It's disorienting to be in a place where the signs are in a language you don't speak and there are no English translations. I wandered around Montreal today like a drunken sailor clueless of his bearings. On the plus side, the city has an excellent subway system that's clean, cheap and goes everywhere. Names of Metro stations are unpronounceable but a simple graphic diagram helps you find your destination.
Residents speak French and greet you with "Bon jour!" As soon as you say "hello," they switch seamlessly to English. I never detected any negative attitude toward English-speakers (which I heard reports about in Paris).
Montreal is as close to a European travel-experience as you're going to get in North America. And that exotic-ness is its appeal. A part of the city called "Old Montreal" is impressive with classic architecture and cobblestone streets. Fortunately the city is awash with chic cafes, scores of art galleries and even a Fluevog store so I'm having endless fun exploring. I just hope my obliviousness isn't too obvious. :-)
See you at 5 pm tonight Ally. In front of City Hall
ReplyDeleteYup!
DeleteDid you know that they have a language police in Quebec? Yep. They go around making sure that all of the signs are in French. You can have English as well but it needs to be smaller than the French.
ReplyDeleteI thought that most of the signs were in both languages in Montreal but it's been a few years since I was there. Montreal is very bilingual compared to the rest of the province.
I'd say that Quebecers are friendly to people that they know are from anywhere BUT France or english speaking Canada.
I only had one negative experience when living in France with regards to the language whereas in Quebec it was daily.
It's a wonderful place to visit but I'm really happy I no longer live there.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thanks for your perspective and experience, buddy. I travel to learn and those who have greater knowledge (like you) give me a head-start in that direction.
DeleteWatching Quebecers, they seem to grasp quickly if an English-speaker is American or Canadian. My accent -- and haughty arrogance -- probably give me away on that point. :-)
I felt like that about Greece when I went there last Summer. The signs are all in a different script!
ReplyDeleteYou'll never get attitude (either in Quebec or Paris) if you try to speak their language first. It's the attempt they appreciate!
ReplyDeleteFor the full experience you should have extended your trip and gone a bit north to the beautiful city of Quebec
ReplyDeleteI plan to return to the area. My short trips now are merely scouting expeditions for future adventure.
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