Whether traveling internationally or walking through your own neighborhood, there is one expression that connects us: our smiles. Even when we struggle for some universal verbiage, our smiles never fail to open conversations if we choose to do so.
I’m now in my 11th travel day from Bellinzona, Lugano, Switzerland, Lake Como, Milan and now in Paris and find that, for the most part, people try to communicate and bridge language differences. My Italian was very limited but now my college French is swirling in my head and the memories of “mon professeur” and the anguishing lessons are prevalent, thankfully!
Using the language of politeness never fails. Upon arriving at Charles DeGaulle airport, I saw a man with an Iphone who looked approachable and asked if he knew where to catch the Roissy bus. Luckily for me, Mattea is a Fluent English speaker. After chatting, I explained why I was in Paris (to see my nephew and his family). He kindly texted Grant for me to say I arrived.
Small world: Mattea and his wife lived near my hotel and they invited me to share their cab. The ride to The City of Light was wonderful with my new friends. I hope to return the kindness and show them San Francisco when they visit. We will staying touch via email and facebook.
I feel so lucky that a smile, an iPhone, a question and, as he said, a (friendly and helpful) Italian living in Paris started my visit with such a special experience!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Paris
