C'est so Paris!

While I was in Paris last month, I was immediately hit by something: Parisians aren't half-bad! After having studied there, I sorta knew that French people aren't (always) that arrogant, sulking person on the street with the bad attitude. Still, I always wondered why so many of them seemed so darned full of attitude. I am happy to report that this June, however, I saw smiling, fun-loving people on the street willing to help, willing to listen to my students' bad French, and even just general cheeriness (I know!). While there, I remember thinking that there must be something in the water, or maybe they are passing out euros to the Parisian who smiles the most. Amazingly enough, I think that because of this friendliness, my students are more than excited to get back. See what happens Parisians when you don't bite the hand that feeds you?. After returning to the states I saw an article that Paris' mayor has begun a campaign to rid the world's view of that angry Parisian. Here, NPR goes to Paris for 'Tourist Day'. See also: C'est so Paris! edit: Going to France, and not sure what people are trying to tell you through their Gallic gestures? 'The Daily Telegraph' has set up a pictorial to help you out!