Shelley Wintle says: “I live in Italy and have just spent a fortnight in England. The waiters and waitresses had no idea what they were doing, got dishes and prices wrong, and were just totally incompetent. Also, they used language I couldn’t comprehend.
“But my worst experience, which occurred years ago in a Chichester pub, was when I asked the waiter to remove the chips from my dish of scampi as I had specifically requested peas only. To my absolute horror, he took my unopened napkin, scooped the chips off my plate with both hands, wrapped them in the napkin and walked off. Unbelievable!”
Meanwhile, Chilli Picazo argues: “After over 20 years living in Spain, I agree that waiting or serving is considered a profession on the Continent and offers a career and the kind of wage upon which someone can actually live. Then again, I have never been treated so rudely as in restaurants in Paris by said waiters!”
Supermarkets and pets
Robert Williams shares: “I had a holiday home in the Lot after I retired, and enjoyed my holidays there. However, there are many annoyances as well as joys. Many shops and supermarkets close for the obligatory two hours at lunchtime.
“Many items are only on sale at certain times of the year, when they are in abundance. The same items can be bought in the UK throughout the year.
“However, there are also so many good things that balance out. Pets are welcomed almost everywhere. Our local Leclerc supermarket had ‘chariots pour animaux’. I could take my cocker spaniel shopping without leaving him in the sweltering heat in the car. You merely left your driving licence at reception in return for a special animal trolley. This ensured the trolley was returned after shopping.”
Cultural conundrums
Karin Culligan notes: “For many years, I was told Parisians were snobs and would look down their noses at English people who could not speak their language. I can honestly say that statement was utter rubbish and wrong. I have fond memories of going to Paris.
“The French people can be fiery, and the British are stiff upper lip. However, my ‘mantra’ is if we are all willing to try even if there is a language barrier which I have come across on many occasions when we are abroad you soon make friends, especially with the French. You then find out we have so much in common, and they are all as friendly too!”
Samuel Jefferson explains: “I live in southern France and, in my experience, the children and teenagers are much more respectful than their English counterparts, and people are more likely to say hello to you in the street.