BRAVO Canista !

I agree with you totally. It seems as if the original poster wants to visit different places but not experience them. As a very frequent traveler to France and especially Paris I couldn't disagree more with most of the comments about the French people. Once again we hear the old familiar refrain about the rudeness of the French. How wold you feel if someone walked up to you in the US and started speaking in French, Italian, Chinese etc and expected you to understand. My most important tip to friends going to Paris for the first time is to learn a few very basic French words and phrases. At the very least Bonjour, Bonsoir and Merci. That can get you a long way. Also a simple Parlez vous Anglais ? will 9 times out of 10 get a very warm welcome in English in return. As for the pushing and shoving issue maybe it is because I live in NYC where there truly is pushing and shoving but in Paris I have never found this to be true. The pace of life might be faster than in smalltown USA but compared to most major cities it is a stroll in the jardin ! To compare Paris to Asia (where there really is a personal space problem) is absurd.

As with any foreign country there is some amount of accomodation to be made. For instance the ice issue. I love my glass full of ice but in Europe I make due. Not only to blend in a little more but also to try something different. My advice is go with the flow or as they say.... When in Rome...

[This message has been edited by TMOTEE (edited 12-11-2002).]

[This message has been edited by TMOTEE (edited 12-11-2002).]