On a Lighter Note (see previous post)

France was nice.

I returned a few days ago from a couple of weeks over there doing mostly work. But had the chance to see some sights and sites.

While working, a number of internationals told me how much they "like our new president." This was good to hear.

Paris was filled with people from all countries. I did see/hear/sense a lot of Americans. Even when dressed properly, we still stick out. Not like a sore thumb (well, some people did but not all). There was just something about the way we move and the way we look. And, then, a lot of times it was all the blond hair.

Two important things to remember when traveling in France:

1) at some hotels, especially ones with long-stay apartments, electricity will be "on demand" -- you have to put your room card into a little device on the wall to activate the current flow;

2) be sure you weigh and sticker your produce *before* getting to the checkout in a supermarket (especially Champion Carrefour markets); before you leave the produce section look around to see if there are scales with buttons to push to price the produce; if you see one, go to it; if you don't, you're safe; but beware the horrid wearied looks of the checkout clerk and other customers if you get to the checkout line without self-service pricing your bag of beets first.