Paris, France - The Land of C'est la Vie & the Most Beautiful City Ever!

Paris is the most stunningly beautiful City on the planet but with some of the snobbiest people! In 1981, my college  friends and I spent 5 days in Paris and Tra La La, were we busy! There is so much to do and see! The many museums, bridges, the Eiffel Tower, Churches, gardens, Versailles, the famous Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur, the Palais Royale, the Left Bank and street cart crepes with warm strawberry jam, cafes, and the Haute Couture street fashion! Bring good walking shoes as you will need them! 

We stayed on the artistic Left Bank in an inexpensive B&B which had circular stairs. The light went on as we went up the stairs then off after we had passed the sensors. Electricity is expensive. We paid 5 Francs ($1.25 back in 1981) for a "3 minute hot shower." Well, it was lukewarm and 3 minutes is NOT a long time if you haven't showered for 3 days and are a girl washing your hair! So, just be aware. Our room had 10' ceilings, handmade quilts on the twin beds, a sink (bathroom down at the end of the hall), an iron & ironing board, and 3 floor to ceiling French windows which opened out onto French Balconies. Everyone in Paris drinks their morning coffee standing by their French balconies! Great "people watching!" 

Be aware, the French are VERY particular about their French accent being spoken perfectly, so unless you have perfect pitch, do not try to speak French or they will pretend to not understand you. Also, taxi's are very expensive and arrive 10 minutes early, then charge you for the 10 minutes, so beware. The Metro is very clean and manageable, but WATCH OUT for the gypsy children who are taught to pick pocket. They place a folded sweater to sell on your lap, then while distracting you, take your rings, bracelet & watch off.  If you can afford to hire a driver for the day to drive you to many sites, do it! Worth the expense, as the traffic is now extremely congested. The key to Paris is blending in as much as you can with your city chic wardrobe, perfect French accent and French attitude of belonging! 

Here are a few French tips:  

• Use your best "Old European Manners" (See August 12, 2020 post). 
• France is a Republic of 65 million people. It is about 2 times the size of Colorado.
• The French GDP per capita is $41,400 USD. 
• Currency is now the Euro. 
• The French are famous for their fabulous cuisine & wine and culture, culture, culture. Also known for their Haute Couture fashion, champagne, Limoges region fine china and the Moulin Rouge, Paris is the heart of romance! 
• Temperatures are 32 degrees - 75 degrees F., so layer! Bring a light travel rain coat & foldable umbrella too as you may need them! 
• Dress code in France is "City Chic." Black, black and black goes with everything. 
• Dress up a bit in Paris as you may end up in a fancy location! Also, you will be able to walk into any fancy hotel or venue and use their downstairs public restroom, or "Les Toilettes" and carry some change or small Euro bills for the restroom machine or attendant (whatever is posted). 
• In France "froide" means 'cold' and "chaude" is "hot." The washroom faucets are reversed and are marked "C" and "F", so be careful! "C" means hot water!
• Do NOT wear white tennis shoes. No "fanny packs." (travel websites have clothing with hidden inner pockets with zippers). No dirty or sloppy jeans. No bra straps showing or tube tops. No shorts at night. Layer. 
• DO NOT put salt & pepper on your food before your first bite. The French take great pride in their famous cuisine and in their efforts to prepare food perfectly for you and they think their food should not need any salt, pepper or any other spice added. This action will insult the chef and the waiters will scoff at what they consider to be your bad manners. 
• Always eat in the Continental Style, and clean your plate!
• An empty wine glass means you want a refill.
• Dining is always Continental style always. Eat everything (except bread) with your knife and fork. If there is no bread/butter plate, place your bread next to your fork on the table. 
• Cut your fruit. Cut your cheese at an angle (superstition). 
• As per the Christian tradition, break your bread with your hands before buttering or eating.
• De l'eau gazeuse is sparkling water. 
• Know your dessert spoon and fork.
• Cross your knife and fork, and it means you want another helping. 
• Placing your knife and fork in the 10:4 position means you are finished.
• Gentlemen, leave your jacket on!
• If you are invited to dinner, you must bring a hostess gift. Wrap your gift very nicely with high quality wrapping. Include a hand written personal note inside your gift. Appropriate gifts include nice wine, fine chocolates, coffee table books, or flowers. No red flowers (love only) or white flowers (funeral). 
• Do NOT give Logo gifts. 
• Do NOT chew gum in public or eat food or drink while walking down a public street. Considered rude. 
• Vegetable market vendors serve you. DO NOT touch the vegetables. 
• Greet clerks when entering or exiting their shop. "Bonjour, ca va?" means: Hello, how are you? "Merci, bounjourne" upon leaving means "Thank you, have a good day." 
• Speak softly in public and do not argue. Don't joke. DO NOT be the loud, ugly American. 
• Close the door and turn off the light when exiting any room. Electricity in France is very expensive.
• DO NOT discuss money, politics or mention salary when chatting with the French. Rude.
• If attending a special occasion party, arrive 15 minutes "socially late." 
• If attending a dinner party in a French home, be on time. Bring a hostess gift and small gifts for th children (hard candies or small trinkets). DO NOT ask for a "house tour."
• Give business/personal calling cards to everyone. Status symbol!
• Bastille Day is July 14th. Huge National holiday. Stores/Restaurants may be closed. 
• In France, you must ask for your check or the waiters trust you simply want to hang out. "L'addition s'il vous plait" with a hand motion of a signing your palm means you want your check. "Service Compris" (usually 15-18%) is included on the bill and should be listed at the bottom of the check. If the service is extra good, leave a bit of cash on the table. 
• Family and close friends "air kiss" both cheeks. NO hand kissing. 
• Titles are important. Use Titles and last names until invited to use a first name.
• Shake hands with everyone. Ladies extend their hands first. NO kissing of hands.  
• Champagne is sometimes served before the meal.
• Whisky, rum and sometimes a martini is served after the meal.
• Always try the local delicacies such as quiche, crepes, frog legs and escargot. 
• Families are small but family life is important.
• Ladies, sit with your knees together or ankles crossed. DO NOT cross your legs at the knees.
• Gentleman, keep your hands OUT of your pockets. 
• Stay away from all hand gestures. Especially the "thumbs up" gesture. Most are considered to be obscene.
• Toasts: "A votre santé!" 
• Do not cut your salad. Fold your salad. Cutting (thus bruising) your lettuce will insult the chef.
• If unsure, use "Madam" for both single and married grown adult women.
• Bring small change and bills for the restroom or "W.C." charge and tip the attendant 1-2 Euros.
• Tip an Usher/Bellboy 2-3 Euros per bag.
• Tip the Maid 5 Euros per day. Leave daily as you may not have the same maid service daily.
• "Service Compris" (15-18%) is always listed on the bottom of the check and leave a little bit extra cash on the table (or hand directly to the server) for great service (5-10 Euros, depending on the amount of the bill).        

