Searching in vain for the Europcar office in Metz, I decided this was as good a time as any to practice my French.
I formulated a line in my head — "Can you help me? I'm looking for Europcar"— whispered it to myself a few times, then bounded up to a startled-looking man on his cigarette break. Regrettably, I forgot to say Hello or Excuse me, but just launched in:
"Est-ce que je peux m'aider?"
He looked afraid.
"Je cherche Europcar ..."
And see how the ice melted! Although he smiled condescendingly and went on to direct me in English, I could tell he was pleased with the work I had put in over the summer.
It was only later that I noticed my confusion of pronouns.
So, without warning, and probably looking quite scattered, I had bounded up to this man and asked: "Can I help myself?"
The French are friendly.
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1 comment:
I can't breathe.
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