I’ve heard stories from several people in the United States about “the rude shopkeepers in Paris.”
These stories confuse me. Of course, everyone knows I’m truly enchanted with the city, the history, the language, and the people.
I think Americans should try not being gruff and grouchy. Be friendly. They probably know about the area better than you. Ask what food they recommend.
I’ll tell you just one story during my first night in Paris this time.
It was cloudy for my entire trip and mostly rainy. This makes up for my last two years of having flawless weather.
I was at dinner. It was cloudy when I sat down, but it started raining during dinner. During dinner I was chatting occasionally with the waiter.
When it was time to go, I said goodbye, noticed the rain, and just said “Le pleut…..” (*sigh* The rain…..). The waiter told me to hold on for a minute.
He returned with an umbrella that he said a customer left behind about 2 months ago.
Nicest people ever!
Obviously, my experience is likely a little different as a French speaker, but travelers should at least know how to say “Thank you.”
Ask about their language, how to pronounce things on the menu, or if there’s anything going on that you missed on Google.
