[AlexW]

English is becoming the de facto international language.

Here in Slovakia, I tutor individuals in English conversation and vocabulary. Other then my Slovak students, I have one Korean, working for Samsung, one Italian, the managing director of an Italian oil company, building gas stations in Slovakia, and 4 French women ! They are wives of French businessmen that are with French companies in Slovakia.
While my French students are the poorest in speaking any English, they are Among my best and friendliest of friends.

I know it is fun to beat up on the French, but they can be very nice people.
One of my best friends here is a French guy that works here in Slovakia.
When I arrived last year, he gave me his old cellphone, and sold me his 3 year old Dell, with printer for $100, and when he invites me to his apartment for lunch, I know it will be great, with good wine, liquors, and topped off with a Cuban cigar. I was also invited to lunch one Sunday during Christmas by one of my French students and her husband. It was a great day from 1 PM till 9 PM, with great food and many drinks from wines to brandies.

[ex-Texan]

My brother loves France. He knows Paris quite well and has been there many times. Needless to say, he has little patience with Americans who rush about and get upset about French attitudes.