The Patience of Paris . . .

I have to say I was astounded by the lines to EVERYTHING in Paris. It wasn’t just the tourist attractions but the cinema and the museums had lines 5-6 people wide and wrapping around blocks or weaving amongst a maze of stanchions. Everyone was talking in low voices, no rowdiness or impatience, and it was clearly an expected and anticipated part of daily life.

It is funny to think about how upset we Americans get at having to wait at the Post Office, or in a long check out line. Whereas it would seem this is de rigeur in other parts of the world. It actually was a brilliant opportunity for people watching and listening, particularly with the school Spring breaks and such a wealth of travelers from other countries and cultures. There was an abundance of Italian and German tourists both as well as the obvious fellow Americans, a handful of Brits, and occasional Japanese.

And the French have done a terrific job in their museums of providing all guides in multiple languages, we have likely done the same here, but I haven’t noticed it. MG