Shellen Out

So That's Why Everyone is Smiling In Paris...

I've always enjoyed Parisians in the past and found them to be warm (especially after making an effort to speak their language), but on this trip, the Parisians have been so nice and smiley that it was starting to freak me out.

My new friend Roel speculated that it might be because the dollar is down and Americans are worried about terrorism, and thus not travelling like we used to. That's certainly true... you see a lot fewer American tourists in Europe these days (and a lot more Chinese and Italians).

But a woman I met at dinner the other night gave another reason: In July, the mayor of Paris started a "be nice to tourists" campaign. Apparently Paris ranks high as a popular destination, but dead last in friendliness and travel comfort. So, to keep tourism up, the mayor has sent flyers out to businesses, taxi drivers, etc. with instructions on how to be nice to tourists.

I have to say, it's definitely working. Even the French teacher that guided a few of us around was surprised by how warm all of the metro workers and waiters have been during our visit.

So come to Paris! Before the rain completely dampens their spirits...