Mythbusters: Parisian Special
Everyone is always talking about the French. For most travelers, it stirs up more preconceptions than one can count. They’re stubborn, they’re mean, and they smell. Well, after a weekend in Paris, let’s see what these mythbusters discovered.
Myth #1: French people know English, but they refuse to speak it. If it’s not French, forget it.
Before going to Paris, we were told that we would have a hard time communicating and getting around if we didn’t speak French. “They’re stubborn,” we were told. “You have to speak their language when you’re in their country.” Myth. The minute we stepped off the train, two different young Frenchmen actually approached us to see if he could help us. I immediately thought scammer or pickpocketer, but they both turned out to be helpful. They spoke English and helped us get through the subway. After that, almost everyone from hotel managers to restaurant waiters were willing to help us in English. This is probably true only in Paris, the biggest tourist destination in Europe, but nevertheless, we fared well.
Myth #2: French people are mean.
I’m not sure. We saw some awfully cold and mean people around Paris, but every city so far has had their fair share. French males are, however, very obvious in their gazing at the opposite sex. They have no problem blatantly staring at a girl, even making eye contact, gestures, or winks when necessary.
Myth #3: French people smell.
Definitely true. We took public transportation a lot this weekend, and this often involves close contact with the Frenchies. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t shower, or if they just don’t use soap/deodorant, but they emit some awful odors. I even think dandruff is trendy in France.
Myth #4: Paris is the city of love.
Never before have I seen more couples making out in one weekend in one place than this weekend in Paris.
Woman: “Oh, look honey, there’s the Eiffel Tower! Wanna make out?”
Man: “Yeah, I guess."
Woman: "Baby, look! It's the Arc de Triomphe! Let's make out!"
Man: "OK."
Woman: "Wow, look at all the lights! Kiss me, honey!"
Woman: “I’m bored, and the subway doesn’t come for another three minutes.”
Man: “Wanna make out?”
Woman: “Heck yeah.”
I guess you can call it love.
Myth #5: French people aren’t too fond of Americans.
True. For being such an “international” city, they do a good job of covering up any and all traces of America. Even the menu at McDonald’s was “Frenchized” to make it look like one of their own. The French people also acted differently when they discovered we were from America. For example, our hotel clerk got that disappointed little grin on his face, sighed, and tried to politely hide his uneasiness for the sake of what was in our wallets. Well I have news for you, jerk, I dislike you.
So those are just a few of the myths that I experimented with this weekend. Keep in mind, though, that they are just based on my personal experiences in one weekend. I’m sure some of you have had some quite different experiences, from which you would draw different conclusions.
To see pictures of the Mythbusters in action, go to the picture pages:
Picture Page 1
Picture Page 2
Myth #1: French people know English, but they refuse to speak it. If it’s not French, forget it.
Before going to Paris, we were told that we would have a hard time communicating and getting around if we didn’t speak French. “They’re stubborn,” we were told. “You have to speak their language when you’re in their country.” Myth. The minute we stepped off the train, two different young Frenchmen actually approached us to see if he could help us. I immediately thought scammer or pickpocketer, but they both turned out to be helpful. They spoke English and helped us get through the subway. After that, almost everyone from hotel managers to restaurant waiters were willing to help us in English. This is probably true only in Paris, the biggest tourist destination in Europe, but nevertheless, we fared well.
Myth #2: French people are mean.
I’m not sure. We saw some awfully cold and mean people around Paris, but every city so far has had their fair share. French males are, however, very obvious in their gazing at the opposite sex. They have no problem blatantly staring at a girl, even making eye contact, gestures, or winks when necessary.
Myth #3: French people smell.
Definitely true. We took public transportation a lot this weekend, and this often involves close contact with the Frenchies. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t shower, or if they just don’t use soap/deodorant, but they emit some awful odors. I even think dandruff is trendy in France.
Myth #4: Paris is the city of love.
Never before have I seen more couples making out in one weekend in one place than this weekend in Paris.
Woman: “Oh, look honey, there’s the Eiffel Tower! Wanna make out?”
Man: “Yeah, I guess."
Woman: "Baby, look! It's the Arc de Triomphe! Let's make out!"
Man: "OK."
Woman: "Wow, look at all the lights! Kiss me, honey!"
Woman: “I’m bored, and the subway doesn’t come for another three minutes.”
Man: “Wanna make out?”
Woman: “Heck yeah.”
I guess you can call it love.
Myth #5: French people aren’t too fond of Americans.
True. For being such an “international” city, they do a good job of covering up any and all traces of America. Even the menu at McDonald’s was “Frenchized” to make it look like one of their own. The French people also acted differently when they discovered we were from America. For example, our hotel clerk got that disappointed little grin on his face, sighed, and tried to politely hide his uneasiness for the sake of what was in our wallets. Well I have news for you, jerk, I dislike you.
So those are just a few of the myths that I experimented with this weekend. Keep in mind, though, that they are just based on my personal experiences in one weekend. I’m sure some of you have had some quite different experiences, from which you would draw different conclusions.
To see pictures of the Mythbusters in action, go to the picture pages:
Picture Page 1
Picture Page 2
posted by Aaron at 7:32 AM
4 Comments:
Kyle,
We do not use the word French! I believe the finger food you were referring to is called "Freedom Fries".
Aaron,
Nice pics, I love the night shots. I also enjoyed the mythbusters theme; I felt like I was watching the show. But one thing that has always bothered me--is Dave B the same person as Adam Savage? You decide.
Actually, I'm convinced that Dave and Adam are indeed one in the same. We all know Dave doesn't work during the day - now we know where he goes.
I must have left one incident out. On Friday night, while eating a delicious French bread, I saw a French maid kissing a French horn player on the French Riviera. Sorry for the mix-up
You should have tested another myth: that the French suck at fight (always surrender). You should have challenged some Frenchie to a dual. If he runs, myth is true. If he beats the crap out of you, myth busted.
Bring back a frenchie for me to fight. Or better yet, have one lined up for cooper to pummel. Pummel, that's a funny word; I like it.
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