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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  08:07:25  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I don't know if the other French members will agree with me on this one, but I think that the hostility between the French and the Americans is exagerated. I have an American friend who was afraid to come over here, to Paris, because he thought someone could do him harm if he starts speaking in English.

I have to reassure you : nobody gets killed here because he's American. Of course, provocation and hostility exist, but not more than if you were, say, a Jew or an Arab or Black or Chinese.

However, most of people hate George W, regardless of whether they have left or right wing opinions. They believe that the Democrats would have a more pro-French policy.

However, one thing that is really annoying is the fact that often Americans who come over here show very little interest in our culture. In my university, we have about 40% of foreign students, and the Americans (mainly from Wisconsin, Texas and Boston, though I must say people from Boston are usually different) tend to stick together and never learn French, unlike the Swedes, the Chinese, or the Germans. I think that the French people are very sensitive to that : they have always been fascinated by America (read Aléxis de Tocqueville who predicted American superpower 3 centuries ago), and they would like to see a little interest in their own culture. When an American shows some interest in our culture (like Frank Black for instance) then he rapidly becomes very popular in France. I guess that it's about latin culture : people over here like receiving compliments.

Anyway, I hope Kerry wins the elections - I have more right wing political opinions but I really think Bush administration is using some tools that remind me of a dictatorship.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.

cvanepps
= Cult of Ray =

USA
442 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  08:50:33  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Scene from Better Off Dead:

"For dinner we have Fronch Fries, Fronch bread, Fronch dressing, and Peru!!" (holding bottle of Perrier water)

Another great line from that flick: "Gee, Ricky, I'm really sorry your mother blew up."

-= It's not easy to kidnap a fat man =-
http://christophervanepps.iuma.com
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remig
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1734 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  09:19:37  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Living in Paris, I often see american tourists going to the Hard Rock Café, buying their T-Shirts and souvenirs. If Roquefort (fort=hard)café existed in NY, I would never buy a t'shirt there! So stupid!
Sure i can't notice when americans don't go there...

_\_/_
(°L°)
_¤¤¤_
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Carolynanna
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<

Canada
6556 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  09:19:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote

The french are just pissed because the US took their croissant and turned it into the croisandwich...;)
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ProverbialCereal
- FB TabMaster -

USA
2953 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  09:42:45  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
But the important question is, would France be offended by Triumph?

I have often wondered how much of the French/American hatred is exaggerated. I'm sure I'd hate just as many French people as I do American people. There are butt-crumbs in every country.


Join the Devil's Workshop / And put the Cult of Frank out of business
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ProverbialCereal
- FB TabMaster -

USA
2953 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  09:47:28  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
And when I say "hate" I don't mean it literally. More along the lines "pisses me off," or "irritates me" or "can't stand their attitude."


Join the Devil's Workshop / And put the Cult of Frank out of business
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bedrock_barney
= Cult of Ray =

United Kingdom
871 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  09:59:26  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by ProverbialCereal

There are butt-crumbs in every country.


Join the Devil's Workshop / And put the Cult of Frank out of business



amen to that.


My twopenneth as a Brit. I've travelled across to France about 7 or 8 times in my life so far. Never failed to have a good time. Always found the French polite and amiable. Love the place. If I was to live anywhere but the UK I think France would be my first choice.

Maybe it's because I'm Welsh!? I once remember being accosted at Calais by a madly enthusiastic Frenchman. He ran about 100 yards when he saw my Welsh rugby jersey. Started to shake my hand and said what a great team Wales were (they were actually crap at the time - about 1994 I think). He rattled off some great names like JPR Williams, Gareth Edwards etc and I returned the compliment with Blanco, Berbizier and Sella. Not sure if he'd have done that if I'd been wearing an English shirt!




"The Pixies are reforming?? / I say bring back Abba, ahaaa!!!"
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =

United Kingdom
17125 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  10:45:16  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Let's get it right. On the whole the French hate the English, the English hate the French, the French hate the Yanks, the Yanks hate the French, the English hate the Yanks and the Yanks hate the English. And nobody gives a shit about Greenland!!!

