Paris, France makes Asians psychotic

[tuigirl]

10 pages from me? Nah, I don't think so, I can't be bothered. I was basing my reality of living in France, on 15 yrs experience, thats all.We saw what the ordinary person sees, not necessarily, a visitor, and I can see that a visitor could have expectations that may be quite different in reality.for example, spitting on the street is a common practice there (men mainly) as is going for a wee on the side of the road in full view (in the countryside, men mainly). they think nothing of doing this, it's the way they are.Yes, the streets are dirty (some might call it charming) and it's possible many places are like this, maybe the japanese fantasies are just too high, who knows. Anyway, I'm gonna stop or before I know it , I'll have done 9 1/2 pages !

[sparky]

I don't know how Paris could be traumatic for someone who lives in the overpopulated, tech forward sensory overload that is urban Japan. Whatever.
As for France, the French are okay. I speak passable French, so it wasn't a problem. I prefer Nice to Paris, though. The streets of are covered with dog**** and too many of the people reek of powerful fragrances.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by Für Elise

why are you so set against it? not cause of the american and french mutual dislike thing? that's all a bit of a joke really. the british have the same thing but I wouldn't let it mean anything on real terms and prevent me from experiencing the country in person.

because I cant speak any foreign languages at all and the French are notorious for not wanting to help a non-French speaking tourist.....and

there's nothing there I want to see.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by skcin

Oh man, you guys are just asking for a 10 page reply from her.

wrong as usual. couple of sentences, that is all. dont you have a conshohocken somewhere that needs attention?

[Für Elise]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

because I cant speak any foreign languages at all and the French are notorious for not wanting to help a non-French speaking tourist.....and

there's nothing there I want to see.

Fair enough. some cultures just don't interest me too much although there will always be something interesting, I'm sure you'd find things to see if you did go .but naturally you choose the places that most interest cause we cant visit every single country.

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

because I cant speak any foreign languages at all and the French are notorious for not wanting to help a non-French speaking tourist..

This is simply not true. If you approach them with a little respect and learn a couple of phrases (such as telling them in French that you don't speak French, and do they speak English), you'd find they are an extremely helpful and gracious people.

If you don't want to go, that's fine, but don't spread ignorance about an entire country if you have no experience.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by Mari

It's different in this country. People here will more likely speak to tourists in English (or German, or French etc) than in Dutch. I think we're an exception though.
I do think it's nice to make an effort to learn at least some words of the language of the country your visiting.

I found Dutch people extremely friendly while in Amsterdam. I was lost and went into a video store expecting the worst when asking for directions. The street names sounded the same to me so I had trouble understanding the woman (stereotypically tall blonde and beautiful). She drew me a map! And her coworker was just as nice.

I would love to go to Paris but intend to learn some French before I go since I know that is important.

[Miss Vicky]

"People using public transport all look stern, and handbag snatchers increase the ill feeling."

There are worse things to endure when using public transportation in Tokyo. Like the creeps that ride the train for no other reason than to grope fellow passengers, and you're packed in there so tight that you can't move away from them so there's nothing you can do about it.

I'd rather have my purse snatched or ride with stern-faced passengers than have some pervert fondling my privates.