Parisians

We were a little worried frankly, after our previous visits to eastern France where waiters pointedly refused to wait on us and we had to leave the restaurant. I was insulted a couple of times when asking how to pronounce the name of a castle in French. So we were prepared for Paris. Or so we thought. Never in my life have I ever encountered so many friendly and helpful people as we found in Paris.

Often when we would look at a map while walking in town, people would stop and ask - in English! - if they could help us. They obviously knew we were Americans - but they cared enough to stop and help.

Once while looking for a taxi stand, in a hurry to get to the train station, a man asked if he could help then told us he was sorry that he didn't know. A couple of minutes later, he ran down the street to catch us and tell us that a policeman he had asked had told him we could go to this place. And he showed us how to get there.

Older people came up to us and offered to help us and even a couple of younger men - I was expecting pickpockets - but they wanted to help. And they did.

We went to a park to eat a sandwich and sat next to a young lady who offered to talk with us. What a wonderful delight that was, a meeting of different people, but people who were not that different at all. Another time we ate supper with a French doctor and his wife. Again, it was really, really nice.

So send the word out - All Americans - go to Paris this summer! Go and enjoy!

A footnote. George Bush was looked upon by Europeans as an isolationist who pitted America against the world. Barack Obama is seen as a more welcoming, embracing person interested who is still interested in community organizing! Regardless of how all this politics eventually turns out, right now we all have the chance for a new beginning. These things don't happen that often. So go to Paris!! Now!! You will enjoy it!