The Euro is strong… I am currently in France and I am buying things at basically the same dollar amount that they cost in the U.S. The problem is that it took a lot more dollars to purchase each of those Euros. No worry. It’s not my money that bought the Euros but it is shocking to realize that the breakfast buffet I paid 21 euro for cost around $30 American dollars!

As to the belief that the French are arrogant and anti-foreigner - it is basically true. That doesn’t mean that the French are not nice and extremely helpful. They key is in understanding them culturally. I recommend French or Foe? An amazing little book that will get you well on your way to having a great time with the French. It seems that the key is exercising your French language skills as much as posible and properly opening conversations. I know about ten words in French but five of them include

“Excusez-moi de vous deranger, monsieur”

Excuse me for disturbing you, sir… Yes, these are the five magic words. I suppose it helps that I am here on business and so I get to see the famous French smile, often. As a tourist you won’t. At least in relation to your interactions with most French. I work with a group that speaks English (to me) and is not shy about helping me with things like finding a grocery store, a train station, and providing tips about the best way to get to Paris from the south of France. Of course, if you are here solely on vacation you should just stick with the five magic words. They really do work. Try them.

The thing that is annoying is I can’t find Dr. Pepper here. It seems that Pepsi and Coke are the only games in town. I suspect that this will change somewhat when I am in Paris this weekend but for now I am sticking with Coke, hot tea and cheese. Mmmmm. The cheese. Amazing. Not to mention the beer and wine choices in the company cafeteria.