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Another time in a brassiere I asked in very slow French where are the bathrooms? To which the waiter replied in quick articulate English "Downstairs".

I try to refrain from doing that, but I usually can't resist it: whenever a British/American tourist (or not a tourist) asks me for directions in strugging, slow French (with an accent that gives their origin away), I reply in English. At first they seem very slightly offended, which I can understand and that's why I try to refrain from doing it, but eventually they're glad that I can explain without them having to struggle with their dictionary.

by Alex in Toulouse on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 01:52:33 PM EST
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You could introduce yourself ("I'm Alex by the way..."); this would certainly help breaking the ice, and, who knows, you could meet very interesting people without having to go on line... :-)

Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
by Bernard on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 02:07:09 PM EST
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Well I've met my share of people in odd ways/places ... for example a funny Aussie guy I met in a laundromat in Paris, or a future girlfriend on a skiing trip, mistaking her for someone else at night when both of us were drunk ;))

But good point. I actually just sort of stand there, flexing my muscles, grinning with vanity ... maybe I could ask "so where y'all from?"

by Alex in Toulouse on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 02:13:13 PM EST
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I'm from Toulouse, actually.

Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
by Bernard on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 02:17:20 PM EST
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I was meaning that I could ask that when talking to people asking directions, but I'm happy to say hi to another Toulousain! And if you like rugby, we beat the Londoners today!!! Yeeeeeeeeha.
by Alex in Toulouse on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 04:01:14 PM EST
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When I arrived in France I hadn't spoken one word of French since highschool.  The first day, I tried to order something in English.  No, I asked the man, in French, if he spoke English.  And he shook his head no.  So I tried to order in French, and he smiled, looked at me, and said in English, "See, I knew you could do it."  :)

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire
by p------- on Sat Jan 14th, 2006 at 02:52:12 PM EST
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