Bienvenue and welcome to the Quel Surprise edition of Cranquee en France. For three decades I have heard that Parisiens are rude and arrogant. Well, yes. But if you’ve spent any time in New York City then you really got nuthin’ to complain about. Some are and some aren’t is my deep insight of the day.

Ninety-five percent of the attempts I’ve made to communicate with a waiter, sales person or someone on the street has been decent. No, they aren’t thrilled to see me, and none want to be my best friend, but they are courteous and helpful. Total douchebags* encountered: 3.

Here’s some more pix with commentary:

Hot wine on a chilly December night? How bad can this country be? A: Not bad at all!

Mythbusted #1 – French don’t like Americans. In the circles our media and celebrities run in, perhaps this is the case. It doesn’t seem jibe with the facts on the ground and I have been in tourist and non-tourist areas.

Perhaps the original title was “Down and out with the greedy, stupid troglodytes”

No doubt a relic of World War II. But it does show some appreciation for our nations involvement in liberating Europe. Possibly also a tip of the hat to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Mythbusted #2 – The French are incapable of badassery.

These commando looking types were at every major landmark being visible and carrying firearms that would make Eric Holder consider a Euro straw man purchase just for his cartel amigos.