Europe hit hard by Americans again

PARIS, FRANCE  SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

What a vacation we had.  Kathryn and Lew Popoff joined Jessica and I over the past week and a half in Paris and London.

We will get into a few pics and notes on our trip shortly, but first off, let's analyze some of the common American takes on Europe and Europeans in general:

Take:  French people are rude, and dislike Americans.   Reality:  For the most part, this is true.  We sensed apprehension in many of the restaurants we visited.  One group clapped as we left one bar but it was probably because we were TOO LOUD.
Take:  French people smell.   Reality:  True.  I guess all people smell, but we ran into a few extra foul Frenchman around Paris than usual.
Take:  The Mona Lisa is smaller than you think.   Reality:  I've heard this take from so many people that I was expecting to see a painting the size of a matchbook.  Upon arriving at the Louvre, Jess and I made a beeline for the DaVinci painting.  The size seemed normal to me.
Take:  French people dislike things American.   Reality:  False.  I've never seen more consumption of Cokes and McDonalds.  And with few exceptions, the music we heard was American. They love it.

Take:  French people wear berets.

Reality:  Untrue.  Few wear hats of any kind, and with the exception of a couple tourists, we saw no berets.  This was a big disappointment for us.

Other theories on Europe: 

• Visting Westminster Abbey in London and Notre Dame in Paris was definitely worth it, but as my Dad says, you can get "cathedraled-out" in Europe.

• The Tower of London tour, given by the Yeoman Warders, was awesome.

• We took KLM and upgraded to business class on the way back.  The eight hour trip was too short.  Ask us about it sometime: we kept the menu, wine list, travel package and parting gifts.

• After a meal in London, an Italian waiter made a point to tell Lew and I, "God Bless America".  He wasn't even our primary waiter and likely sees dozens of Americans each day in the restaurant.

• London TV doesn't bleep-out The Obsbournes.

Photos from the Trip:  Please click here to review a sample of the 300+ photos I took in Paris and London.