity is due to Americans being well... American. Many American tourists can be loud and inconsiderate, which does not go over well in France. Some behave in an entitled fashion. We stop in the middle of the sidewalk, completely blocking the path if we see something cool that we absolutely must photograph. We are confounded why people in other countries just won't speak English to us. We demand restaurant menus in English, preferably with pictures. I have found that people are fine as long as I acknowledge that I’m a guest in their country and (within reason) aim to be respectful of local laws and customs. One interesting thing I noticed in Paris (and other European cities) is the lack of “cautionary“ signage— i.e. unlike in the US, where literally everything has a warning sticker cautioning you that being an idiot will lead to injury. It is presumed that a reasonable person would not, for example, do something such as climb up onto a high castle wall and jump off while their friend tries to get a picture for Instagram.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing about some of our activities and a review of the Hôtel Queen Mary— sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss any new content! Until next time, friends.
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