Vivre la France! 

 

   

   

Proper Dining Manners for England, & Jolly Travel Stories & Tips!

Perhaps it's the romance of Royalty and their accent, or the elegance of Afternoon Tea, or the Elevenses tradition, or that our family is Mayflower from the Huntingdonshire District (now Cambridgeshire), but England was always fascinating to me. The White Cliffs of Dover, the horse-drawn carriages, the Universities and literature, the Centuries old customs, the roses and the Royals! The land where muffins and biscuits and biscuits are cookies! I studied long hours and saved up babysitting and waitressing money all throughout High School so that I could attend a semester abroad in college.

Luckily, I attended my 1981 Summer semester abroad at St. Anne's College, Oxford, during Princess Diana's wedding celebrations. The London crowds were enormous, and enormously polite. I pardoned my way through the massive audience attending the fireworks the night before the wedding, made my way up to the front row where there was a fence, snapped a few photos, turned around and was claustrophobic for the first time in my life as the crowd was huge. People were so nice to allow me up front. The British are extremely kind and lovely souls. 

School was the most fabulous learning experience, however, the British educational system teaches subjects differently. Learning is not taught in the "parrot" style system like in the US. Four small paperback books a week we read in my British Literature class. Then, we listened to a lecture each day in class by the author, and one was expected to form one's own opinion about the subject at hand, but you MUST back up your opinion. As well, the professor calls on each student in turn to participate in discussions during the twice week afternoon "Tutorials", which are comprised of basically sitting on the floor in the small office of the professor, so you better have studied up. You may also be served tea, so be prepared to exhibit your best tea manners. Breakfast at school was different but good! Simple bran cereal and room temperature milk in pitchers. Dry toast in toast racks and soft butter. Scrambled eggs and sausages. Then there are the pitchers of warm custard at breakfast, lunch and dinner. YUM!    

The first thing to know about England is the British are very proper, polite and mannerly. Use your best  "Old European Manners" (see the post on August 12, 2020). Be exceptionally polite and use your softest voice and all your 'magic words' all the time. The Brits love their afternoon Tea and Sherry, their flower gardens, and punting. The famous "pick up put down tea" was introduced in chic Belgravia at the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars. Talk about the weather and  rather than politics or "American Independence Day", (July 4th). Don't say the word "charming." They've heard it a million times. Say the word "lovely" (closer meaning to the word 'wonderful') instead. You will be thanked! Also, a pair of good walking shoes (NOT white sneakers) are a must!