I just wanna get along, I just wanna get along!!!

Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!!
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1718 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  11:29:27  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible

I don't know if the other French members will agree with me on this one, but I think that the hostility between the French and the Americans is exagerated.


Right on brother!

Sure, a few things from the USA piss me off / puzzle me / scare me -- to name a few: Dubya, Superbowl commercials ("If Jesus was alive, he would be at the Superbowl", yeah right, sure you don't confuse him with Homer Simpson?), religious nuts way too close to power for comfort, death penalty, George W., creationists, televangelists, the CIA, the Bush family... -- but then, 1°) most Americans I know have exactly the same reactions, and 2°) it's not like my own country is perfect on all counts, far from it.

And at least Americans don't play cricket ;)

--
'Great, now you don't have stupid skin on your body…'
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  12:01:31  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Yeah, how is it possible for a mentally sane person to play cricket?



Have some wine, please, don't run away.

Edited by - Adnan_le_Terrible on 02/24/2004 12:02:23
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =

Mexico
15297 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  12:57:37  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible

I don't know if the other French members will agree with me on this one, but I think that the hostility between the French and the Americans is exagerated. I have an American friend who was afraid to come over here, to Paris, because he thought someone could do him harm if he starts speaking in English.

I have to reassure you : nobody gets killed here because he's American. Of course, provocation and hostility exist, but not more than if you were, say, a Jew or an Arab or Black or Chinese.

However, most of people hate George W, regardless of whether they have left or right wing opinions. They believe that the Democrats would have a more pro-French policy.

However, one thing that is really annoying is the fact that often Americans who come over here show very little interest in our culture. In my university, we have about 40% of foreign students, and the Americans (mainly from Wisconsin, Texas and Boston, though I must say people from Boston are usually different) tend to stick together and never learn French, unlike the Swedes, the Chinese, or the Germans. I think that the French people are very sensitive to that : they have always been fascinated by America (read Aléxis de Tocqueville who predicted American superpower 3 centuries ago), and they would like to see a little interest in their own culture. When an American shows some interest in our culture (like Frank Black for instance) then he rapidly becomes very popular in France. I guess that it's about latin culture : people over here like receiving compliments.

Anyway, I hope Kerry wins the elections - I have more right wing political opinions but I really think Bush administration is using some tools that remind me of a dictatorship.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.



i think there's a big difference between French people and Parisians. if you don't speak perfect French, it's very difficult to be welcomed in in Paris. which makes it understandable why non-perfect-French-speaking ex-pats stick together.

i agree with you. it's lame if those people aren't making an effort, or don't show any interest in your culture. but you have to admit, at least for Paris, you guys aren't the most welcoming-with-open-arms types..

i think if i lived there, it would be tough.. i'd make an effort to learn as much French as i could, and have sex with as many French women as i could.. but i can see how it's easy to fall into the ex-pat pattern if you feel like such an outsider.

Edited by - floop on 02/24/2004 13:02:05
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mcmikey
= Cult of Ray =

799 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  13:01:26  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
is it true you guys dont believe in deodorant and your women don't shave their armpits or legs?

************************
a Spike Lee Joint
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  14:05:52  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by mcmikey

is it true you guys dont believe in deodorant and your women don't shave their armpits or legs?

************************
a Spike Lee Joint



We DO believe in deodorant, we don't believe in SHOWERS. And yes, French women are very hairy. It protects from cold in the winter, so they can wear miniskirts.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  14:15:00  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
It's true that the Parisians are very arrogant, Floop, but this has nothing to do with you speaking or not speaking perfect French. I noticed that people from the North-East coast of the US get accepted by French people more easily than other Americans...I don't know why. I guess that just like for France, there are big differences among different places in the US. I have a half of my family living in the US (Ann Arbour, San Diego and Tucson), and I know people from these places are completely different.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =

Mexico
15297 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  14:24:20  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible

