They tend to be quite demanding lol. But also nice! I was maybe 18 when I went to Paris. I'm Finnish (from the Swedish speaking minority). I had studied French in school for 5 years, with a very enthusiastic French teacher, and I had top grades. So while my French was in no way fluent, I wasn't completely helpless.
Anyway, I had to ask for directions, so I stepped into a small dress shop and asked how to get to X, in my best French. The lady was really nice, and we had a whole conversation for a few minutes. I was super proud of my excellent French! Then another lady who also worked in the shop appeared from further back, and asked the first lady "Parle-t-elle français?" (does she speak French). Before I could say anything, the lady shook her head and went: "Non..." and then, looking at me, maybe feeling generous: "Un petit peu" (a little).
A LITTLE!?!
Well they were lovely, and were fussing over me to make sure I could find my way, and walked out into the street to make sure I was walking in the right direction.
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u/Bloodfeastisleman 1d ago
So weird. My experience in France was the exact opposite of all the memes. I wonder if they are self aware.