C'est Parfait!

In 1945, nearly a year after D-Day, the American Army published a guidebook for the GI's to answer questions about the French.  Out of these 112 questions and observations about the french, I have found after careful observation that many of the stereotypes they had about the French were indeed false.  Number 13 states: "We are not welcome in French restaurants."  I am on a mission to prove number 13 as a misunderstanding to you, at least in modern times:


The Parisian world is not as unfriendly as I thought.  We're all going through the same things, searching for joy or anything else, trying to figure out life.  The French seem to at least have a relaxed, easygoing take on life, focusing their time on human interaction, at least with those they are closely acquainted with.  The last time I visited Paris with my family it seemed like the city had put up a cold brick wall, with a 'Do Not Enter' sign on the door.  


But now that I'm not an obvious American tourist, I can fit in better.  People have actually said hi to me, well bonjour actually.  I was strolling Rue Amelot to see the area and a young worker unloading a truck said "allo," a french hello.  Maybe in addition to the frigid weather, the fact that my family and I were only visiting tourist destinations, sure to be filled with annoyed receptionists and workers, contributed to the stand-offish feeling of the city.  We didn't visit many of the local supermarkets or cafés very often.  


Below the gray, cold overcast Parisian clouds live people with a passion for life and love, the same as anyone else.  I've met some very nice, friendly people such as the server in the Café Voltaire where I took a hot cup of chocolat chaud.  I shyly walked up to the counter to pay him for my drink all in coins.  I said (in French of course! Sacre bleu!), "I have a lot of change," and then after he counted he said, "C'est parfait!" with a smile.  


I'm not sure if the shopkeepers can distinguish my American accent, but I'm sure they know I'm not French.  I think the simple fact that I put some good ol' American elbow grease into the effort of speaking their language and learning about their culture, is why I am 'welcomed in French restaurants."


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