It's true that the Parisians are very arrogant, Floop, but this has nothing to do with you speaking or not speaking perfect French. I noticed that people from the North-East coast of the US get accepted by French people more easily than other Americans...I don't know why. I guess that just like for France, there are big differences among different places in the US. I have a half of my family living in the US (Ann Arbour, San Diego and Tucson), and I know people from these places are completely different.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.



i had a few bad experiences with Parisian assholes.. after i left there, i swore to myself that if i ever encountered a French person in the US who needed directions or help of some kind, i'd make it a point not to help them. (or deliberately send them in the wrong direction).

but alas, i'm too nice a guy. i've met many French people visiting here since then, who all seem cool, and ironically, all seem to absolutely love it here.. which is ironic when you experience the opposite attitude while over there.

in any case, no, i don't want to generalize or stereotpye.. it's all based in individuals and individual experiences. but i think it's safe to say that the Parisian culture is less inviting of outsiders, than say other European cultures (like the Italians or Spanish for instance)

Edited by - floop on 02/24/2004 14:25:41
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floop
= Wannabe Volunteer =

Mexico
15297 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  14:30:56  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
i have a question that maybe you can help me with Adnan..

what do your fellow countrymen and women generally think about Canadians, if at all?

we know what they (generally) feel about the US.. but are they really more accepting and loving towards Canadians? or indifferent?

i just find it endlessly amusing how Canadians feel the need to put Canada patches on their backpacks when they travel.. ie. "hey, i'm not from the US, i'm Canadian!".. do you find that people from France give special treatment to Canada-patch wearing backpackers?
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =

United Kingdom
17125 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  14:41:14  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The Spanish hate us too!!!

Hansel and Gretel have formed a band, .....And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Breadcrumbs!!!
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mun chien andalusia
= Quote Accumulator =

Italy
2139 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  19:52:49  Show Profile  Visit mun chien andalusia's Homepage  Click to see mun chien andalusia's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible

I don't know if the other French members will agree with me on this one, but I think that the hostility between the French and the Americans is exagerated. I have an American friend who was afraid to come over here, to Paris, because he thought someone could do him harm if he starts speaking in English.

I have to reassure you : nobody gets killed here because he's American. Of course, provocation and hostility exist, but not more than if you were, say, a Jew or an Arab or Black or Chinese.

However, most of people hate George W, regardless of whether they have left or right wing opinions. They believe that the Democrats would have a more pro-French policy.

However, one thing that is really annoying is the fact that often Americans who come over here show very little interest in our culture. In my university, we have about 40% of foreign students, and the Americans (mainly from Wisconsin, Texas and Boston, though I must say people from Boston are usually different) tend to stick together and never learn French, unlike the Swedes, the Chinese, or the Germans. I think that the French people are very sensitive to that : they have always been fascinated by America (read Aléxis de Tocqueville who predicted American superpower 3 centuries ago), and they would like to see a little interest in their own culture. When an American shows some interest in our culture (like Frank Black for instance) then he rapidly becomes very popular in France. I guess that it's about latin culture : people over here like receiving compliments.

Anyway, I hope Kerry wins the elections - I have more right wing political opinions but I really think Bush administration is using some tools that remind me of a dictatorship.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.



this is generally true in italy and greece too.with one difference.though greeks and italians are sensitive in ass kissing they are polite anyway and at least try to communicate even if you don't speak their language.the french instead will absolutely refuse to respond if you don't speak french pretty much as spanish people around madrid(barcelona is different).i always considered french as arrogant (though i admit they live in the most democratic country as long as law is concerned)


join the cult of errol\and you can have a beer\without having to quit smoking
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model consumer
- FB Fan -

USA
128 Posts

Posted - 02/24/2004 :  20:22:12  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible


However, most of people hate George W, regardless of whether they have left or right wing opinions. They believe that the Democrats would have a more pro-French policy.



