French keyboards

The @ sign is where the English shift key is. C'est difficile pour moi!

C'est Bonjour!

I read in my book Culture Shock (highly recommended) that it is imperative to speak to the shop keeper when you enter a store in France. Today I went to La Pharamcie (to get that darned toothpaste) and le monseuir did not hear me say "Bonjour!" because of the morning traffic outside. He was clearly irritated and with a sarcastic voice and eyebrows raised he leaned toward me and said "bon. jour." haha.

No toothpaste

If you ever come to France and forget your toothpaste, don't bother asking the front desk: "Toothpaste? I don't think so. Let me check." ::dialtone::

I love ordering in French

I realized that my French classes have done me well in teaching me how to order - that's when I feel successful in speaking :) I ordered a pretty good dinner for myself and two coworkers and the garcon de cafe was patient and nice. I left him a tip even though they dont really tip here. He was nice.

Vieux Nice Exploration

My hotel room was not ready so I've was "forced" to go exploring instead of work - yay! Vieux Nice is wonderful and within walking distance. There are nooks-and-crannies that have small market shops and cafes every two feet. I can't tell if this is normal to Nice or just in this old part of town. I successfully order lunch, coffee and icecream today in French! Voila!

Riding the bus in Nice, France

I came to Nice very unprepared. I didn't look up how to get from the airport to the hotel and I wasn't even sure if it was far or close. The airport information desk said it was only 4 euros to take the bus so that sounded worth the investigation.

I spoke my first French sentence in France and it worked! I asked the bus driver if she knew the hotel and she told me which stop to get off. Success!

I even made friends on the bus with a native of Nice. From what I can tell on the bus ride, this place is beautiful! There is a pedestrian area going all along the waterfront where people walk, run, take thier children and fish. Super-bonne!