Being told off in France.

Being told off in France is a national pastime.  We have all been told off at some time while we have been here.  We are trying our best with the language and the French way of doing things but sometimes we get it wrong.  Very wrong.

1. The girls: having lunch in Gordes we sat down at the creperie and the girls politely went to put the place mats on the table which were sitting on the chair.  Noi noi leave it yelled the waitress.  She wanted to wipe the table.  Lesson learned.  Do not help the waitress.

2. Jess: In a beautiful biscuits shop in aix en Provence.  Jess discovered a lovely tin of nougat she wanted to find out what type of nougat  was inside.  She was told to go and look at the shelf and work it out for herself.  Lesson learned.  Just eat the nougat, and enjoy it ok.

3. Z: driving out of aix en Provence proved a bit challenging even with GPS.  Z stopped abruptly for a red traffic light and was covering the pedestrian crossing. The first old lady stood in front of the car shrugging her shoulders waving her arms as if to say why why did you stop here.  She was joined by another person, both standing looking at the car in the way of the path.  Move on please.  We had a laugh at the emotion showed by the pair and then another older person joined them.  Lesson learned: you just have to laugh.

4. Me: when we arrived at aix en Provence we found a busy open air car park.  Round and round we went and it looked like we were never going to find a park.  I stalked a person and tried to communicate that I wanted his car park.  He explained how I could get a ticket.  I explained again that I wanted his car park.  He wasn't sure what I was on about but I started to follow him.  He offered his car space to another man who was in his car stalking him.  Of course those that know me I stood my ground.  Once the guy left the car space I stood in it waiting for z to do the block.  The other guy jumped out the car yelling at me I think saying "you cant do that, thats not how we do things in France".  I said, "chez no comprehend, Only English". He got out of his car and stood his ground.  Jess took a photo.  Then he gave in ( rude English person) but i got the car park. Lesson learned: when trying to get a car park in France just think carindale shopping centre at Christmas time and you will get one. (See pic below) 

Don't get me wrong. I love this country! 

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