Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I wish so many Americans were not so negative about France. I've been there three times in the last six years and I have not encountered any issues with the people there. The USA has a long history with France. It was money and support from France that helped us successfully carry out the American Revolution. We were there for France in 1917 in World War I to support them. We also helped liberate France from the nazis during World War II. When you walk around Paris, you will begin to realize how much our countries are intertwined. Streets are named after American presidents. McDonalds is on the Champ Elysees. I cannot help, but believe that both America and France would be stronger if we looked towards one another for support and assistance rather than to spend our time criticizing one another.
I have lived there and have visited many, many times. I love the country and its people, but there is definitely truth to the rude French person stereotype. One of my favorite anecdotes: Once when I was getting my hair done at a French salon, and was asked what I’d like to have done, I basically told my stylist to use her imagine to make me look nice. The response: “Well, frankly, anything I give you is going to be better than what you have now! (Ouch!) Also, in her book French or Foe? Polly Platt writes that when she got her hair done, her French mother-in-law’s comment was: “It makes you look like a dog! Woof woof!” I also have stories about waiters. Also, smiling is still considered a sign of stupidly and weakness by some. But of course there do exist very many kind and generous French people too — they are just less smiley than Americans.
Last edited by Jill_Schramm; 05-21-2021 at 05:49 AM..
Ohio - it's a very pleasant, naturally beautiful and affordable place to live. I am tired of unwarranted negative comments and snide innuendos about the state.
Most Eastern European countries are the butt of jokes, and are depicted as backwards and just not worth visiting. Having been to several, nothing could be further from the truth.
I would say the same about Iowa, particularly Eastern Iowa. Living in Iowa City and driving through the beautiful surrounding country-side (not flat!) was just wonderful and certainly a lot better than many on the coasts would expect.
I would say the same about Iowa, particularly Eastern Iowa. Living in Iowa City and driving through the beautiful surrounding country-side (not flat!) was just wonderful and certainly a lot better than many on the coasts would expect.
One of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen anywhere was driving after dawn on a county road in eastern Iowa. It must've been late July or early August considering the height of the corn. It also must have rained the previous night/day because there was a thick gray sea of mist hovering low in the fields in the hot Iowa summer sun, the dog days.
Above that gray mist just the tops of the corn rolling across the fields were visible, the red color in the stalks' tassels exagerrated by the low, warm, rising sun. Golden highlights splashed across the top of the mist like whitecaps on a sea. All the colors were deeply saturated that early in the day, like a cheap painting. I knew I had just caught a moment & it wouldn't last long as the mist burned off. I never forgot that.
I've been to Rio De Janeiro three times and it's a wonderful city. Tourists avoid it but I found as long as you stay on Copa or Ipanema, it was quite safe.
I love France, including Paris and I love the French. In my experience, as long as you make an effort to greet them in their language and ASK if they speak English not ASSUME they do and they are typically pretty nice. No matter the country I've visiting, I try to learn at least a couple of phrases so that I don't come off as an arrogant American tourist that assumes everyone speaks English.
Wow $$$$pring Lake! We were Lavalette people growing up, a stone's throw from the seamy underbelly of Seaside Heights in all its gaudy splendor that attracted us kids. Even back in the 60's my Mom tut-tutted at the riffraff we were one generation removed from. We've upgraded to Wildwood Crest in my adult years.
Your mother sounds like mine. While visiting Spring Lake, my siblings and I had to BEG for an evening at Asbury Park, which she deemed "****** tonk" and full of, you guessed it "riffraf".
Not many people outsides the Americas care about Mexico (I don't eve hear about Cancun that often) but I love it.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