Rest assured mon ami that there are MANY of us Americans who also hate George W.

quote:

However, one thing that is really annoying is the fact that often Americans who come over here show very little interest in our culture. In my university, we have about 40% of foreign students, and the Americans (mainly from Wisconsin, Texas and Boston, though I must say people from Boston are usually different) tend to stick together and never learn French, unlike the Swedes, the Chinese, or the Germans. I think that the French people are very sensitive to that : they have always been fascinated by America (read Aléxis de Tocqueville who predicted American superpower 3 centuries ago), and they would like to see a little interest in their own culture. When an American shows some interest in our culture (like Frank Black for instance) then he rapidly becomes very popular in France. I guess that it's about latin culture : people over here like receiving compliments.



Be careful! I am originally from Wisconsin! Well, to be fair, I think that if you are going to visit a foreign country there is no point if you aren't at least going to try to learn a few phrases of their language. And why would you want to go if you weren't already interested in their culture?

I am embarrased by my countrymen who display such arrogance and ignorance. I am fluent in Spanish partly because I majored in Spanish in college and partly because I studied and traveled in Mexico. Once while I was at a bookstore in downtown Mexico City some guy came up to me, obviously American, and asked me to translate for him to the staff because he did not speak Spanish. This was annoying enough alredy (because interpreting is something one normally expects to be paid for and also because the guy was quite simply very annoying) but on top of that he acted suprised that this bookstore, in the middle of the capital city of a Spanish-speaking country, was staffed exclusively by employees who only spoke Spanish. Ahhh.... anyway. I'd love to visit France someday and I promise to learn some French when I do.

--
"What's all I listen to? It's all freedom rock!"

Edited by - model consumer on 02/24/2004 20:27:22
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~

Spain
2674 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  05:06:57  Show Profile  Click to see Newo's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
I´ve only been to France a couple of times for short spells but as regards European attitudes towards English, I found in Spain and Germany I got along a lot better in casual relations (i.e. restaurants, taxis) when they find out I´m not English. I was stinking drunk in Berlin a few years ago and I had no idea where my apartment had gone, so went up to a bunch of guys at a takeaway stand and found that my knowledge of German had completely deserted me. They pointed me in one direction and as I went off as an afterthought told them i was Irish and not Engluish and they pointed me in the other direction.

--
"You one of those right wing nut outfits?" inquired the diplomatic Metzger.
Fallopian twinkled. "They accuse us of being paranoids."
"They?" inquired Metzger, twinkling also.
"Us?" asked Oedipa.
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1718 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  06:11:15  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
South Africans have this weird notion that, if they ever go to France and can't speak French, they must absolutely speak Afrikaans. If they speak English, the French might think they're from England, and they firmly believe that the worst thing that could ever happen to you is for the French to believe you're English.

"If we speak Afrikaans," one of them told me, "the French will believe we're Dutch, and they'll be much nicer and helpful. Then we can switch to English for the sake of trying to make ourselves understood."

--
'Great, now you don't have stupid skin on your body…'
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:16:40  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jediroller

South Africans have this weird notion that, if they ever go to France and can't speak French, they must absolutely speak Afrikaans. If they speak English, the French might think they're from England, and they firmly believe that the worst thing that could ever happen to you is for the French to believe you're English.

"If we speak Afrikaans," one of them told me, "the French will believe we're Dutch, and they'll be much nicer and helpful. Then we can switch to English for the sake of trying to make ourselves understood."

--
'Great, now you don't have stupid skin on your body…'



Ha ha ha ha .

Now I must say something that will not be really well accepted by our Dutch fellow-forumers (Jop, don't read this) : Dutch is the ugliest sounding language I have ever heard (along with Danish, perhaps). Maybe it's really nice when you get used to it, and I certainly love Holland (I have a very cute Dutch friend, and I love going "sightseeing" in Amsterdam) but the language is really horrible. I am sorry.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:33:40  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by floop

i have a question that maybe you can help me with Adnan..

what do your fellow countrymen and women generally think about Canadians, if at all?

we know what they (generally) feel about the US.. but are they really more accepting and loving towards Canadians? or indifferent?

i just find it endlessly amusing how Canadians feel the need to put Canada patches on their backpacks when they travel.. ie. "hey, i'm not from the US, i'm Canadian!".. do you find that people from France give special treatment to Canada-patch wearing backpackers?



