Yes, we all have preconceived notions about the French…you know, Freedom Fries and all that nonsense. Well, after 2 weeks of strolling through Paris, cruising the Burgundy canals and visiting the heart of the Cote d’Or, I now believe some of these notions are true.
For example:
All French food is fabulous, except the stranger dishes like Tete de Veau (head of veal, literally).
Young French men and women are gorgeous. Yes, she's a lock keeper!!!!
No one makes bread like the French, or pan au chocolat, or desserts.
Croissants are just a vehicle to get the yummy French butter into your arteries.
No French citizen speaks English until you try to speak French to them, then all French citizens speak English – “a lee-tull”.
It doesn’t matter how many customers are in the shop at closing time, the shop closes anyway, often shooing out potential buyers.
France is closed from 12-2pm for lunch – the entire country. I’m not kidding.
“Eeez not poss-ee-bull” is heard often, even if it “Eeez poss-ee-bull”. Being persistent in a nice way almost always works to make things "poss-ee-bull".
French people can be helpful, friendly and even happier than their US counterparts, but you’d never know it on first glance. You must first pass the inevitable “evaluation” the French seem to give everyone on first encounter. If you pass, France is yours for the taking. Passing is usually as easy as a smile and bon jour, but occasionally a bit more complicated. See “Eeez not poss-ee-bull”.
French wine from Burgundy is far better than we thought, but nothing tops the sparkling Cremant, especially when mixed with cassis for a sparkling Kir du Cremant (Kir Royale) or the smoky, unique Ratafia. All made in Burgundy.
The French countryside is a living postcard, full of quaint villages perched on hillsides, dazzling green fields, pastures dotted with Charolais or sheep, vineyards, rivers and ancient churches and cathedrals.
French roads are excellent, well maintained and well marked.
Wine from one plot selling for as much as 15,000 Euros a bottle simply cannot be THAT much better than the wine on the next plot that sells for 30 Euros, Terroir or no Terroir.
You can find anything and everything at the French Tourist Offices - they are helpful, friendly, well equipped and online....can this be France?
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