Friendliness

In Versailles, I met a fellow traveler from the US. We chatted about traveling in Europe and agreed that for big cities, they tend to have a lot of similarities. So what really makes a difference is the people of the city. If they are friendly and treat you as their family, then an extended city visit willbe much more enjoyable. If they treat you like a piece of used gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe, no matter how great the city is, an extended visit will likely be less enjoyable.

In Paris, the people tended to split into two camps. Some were the stereotypical French store owners with their noses stuck up in the air at my American ways. Probably my incompetent French and tourist status did not appeal to them. However, many Parisians were surprisingly generous and helpful. My cousin and her friend and I were riding the subway when we discovered we entered the wrong side (heading the opposite direction.) I could see no way to cross to the other side of the tracks without exiting, which would force us to forfeit our tickets. I asked a guy what we could do. His train arrived but he ignored it and took us to the other side, then asked three locals if we could go through the turnstiles with them. Who does that?? What an amazing and nice guy.

In Versailles, a small town just outside Paris, I encountered so many nice people. I asked one store owner about his honey, and he ended up spending 20 minutes explaining his wares to me, giving me samples, and selling me honey and various salts for a reduced price. It was sweet!

And Portugal is really the last word in hospitality. The restaurant downstairs immediately took us in as family. Felipe, one of the waiters, gave us free beers and roses as "window service." He also took us around on the last night to show us a night scene (don't worry Mom and Dad... The apartment owner has known him for years... ;) ) and when we dine, one beer ordered equals two delivered, a pitcher of sangria is automatically refilled on the house. And one waiter tried to give me a whole flan to take away. Not sure if that was for real, but I said no I can't take a pan of flan to the airport, but thank you!

Some of the restaurant people downstairs!

Other people in Portugal were only too happy to provide me with instructions and give me advice. The culture is just amazing. Portuguese people are definitely my favorite so far!

On the flight from Lisbon to Barcelona, I asked the flight attendant (who went out of his way to write me a list of cities I should visit in Portugal) if Spanish people are as nice as Portuguese people. He said, "you decide..." so I guess we'll see!