And Another Thing....

I committed one of the top five no-no’s in French etiquette today. I just wasn’t thinking. I usually am right on with the proper forms of greetings and other protocol, but I had just seen the fabulous Paracas Textiles exhibition at the Quai Branly (more on that later), and was totally in the clouds from the amazing work. I wanted to buy a catalog but they were expensive so I was having one of those justifications for buying it-versus save the money and buy a couple of postcards, conversation with myself. I decided to ask the sales guy if the catalog came in English. That was going to be my maker or breaker because of course I wanted to read the texts in English for full comprehension. Alors, I just said it, in French, “Do the catalogs come in English Translation?” As I looked into his face for an answer I realized my gaff. “Bonsooooir, Madame,” he said in a high-pitched, (for a man), piercing voice while looking at me with pure dismay. Merde. I forgot to say the requisite “Bonjour” before any communication can begin with a sales person. I quickly responded in my best Francais-French voice and smile, “Bonsoooooir, monsieur.” But I knew it was too late. This relationship was going nowhere. “Non!” He says. “They are absolutely not translated in French,” as if the very idea was ludicrous. Well, I said, annoyed but laughing, and giving back the attitude, “if they are absolutely not translated then I will absolutely not get one.” And handed over my postcards.

The “Bonjour” to a storekeeper is one of the essential requirements to living or visiting France, and to successfully negotiating a purchase. I watched recently as my mom got burned my sales people she neglected to address properly before asking a price or question. Our favorite was at the Grand Palais, where literally the guard gave us misinformation about how to get to the exhibition. We knew he was lying and then heard him give the right information to the ladies behind us. In my opinion, that is just going too far. I get the politesse and agree it is nice, but I had to laugh because I guess it is just not on the American/Capitalist/we just want you to buy so we will be nice whatever your attitude, but in France, one slip and you are out. Deal done. They don’t want your money and typically you decide you don’t want to give it up. Well, let’s keep on moving forward. Au Revoir.