You have to make a difference between English and French speaking Canadians. Concerning French speaking Canadians, most of the French make fun of their accent, which is very weird and sometimes impossible to understand. Otherwise, they consider them almost as French (especially if their accent is not too strong). English speaking Canadians don't really get a special treatment, though I would say that an average Canada-patch wearing backpacker gets a better treatment than a guy who wears a US Army t-shirt.

Of course, if you are a cute girl, the treatment you will get will be beyond your expectations in both cases.

As for the traditional Parisian arrogance, I would say that tourists usually visit the places that are full of money-snatchers, and they think that if you're American, then you must be rich. Personally, I think people in London are not very nice either, once there was this horse-riding policeman who tried to get me off the road, and when he heard my French accent, he started speaking in this ununderstandable cockney accent....I felt like in the middle of an episode of "Only fools and horses".

The thing is, if you go out in a pub somewhere in London, young people tend to talk to each other more easily than in a café in Paris...

Oh and I noticed that everywhere I went, girls were always way more polite and welcoming to foreigners than boys, who are more hostile and suspicious.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:36:58  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Carolynanna


The french are just pissed because the US took their croissant and turned it into the croisandwich...;)



Actually, croissant is not French, it's an Austrian specialty, where they made it during the siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Empire, in order to make fun of the Ottoman flag. Of course, the French gave it its name and its unique saveur...



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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benji
> Teenager of the Year <

New Zealand
3426 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:41:35  Show Profile  Visit benji's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I have yet to go to Paris, but people are generally horrible and rude in London. But after having lived here for 7 months, I can understand why they'd be so miserable.

Customer service is non-existent in London. it is quite depressing aactually.


"I joined the Cult of Frank / I think that man deserves a DB!"
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1718 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:56:14  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible
Oh and I noticed that everywhere I went, girls were always way more polite and welcoming to foreigners than boys, who are more hostile and suspicious.



I suspect this must have something to do with yourself being a man... The guys probably think you're trying to chat up their girlfriends, while the girls hope you will :)

As for Canadians...

French Canadians are expected to look up to us, since we are the Cultural Motherland. We envy their imagination when it comes to replacing English words and phrases by French equivalents (viewed by some as a vital form of cultural resistance to the sneaky imperialism of the Mickey Mouse/Ronald McDonald joint venture). The accent is cute, and so is actress Marie-Josée Croze. They can keep their singers to themselves though. (Especially hunky hockey-playing singers from New Brunswick. These will be shot on sight.)

English speaking Canadians are welcome in Cannes if they are David Cronenberg.

In France, only hockey fans realize that there are actually other cities in Canada besides Montreal and Quebec.

And only fans of long-lasting punk band Les Wampas (declared, without irony, up-and-coming "French rock" flavour of the month by the street-cred craving media this year) have heard of Chicoutimi. (But who can blame them?)

Of course Bowling For Columbine probably altered the image of Canada in the French public, too. Now all our crooks and burglars want to go there because they're convinced Canadians never lock their door and don't protect their possessions. Thank you Mr. Moore! That's why he got an award here, you know.


--
'Great, now you don't have stupid skin on your body…'

Edited by - jediroller on 02/25/2004 07:57:34
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bedrock_barney
= Cult of Ray =

United Kingdom
871 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  07:57:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
hehe....so you like London then benji?!

I enjoy visiting for a day or so and then I enjoy leaving it again. No one could pay me enough to work and live in London.

[cue] disparaging remark from Cheeseman about 'northerners'


"The Pixies are reforming?? / I say bring back Abba, ahaaa!!!"
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benji
> Teenager of the Year <

New Zealand
3426 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:00:05  Show Profile  Visit benji's Homepage  Reply with Quote
i like all the great gigs barney.
thats pretty much all though.

i am trying to think of some more, but i'm really struggling...


