Yes, I've spent quite a bit of time there. A few years of childhood growing up in France, went back as grad student for a while, have taken numerous month-long trips there over the years, including '97 LeMans (Porsche won!), more recently '06, now '07.
Paris is a big, busy city which is overrun with tourists. I don't look for it to be as warm and fuzzy as a small town. Any more than I'd expect warm and fuzzy in NYC, LA, SF, etc. In smaller French towns, it is warmer.
Though French culture is, inherently, more formal and less immediately smiley than American culture. There is a more reserved feel. That's just the way it is.
I do speak, read, write, etc French which helps me get along well in Paris and elsewhere in France.
Other places in Europe - yes, I like Amsterdam, Prague, Copenhagen a lot. I like Madrid, Barcelona, etc too. Not been to Berlin or Budapest. Basically I like most places - I don't expect people to chum up to me or smile like a Walmart greeter.
Quote:
Originally posted by Joeaksa
Have you spent a lot of time in France? I have and refuse to return on pleasure except for Le Mans or the Nice/Monaco areas.
I go to Paris 6-10 times a year on business and the people are the same, just plain rude if you are not from Paris. They are even rude to other French people if they are not from Paris, so its not just to us Ami's.
Problem is that there are so many nice places in Europe that given the choice of going somewhere that has people who are friendly to you, or going to a place where they are rude, which one would most people pick? Personally I will spend my money in a place where the people are friendly.
Try spending sometime in Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam or Kopenhagen then remember the way you were treated in Paris. I would much prefer spending my hard earned money in a city/country where they are friendly to everyone.
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