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Title: Savoir Flair: 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French
ISBN: 0964668432
Author:
Polly Platt
Publicate Date: 2007-06-15
Publish: 2007-06-15
List Price: $16.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $10.27
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $11.14
Amazon Merchant Price: $11.53
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| Customer Review: |
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1: C'est superbe!
Savoir Flair: 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French
I came to this book AFTER I'd been traveling regularly to France. It's a delight, and I only wish I'd found it before. Polly Platt is an entertaining and insightful writer. With a better understanding of French customs and quirks, you will enhance your experience in France, whether it's a short vacation or a long-term stay.
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2: Don't leave for France without it!
We went to Paris last March and French or Foe was a life saver. It made our trip a delight. I couldn't wait to read Polly's latest, Savoir Flair. It's informative and a great read. If you are going to France, buy it. You won't be sorry.
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3: Invaluable
My husband and I took our maiden trip to Paris in September 2006. I bought Savoir-Flair! about two weeks before we left and devoured it on the plane. Although my husband and I both had studied French in college, we were rusty and unsure what to expect, especially given the bad PR the French seem to receive from Americans.
Ms. Platt's book explains so well the cultural differences between the French and Americans, and we followed her advice to a T. We only encountered one person during the week we visited who was downright rude, and I just think he was a curmudgeon. Everyone else was so gracious, despite our terrible pronunciations and grammatical errors. The fact that we were attempting to adapt instead of forcing ourselves on the people we encountered put everyone at ease, from shopkeepers to waiters. It was a magical experience.
And I put Ms. Platt's tips to use at a Starbucks in La Defense. My husband was having major American coffee withdrawal, so while he was in a business meeting I popped over to the Starbucks to get him a big cup of java. I ordered in French. I know I made some mistakes, but the barista was very nice about it, and we laughed. She spoke English but appreciated my not assuming that she did.
Behind me in line was a very impatient older American woman who was crowding my personal space. When I moved over to wait for my coffee, the older lady stepped up to the counter and asked, quite loudly as if the barista had a hearing impairment, whether the place served cappuccino. The woman was practically shouting. And the barista never offered to speak English, either. I took my coffee and slipped out, lest someone assume I was American, too. In hindsight, I should have offered the older woman my copy of Savoir-Flair!
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4: Read the first book first
Unless you need fast, specific travel advice, it would be a good idea to read Polly's broad cultural perspective of France first (French or Foe), and then assimilate the more specific tips in this sequel.
Oh, just buy both books at a discount and read them on the plane. It's going to take awhile, since you can't catch the Concorde anymore.
Both books are well-written and useful, but the first is a broad, classical exposition of how to deal with the frog mentality. (By the way, they will not take the "frog" term with any more offense than the Brits resent being called "rosbifs" or Arabs find the term "beurs" offensive in France. It ain't a big deal.)
When she gets specific, Polly is usually at the high end of societal etiquette and decorum. You can't go wrong following her advice, but you can bend her rules a bit. If you aren't invited to a formal dinner party with place cards but a college kid party, taking a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers will not be considered too gauche.
On the other hand, carefully remember not to touch the merchandise in any small boutique where it is artfully displayed. That really ruins their day. The French are funny, and Polly sees the inherent humor -- as well as the logic and history -- of their ways.
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5: Savoir-Flair: 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French
Excellent book.
Information is right on!
Read and then enjoy your relations with the lovely French people. When you know the rules, there are no rude Frenchmen or women. They just want to be loved for who they are.
Polly Platt's books are great!
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