As an American (USA) after living in France for 3 months, some observations (God Bless America!):

[pierrem15]

You're right about the beer-- the funny thing about the Doner is that you will find different meat and fixings used in different parts of Germany-- Despite it being a Turkish food, in Cologne I had pork Doner with cole slaw.

[Amendment10]

"This comes from the fact that French men tend to pee on the sidewalks and that does smell."

How long have men in Paris been doing this? I'm curious if this "convenience" got started in WWII. There seem to be plenty of pictures showing Paris being bombed, latrines possibly rare at that time.

[Albion Wilde]

I heard this version:

HEAVEN
The food is French
The mechanics are German
The administrators are Swiss
The police are British
The lovers are Italian.

HELL
The food is British
The mechanics are French
The administrators are Italian
The police are German
The lovers are Swiss.

[pierrem15]

The Dutch were the friendliest people towards Americans I ever encountered-- they still remembered our help in WWII and how we helped them rebuild Rotterdam afterwards.

I told one Dutch bartender that my wife and I were just in Germany, but that the beer was better in Holland-- he just beamed at that and we got a whole evening of free beer in return :-)

[jjotto]

A) I don't recall seeing an American style, what we Americans, would call, a "pickup truck". Like a Ford F150, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram anywhere in Europe.

B) I don't see any Toyota Camrys or Corollas, the best selling cars in the world

France, not surprisingly, has crushing taxes and fees on larger, heavier vehicles. Ordinary folk couldn't afford a pickup. No status attaches to a pickup, so people with wealth go for luxe sedans.

The Toyota Yaris is popular in France, and is manufactured there. Nissan Qashqais and Jukes are also popular there. Corollas are probably considered a little too big.

French brands are - SURPRISE! - the most popular models in France

[dfwgator]

The Netherlands were probably my favorite county out of the countries we visited last year.

I loved Amsterdam (and no, I did not partake in the ‘Coffee Shops’)

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

I saw a Doner Kebap stand in Salt Lake City of all places.

I started liking the Mayo and french fries and a little curry powder.

[steve86]

C) I see all of these "motorcycles" with 2 front wheels here, which I don't see in the states.

Can-Am Spyder is made in North America and you do see them here.

[not2be4gotten.com]

I am overwhelmed by your response to my post.

I guess that was the whole point.

Your response is very good, probably one of the best in history of FR, and I appreciate that, more than you know.

I will try to respond in kind. When I can.

[steve86]

The two-wheel scooters I had forgotten about. Look retarded to me.

[shankbear]

I have done several extended trips all over France, not just Paris. They are wonderful people. Try starting a conversation in French and they usually pick it up in English. The non-French immigrants from mainly North Africa are the ones I found to need hygene lessons. The French women are indeed, ooohlala. I would love to have a vacation home there.

[steve86]

For my part, I do not see too many people putting on phony smiles anywhere in the USA. Just where did you get that from?

You are in Pennsylvania and probably don't see that much. I encounter it constantly in the western U.S. I agree with the OP's comments on the matter.

[steve86]

Two-wheel meaning two front wheels lol (steering wheels obviously).

[Fiji Hill]

Heaven

Were the cooks are French
The mechanics are Swiss
The lovers are Italian
The British run everything

[Olog-hai]

Ah, the western US. I don’t see it too much anywhere on the east coast in general.

[Olog-hai]

I never had any particular hankering for French food. I don’t get the appeal. Frankly, I even rate British food higher. When I was in Ireland and went to Paris on a school trip (stayed at a hostel), the most exotic thing to eat was ground horsemeat.

[Safetgiver]

Royale avec fromage......OH. YEAHH? Up yours, too!!

[Will88]

I don't get into the Muslim situation here, because I don't have the time tonight.

Were in the vicinity of the recent anti-Israel demonstrations? Not asking for details, just did you see any of that?

[Jane Long]

We spent a week in Paris, last summer.

The people were, for the most part, very friendly. They would walk up and help with directions, if we were looking (squinting) at our maps.

The food was wonderful and we couldn’t find a bad bottle of red wine ;)

The women are skinny (men, too, for the most part) because they walk everywhere. We lost a few pounds while we were there, from all of the walking we did.

When we return we will visit the southern part of France. But, there is nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine, at sunset, while watching the Eiffel Tower light up.

[steve86]

Really the only hankering I have for food for the entire continent and British Isles is classic British fish&chips. But I’m weird. Plain baked potatoes, too. Starved in Greece even though I had to endure that place for only one afternoon.