Why BONJOUR is the most sacred word to French people and your entree into France

 

While greetings may not be much of a part of  life here in the USA, in France, the word BONJOUR is sacred. "Honestly, it may be terrible to say (explains a person in Paris) but if a colleague does not greet me in the morning, I'll think he or she is mad at me or in a bad mood and  then, I will be the one in the bad mood, having been offended" 

So, as a visitor in France, to really get along and fit in, when you interact with another human being, say Bonjour before asking anything ( very, very important!!).

Bonjour is not just about saying hello, it is much more, a sign of respect. Knowing this will often give you better service when entering a shop or a bakery or otherwise you will just be perceived as a bad-mannered person. I cannot overstate this to tourists. 

As a shop owner told me 'If you come to me with just a request, I am clearly going to think you see me as a robot that is just here to satisfy your needs and not as a human being that deserves a little respect'

If you can just learn this, your time in France can be so much more lovely.

"We'll always have Paris'..an update on when we'll be able to visit

 

I can't believe its been since January that I have worked on my blog..Time is racing by, but now I'm back.

The pandemic has thrown a wrench into any kind of travel for us, Americans, it looks like until next year, unless we have an effective vaccine and that does not look like until the end of the year. 

I watch the daily French news, French TV travelogues and read the French newspapers to keep up with the goings on in France. I miss it something awful and am straining at the bit to get back. 

I know you are also excited to get back to any international travel, but as of yet, its a sit and wait approach we need to take.

I'l keep you updated to any news. 

I can't wait to arrive in Paris and get over to La Coupole and have a dozen or so oysters and a bottle of flinty Muscadet wine.

Why are French shops asking customers to round up the price of their purchases?

The next time you are shopping in France you might be asked 'l'arrondi solidare" and the question you are being asked is whether you want to round up the total of your purchases to the nearest Euro. 
The reason you are being asked is that the extra money goes to selected charities. Big name brands in France are taking part. 
Last year 259 charities benefited from the donations. 

Paris Place Vendome - a smart , elegant and expensive neighborhood meets a bargain

A place where Stomachs rumble to the the subtle scents of good regional food and the best sandwiches in town.

The bistro Le Petit Vendome ( located around the corner from the Ritz Hotel) you might expect a very smart address; so it's always a pleasant surprise to find a bistro with a  colorful frontage, neon signs, handwritten menu on chalk boards over the bar and hams strung from the ceiling. 

There is always a huge queue out the door ( so be prepared) , but the waiting faithful ( whose regulars include Mark Zukerberg , celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, and model Kate Moss to name a few) are waiting by the promise of rapide croute Auvergne  ( a speedy Auvergne snack), Auvergne Blu Cheese, Garlic sausage, country ham served on a true Baguettes from Boulangerie Julien.

For more than sandwiches, grab a table and treat yourself to the best Confit of duck in town ( so says Chef Ducasse) or veal escalope or farm chicken with hand-,made chips..oh..oh..oh!