Living in France : Talking with your hands

GESTURES
It is a well-known fact that the French, like the Italians and Spanish, speak with their hands! Sometimes, it looks strange for those coming from an Anglo Saxon culture.

But, in France, shaking somebody’s hand when meeting is very polite. This will often happen between men especially in companies. Of course, you will not shake the hand of a young child. You will kiss him.

EXPRESSIVENESS
Do observe the face and expressions of the French when talking and you might already have the reply to your question!! In everyday life, the French are very expressive and you can read their emotions on their face very easily. However, in an official meeting, one has to control oneself!

You will also notice (if you haven’t already done so!) that when there is a language problem the French will often be very patient to help you out and understand you.
If you make a mistake in a conversation, they will often look at you, smile and give you the right reply: not because they want to “correct” you but because they want to help you.

EXPRESSIONS
Wherever you go, do not forget to say “Bonjour”. As simple as it may sound, it is the simplest way for the French to greet you. The fact of not doing so could be interpreted as a lack of respect. Do remember to put “S’il vous plait” at the end of your sentences as it makes the tone of your sentences “milder”.
- “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plait.”

From Isabelle : Intransit's French Language Tutor
http://www.in-company-french.com/
06 65 24 64 74

Living in Paris : Gay Paris!

Gay Paris !

Parisians are highly open to alternative lifestyles and the homosexual community is very much part of the every-day-life here, it is part of the ‘Richesse de Paris’.

There are many famous clubs like the “Queen”, the “Scorp”, and a lot of bars, mostly located in the 4th arrondissement, the Marais, where you can also find the only gay hotel in Paris, the Hôtel Central Marais.
hotelcentralmarais.monsite.wanadoo.fr

There are also several sports clubs like the first gay football club of Paris, the FC Paris Arc En Ciel www.fcparis-arcenciel.com, the Paris Foot Gay parisfootgay.free.fr, or the only gay rugby club in Paris, Les Gaillards http://www.lesgaillards.org/ all these clubs do of course also welcome heterosexuals who would like to share their passion for these sports.

There is even a real estate agency that specialises in short-term rentals for gay couples and singles and actually hands out the “Gay Guide” that helps non-Parisians find their feet in this scene. http://www.gayhouseparis.com/indexeng.html

Plenty of information on places and events can be found on the following web sites:
http://www.parisgaivillage.com/gb/index.html
http://www.paris-gay.com/indexgb.php
http://www.gaypride.fr/

Cannes Film Festival, Join the Party !

There are a few things that one would never ever forget. Things that forge one's personality as part of a bigger picture. For instance, Frenchmen are very attached to the Revolution and to the ideals that spread from it, just as Americans would be to the War for Independence, etc...
But hopefully, a nation's pride doesn't only rely on bloodshed ! And the Cannes Film Festival (May 16th - May 27th) is a magnificent and peaceful alternative indeed !

Since its first happening in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has established itself among the most popular and esteemed cultural manifestations both in France and on the international scale.
Over the years, festivals of that kind have gained an even stronger appeal. And it's a common dream to be in the middle of it, part of the living whirlwind, of the excitement of being were everyone wants to be. What better occasion than the Cannes Film Festival to reach the unreachable...

Dreamers, wake up. Because reality really isn't that bad : the dream is close at hand.
Horn's Club has secured places for the 8th happening of the Bal de le Riviera on May 19th, a prestigious party on the Croisette. Take a chance to live an unique experience partying with celebrities and jet set members. Perfect blend of elegance and refinement, the Bal de le Riviera will have the pleasure to host among others, Jean-Pierre Rive, the famous sculptor who will display his works the time of the party.
Let the champagne flow, such occasions suffer no excuses, excesses will be the rule on May 19th.
A once-in-a-life experience reachable to Horn's Club members only !
Visit Horn's Club website for more info.

Related link : www.festival-cannes.fr

Living in Paris : MESSAGE Mothers Bring and Buy sale

Bargains Galore at MESSAGE's Spring Bring & Buy Sale

Find new and gently-used baby and children's clothes, toys, books, games, equipment, maternity wear and more -- at bargain prices. Many items were purchased abroad (e.g., UK and US) and may be difficult to find in France.

Saturday, May 12, 2007
10 AM - 2 PM

Courtyard Marriott Hotel,
58, Blvd. Victor Hugo
Neuilly-sur-Seine

Metro: Les Sablons/Anatole France

Entrance fee: 2 Euros per family for members;
4 Euros per family for non-members
First 3 hours of hotel parking are free!

Organized by MESSAGE Mother Support Group
www.messageparis.org

Living in France : 'On' or 'nous'

On va au cinéma ?In spoken French, we often use “On” instead of “Nous”. For instance, we are going to say “On va au cinéma” instead of “Nous allons au cinéma”. It makes things more colloquial.

The young will mainly use “On” when the older generation will use “Vous”. In a professional context, you can use either “Nous” or “On” depending on whom you are talking to: “On” with your colleagues, if you wish to show closeness and “Nous” if you wish to sound more formal and polite.

From Isabelle : Intransit's French Language Tutor
www.french-in-paris.com
06 65 24 64 74

Living in Paris: Elegant Women

Here is a small communtiy site for international women in Paris. Some interesting news, articles and links.

www.pariswoman.com

Living in Paris: How to be a true Parisian

I just found this website www.cestsoparis.com which I thought may tickle some of you.

A little harmless fun in the 'year of merde' style!!