Dear International Living Reader,

As a new transplant to Paris, I’m discovering "The City of Light" in a deeper way. I’d love to let you in on the insights I gain as I find my feet–not as a tourist–but as a resident of the world’s most romantic city.

There’s no place on earth like Paris. Where else can you find the history, art, architecture, culture, cuisine and "la vie française" that Parisians take for granted? I have to admit, though, living here has delivered a rude awakening. I didn’t assume it would be an easy move to make…but I may have underestimated the challenge.

For example, let me share one insight about Parisians and the French in general that many outsiders don’t understand. It’s an important factor that you should understand before you visit.

The French enjoy a highly structured social system that places great value on politeness and civility. When you walk in any Parisian shop, you will be greeted with "Bonjour Madame" (or Monsieur or Mademoiselle). You are expected to reply pleasantly, "Bonjour Madame." If you don’t, you could be considered rude.

walk into a pharmacy and say immediately to the clerk, "Where can I find the aspirin?" That might seem normal to an American, but in France…it’s rude. A polite French person would never think of walking into a store without saying hello to the shopkeeper…or leaving without saying thank you and goodbye.

The proper French way to accomplish the same objective would be to walk into the store, greet the clerk with (in French) "Good morning, sir. Excuse me. Could you please tell me where I can find the aspirin?"

Understanding this cultural difference can help you understand why some Americans feel they get the cold shoulder in France.

But…and this is an important "but"…if you make an attempt to be polite and sensitive to French culture, you will find the French to be among the nicest and most polite people anywhere.

I’m grateful. Parisians have been helping me settle in nearly every day since I arrived. Parisians generously help me get pointed in the right direction when I (frequently) lose my bearings, distracted by the beauty surrounding me. They’ve helped me with the children and schools, assisted me when I couldn’t find something I needed while shopping, given me a hand with packages and luggage when I’m loaded down in the Metro. I’ve found the Parisians to be among the most polite people that I’ve met anywhere.

If you’d like to join me as I learn more about this fascinating city I invite you to give our new publication, Postcards From Paris, a try. Postcards From Paris is the newest International Living e-letter, a free online publication that will open your eyes to the pleasures (and perils) of Parisian life and help you become a Paris "insider." You’ll come to know the "ins and outs" of Paris life better than any but the most well informed Parisians. It may be the easiest way possible to get to know Paris and the Parisians. And best of all…it’s yours free, with our compliments.

Regards,

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living

P.S. Simply click on this link to activate your subscription. It won’t cost you a dime. You’ll get to follow my progress as I make my move to becoming a Parisian. You’ll get a kick out of my successes and failures as I try to learn to speak French and fit in with my new French neighbors. I’m looking forward to the challenge…and I hope that you will join me.