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| Spring Newsletter |
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During these uncertain times, we have understandably received a number of inquiries from clients concerned with the current safety of travel and the general attitude toward American tourists in France. We are happy to share some comments from fellow travelers recently back from France and from contacts located there.
A friend of ours, also in the travel business, Nancyhelen of Your French Connexion, provides the following quotes:
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"The apartment was outstanding and the people were warm and kind to all the Americans at the museums, tours and restaurants. We felt welcome everywhere in both Italy and France."
— Sandra
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"...we read your letter about how one would be received in France and our experience in all three countries was the same-warm reception. While two people told us they disagreed with Mr. Bush they made it clear they also many times disagree with their president but that doesn't make any difference between them and their friends."
— Sam
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"I continue to feel quite comfortable...the majority of people realizing that the average American is not necessarily eager to wage war. Any negative sentiments seem to be more directed toward 'cowboy Bush'."
— Corinne
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"I speak no French and was alone and the French people both in the three hotels and the B&B went out of their way to help me. On the 6th of March there was a TV on in the café where I was dining. I saw news from the USA I could not understand and the owner went next door and had an English lady come over and treated her to a drink so she could translate for me. The show told of US citizens refusing to buy products made in France and so I was a little upset with such foolish behavior."
— Sophie
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"...There is definitely no anti-American feeling due to the Iraq crisis. Most French (politically interested French) are a little upset that George Bush and the USA media are trying to make it look like France is responsible for the downfall of world peace, but everybody knows this is just political wrestling and propaganda and we don't take it personally. ...Don't let politics spoil you vacation in France."
— Mark
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"Feel free to reassure your travelers that they will be most welcome!!! It's going to be a hard year for many in the world of tourism as these fears are rendering many hesitant. But the French know that a people and an administration don't necessarily share the same opinion…..They are as divided regarding the war as Americans. Americans will be welcomed with open arms by all here."
— Sylvia
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| Comments from recent France: Homestyle clients: |
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"Hello Claudette,
In these trying times, especially with what seems to be rising animosities between the U.S. and France, I wanted to email you to offer some simple words of encouragement. Not everyone is accepting the "anti-French" philosophy that seems to be prevalent today. I, for one, greatly admire the position France is taking in the war issue. As I don't know your personal feelings on this issue, however, I refuse to feel powerless against the tide of American opinion. It's because of this that I wanted to convey some small gesture of hope and encouragement. I greatly trust we will be staying at one of your lovely rentals in the future."
— Jeff
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"Travel does create understanding, and therefore harmony in the world. I know, in my heart, that the media is doing us no favors, and seeks only to generate headlines. It is a shame that one thirty second irresponsible media report can overshadow the impact for good of thousands of travelers, but it is so. We must, therefore, keep traveling. We look forward to completing our travel arrangements."
— Bob & Jeanne
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No one can guarantee or predict outcomes, but we hope this will offer some reassurance for those of you with travel plans for this spring and summer.
In general, we are finding that people are still booking, refusing to be paralyzed by the war. A caller on a local Seattle radio show, recently back from Paris, shared how he wore a button saying he was from Seattle and against the war and was stopped on the street by the French, pleased with his point of view and wanting to know where they could get a button — he commented he could have come back a millionaire if he'd had some to sell! One of our associates is leaving for London and the South of France next week and will be sharing her experience of the climate towards American travelers in France.
We wish you all a safe journey, whether you will be staying in the States or traveling abroad. Bon Voyage! |
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France: Homestyle
Our professional staff will help you experience France as if it were home.
Tel: 206.325.0132 Fax: 206.328.3673 Email:
Address: P.O. Box 22067, Seattle, WA 98122
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