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I think France is very hospitable to Americans. I can say that from experience. The Gallic mentality has a wait and see feel to it, and it really depends on how you approach each person, both French and American.

The French are very proud of their language and heritage. They are also Celts-we forget that. Before the later invasions of other peoples(including Romans), they were Celts: impassioned, quicksilver emotions, deep loyalties. That hasn't changed in two thousand years of history and more.

An American has to come into the country with a modicum of respect. We are their guests, and have come to experience their culture(which also has a regional aspect: I'll touch on that later.) Going with the classic "Ugly American" attitude is bound to win a person mo friends in France.

If a person tries, even hesitantly, to speak French, the French will respect the effort-and the attempt-immensely. Ask them for help in this and they will be happy to oblige.

Each region has its peculiar customs and beliefs, and subtle dialects. The Parisians speak one way; go to the south of France, and the language has a different rhythm and accent.

And, in Northwestern France, in Brittany, the Celtic feel is strong enough(thanks to a blossoming revival in the language spoken there, Breton), that Paris might feel like adistant memory, almost another country. Many Bretons have no love for Paris.

Speak to a French old-timer, and you might find a very different attitude about the U.S: love and gratitude. I have a story to tell about that.

My sister has lived for fifteen years in southern France, near the city of Montpelier. She met an old man once, who told her with tears in his eyes about the arrival of American troops in the latter end of World War II. This old gentleman, it turned out, had worked for the French Resistance.

He told my sister something which I've never forgotten.

"If it had not been for the Americans, we would be speaking German now."

He did not forget. There are still quite a few French citizens who remember. It falls to us, the visitor, to rest lightly in their country, admire a country that has existed, in one form or another, for two thousand years, and remain open to new experiences which will enrich us.

I know. I've been to France several times now, stayed months there-made friends there. This is the very best kind of diplomacy: learning about each other, living as a native, not a 'tourist,' and opening heart and mind to the saying, like a famous American said once: "I never met aman I didn't like."

With that attitude, any country can become home, even for a short visit.

Learn more about this author, Tina Loflin.
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