Demystifying the French: Tip #2

In her very helpful book, Polly Platt urged her readers to learn what she calls the “Ten Magic Words” that will open the doors of the French heart and soul, and turn potentially sour encounters into sweet ones. Here are the first five words…

Demystifying the French: Tip #1

Today’s tip is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing anyone going to France can possibly know. It will make more of a difference in how well you are treated there, and the quality of your social interactions in France than most Americans would believe possible, and it is so very simple to do…

Demystifying the French: Tips for Traveling in France

Though I love the French and admire many things about them, I think of them as “requiring special handling.” Whereas I think of Americans as being easygoing, freewheeling, and much more flexible in their approach to life. I don’t think of us as holding to a “right” way of doing things. But perhaps we’re just as difficult for them to understand as they are for us…