What we sound like to the French:

Part 1. Pia, the glamorous and beautiful proprietor of the wine cellar cum vacation rental we are staying in this week gave us a painful insight into what we sound like to the French. She pulled out the kitchen fan and asked Andrew how to say the word in English. He said, “Fan” She said oh, “FAAAAAAN” making that ah sound as harsh and unattractive as possible. Say “fan” to yourself using your nose and you might get the idea.

Part 2. I watched this video 3 times before realizing that she is speaking in English for the chorus. I think I sound like that to French people when I try to say any words in French. It is no wonder they never understand a word I am saying.

I have learned 2 things about this:

1. The places where they tease me for my bad French and answer in exasperatingly ugly English (ie. Aix en Provence) are too touristy for me.

2. The places where they hear me talk to Andrew and then ask if we are German (Vietnamese restaurant in Marseille) are probably not quiet touristy enough for me.