Decus
Platinum Member
Strikes me as not such a great SPECTATOR sport. I enjoy biking immensely but wouldn't waste more than a minute or two watching the TdF, if the outcome is in question at the end.
What these cyclists achieve are super human. Furthermore, the beauty is France is impossible to describe, one must see it for themselves. Extraordinary.
If one does not know who any of the cyclists are, it would not be interesting, but if you've watched these guys for years, you are rooting for some of them to do well. Team Quickstep is probably the most talented team in the race, if not in the world.
The Germans sure loved the beauty of France
Everybody loves the beauty of the country and architecture but usually can't stand the French.
De Gaulle once said:
"I have tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will return to her errors and vomitings. I cannot prevent the French from being French."
Truer words have never been spoken.
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I found the French to be much nicer to Americans recently due to another tourist group being far more annoying.
People from Mainland China.
The Chinese have been replacing Americans as the "ugly tourist" in recent years. They tend to be brash and loud, which once what we were accused of being when abroad. Americans are much more respectful than they once were but we are now criticized for dressing inappropriately and far too often being obese.
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I saw it in 2015 in France. Most French understand at least a little English, but not many understand Mandarin or Cantonese.
It's actually funny how many French wish they were American. In the late 60's I remember seeing "Yankee Go Home" painted on walls in France and at the same time some of the most popular French music was written in homage to the U.S.. Sardou who is still massively popular in France wrote "Les Ricans" (linked with English subtitles), and Joe Dassin as well as others sang similarly positive songs regarding Americans.
The French envied our freedom, our individualism and the strength of our country. Which in part is why some were often gruff and defensive (even offensive). Envy can do that.
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I found everyone to be very friendly in 2015. Was in Canne, Lyon, Amiens, Bayeaux and Paris. Had a great time.
I have seen a change as well but it is true that the French earned their reputation for being a bit surly. I still travel there regularly and am only shocked by one thing, French culture is a thing of the past. What's replacing it hard to predict at this point but at least the architecture and natural beauty remains largely unchanged.
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