"I joined the Cult of Frank / I think that man deserves a DB!"
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offerw
* Dog in the Sand *

South Africa
1264 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:03:44  Show Profile  Click to see offerw's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
[quote]Originally posted by jediroller

South Africans have this weird notion that, if they ever go to France and can't speak French, they must absolutely speak Afrikaans. If they speak English, the French might think they're from England .........

Hmmm, I suppose some South Africans might do that but it is definitely not the case for most. I found the French very helpfull and friendly in Paris, and I spoke English. I've tried to learn some French beforehand and it helps if one tries to speak some French before switching to English. People apreciate the fact that one makes the effort. Afrikaans an ugly sounding language?! I've heard that point being made by French, Italian and Spanish speaking persons. French is probably the most beautiful language to the ear so I'm not surprised mine sounds ugly then. I find American English the ugliest sounding language.........
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bedrock_barney
= Cult of Ray =

United Kingdom
871 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:07:11  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by benji

i like all the great gigs barney.
thats pretty much all though.

i am trying to think of some more, but i'm really struggling...


"I joined the Cult of Frank / I think that man deserves a DB!"



..errr...red buses?



"The Pixies are reforming?? / I say bring back Abba, ahaaa!!!"
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:10:47  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
"The accent is cute, and so is actress Marie-Josée Croze."


The accent is ugly, and so is Céline Dion!



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1718 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:15:40  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
To be fair, offerw, only one South African told me that, so it might be just him.

I'm glad you were well treated in Paris. South Africans were always very welcoming to us too :)

I'm quite used to hearing Flemish, so Afrikaans never sounded that outlandish to me, although I don't think I could ever master the pronunciation. Certainly easier than Xhosa, but still hard on a French palate.

Sorry for veering off-topic, Adnan.

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'Great, now you don't have stupid skin on your body…'
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misleadtheworld
* Dog in the Sand *

United Kingdom
1222 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:33:51  Show Profile  Visit misleadtheworld's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Adnan_le_Terrible



The thing is, if you go out in a pub somewhere in London, young people tend to talk to each other more easily than in a café in Paris...

Oh and I noticed that everywhere I went, girls were always way more polite and welcoming to foreigners than boys, who are more hostile and suspicious.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.



That's quite true. Saying that, I met this crazy austrian guy and his girlfriend in a pub a few weeks ago, he just started talking to me and my friend because we were pretending to drum (for a reason that escapes me). anyway, he told me all sorts, and even though it was quite dull information, it wasnt, because he was foreign (and a little crazy) if you know what i mean.

i like talking to foreign people, to the point that i want them to tell me everything about their country and themselves and their life story and etc. its all very interesting to me. must be the accents and strange smelling food.

also, on a slightly off topic note, i love the way the french handled greenpeace when they were nuclear testing in the pacific. those french....



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jediroller
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1718 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  08:57:42  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by misleadtheworld
also, on a slightly off topic note, i love the way the french handled greenpeace when they were nuclear testing in the pacific. those french....



Yeah - the shame...

When you look back on this, it seems quite hard to believe.

I actually saw the woman "spy" (Dominique Prieur) who'd been involved in this sorry affair... If memory serves, she was in jail in Auckland, when all of a sudden we learned that she was pregnant! And she was released. (How's that for a French way of doing things, hey?) Anyway, sometime in 1993 she appeared at the Ecole militaire where I was wasting 10 months in the service of the Nation , and an officer told us she'd been promoted.

The guy who was our Prime minister at the time fancies himself as a Presidential candidate these days.

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benji
> Teenager of the Year <

New Zealand
3426 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  09:00:32  Show Profile  Visit benji's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by jediroller
If memory serves, she was in jail in Auckland


ah, the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior.
will forever live in the New Zealand psyche.


"I joined the Cult of Frank / I think that man deserves a DB!"
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Adnan_le_Terrible
* Dog in the Sand *

France
1973 Posts

Posted - 02/25/2004 :  09:35:45  Show Profile  Visit Adnan_le_Terrible's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Yep, the Bombing of the Rainbow Warrior wasn't a glorious episode of the recent history of France.



Have some wine, please, don't run away.
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