Here are a few jolly travel tips:

• England has a population of 56 million (UK = 68 Million) and the island itself is about the size of the State of New York. The Capital is London, with a population of 9 million and which is 5 x the size of New York City. 
• GDP of the UK per capita is $42,500 USD. 5th richest country in the world, but do NOT expect your accommodations to be spacious and luxurious like America. Many families, as well, live in multi-generational homes.
• England is an island, so it is windy and does rain. Temperatures are wet and cool at 40 - 70 degrees F. Bring a travel raincoat, umbrella, and rain shoes.
• England is known for Wedgwood Jasperware China, Staffordshire quadruple plate silver hollowware, their wit & puns, Edwardian and Empire movies, and hedges. Take your walking shoes (NOT white tennis shoes) and enjoy the outdoors!
• Culturally, England is the land of Gainsborough, Constable, J.M.W. Turner, Alfred Munnings, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Keats, Yeates, Shelley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, and The Clash. Google up the museums, sites and tours and go! 
• The British also know the history of and honor their war monuments. These structures are everywhere. Read the engravings/plaques, learn & enjoy. 
• Plays in London, the land of Shakespeare, are everywhere and students get discounts. GO!
• "Elevenses" is tea at 11:00 am. A nice morning break!
• "High Tea" is NOT more formal than "Afternoon Tea." "High Tea" traditionally is held at 5:00pm  because the miners and laborers had not eaten much all day and it includes meats, cold cuts and cheeses, fish and eggs. Think of High Tea as a light supper.
• "Afternoon Tea" is the more formal tea! It is held around 3:00pm - 4:00pm and includes many teas, and the famous scones with clotted cream and jam. Afternoon tea also includes cucumber and egg salad sandwiches (crust off, of course), chocolates, sweet pastries, fruit tarts, meringues, hot chocolate, and champagne! Remember to first break a bite sized piece off of the scone, then spread the clotted cream onto your piece of scone, THEN the jam, otherwise you will have a mess! True old fashioned British do not take milk with their tea, but if you do take milk, put it in after the tea is poured. The person chosen to pour the tea is referred to as "Mother." Never use half & half in your tea as it disguises the flavour. Afternoon Teas are popular and a huge treat, so be sure to make reservations, dress up, and tip well. You will be full and happy! 
• Dress code in the UK is "City Chic." Black, black and black. Goes with everything and is east to pack. Bring a lightweight travel raincoat and foldable umbrella and skimmer rain shoes too. You will be glad you did. NO white tennis shoes. NO fanny packs (they scream 'tourist'). Travel web sites have travel clothing with hidden internal zippers. Put a few pounds in your shoes too. 
• When out in public, mind the gaps on tube and train platforms, speak quietly, look RIGHT when crossing any street, and DO NOT eat, drink or chew gum while walking down the street or while on public transportation. Rude!
• Catch phrases are: "Well done", "Brilliant", "Cheers", "Lovely", "Right", "DoneThen", "Fancy a Cuppa?" 
• The Restroom is the "Toilet", "W.C." or "Loo." The elevator is the "Lift." DO NOT say "ride" when referring to an elevator or taxi. "Ride" has a completely different obscene meaning. French fries are "chips." Cookies are "biscuits." Waiting in line is a "queue." "Pants" are underwear. The pharmacy is called the "Chemist." 
• Hand shaking is a firm 2 shakes, then down. Eye contact is square in the eyes, and smile.
• Introductions are "Old World" formal. Use proper titles and say: "How do you do." Women extend their hand first. 
• The British are friendly and very helpful, but reserved and cool.
• At the Pub: Men order a 'Pint", women order a "Half pint." Use your beer brand/logo coaster, and sometimes you can even keep it! 
• The Brits love talking about how they've seen "The Queen", Queen Elizabeth II, & other Royalty, as the Windsor's are always out and about with their charity and Church works. Listen to their stories. Everyone has one! 
• Traditional British Cuisine is Lamb, "Fish & Chips" (Fried fish and french fries), "Bangers & Mash" (sausages and mashed potatoes), great curried anything, tomatoes with every meal, teas, scones and double creams & jams. 
• Table tipping is 10-12%. Hand the tip to the server. Give an extra 5% if the service is excellent. 
• Eat Continental style only. The waiter transfers food from a serving platter to the guest's plate always from the left. The guest of honour is served first. Women are served before men, older before younger. If at home, Mother is served first! Do not place your hands in your lap. Keep your wrists above the table and your elbows OFF the table. DO NOT place your cell phone on the table. Sit up straight. Keep your voice down. Spoon your soup away from you. 
• The famous "Black Taxi" service in England is highly regulated. Drivers must take tests to navigate London, 5 x the size of NYC, by the shortest and quickest route, so do NOT tell them where to go. Tip 15%. Always reliable and a treat to take a Black Cab. 
• Currency in England is the Great British Pound. NO Euro. Tip the porter 2 GBP per bag. Tip the maid 4-5 GBP per day. Tip room service 15%. 
• Time is 24 Hour. Practice subtracting 12.       

Remember: As head of her family and Country, Windsor tradition demanded that Queen Victoria pause and stand in the entrance to receive important visitors. As a result, where is the power in every room? The doorway.