Always say, “Bonjour.”
One of the most important pieces of advice I have gotten about traveling in France is: “Always say bonjour.” And it’s true. Bonjour could be the most important word in French (I’m not the only one to say this. I Googled it.) Every time you walk into a store or a restaurant or put your groceries on the checkout counter, say “Bonjour.” It isn’t just about saying hello. It’s about showing respect and opening a conversation.
Americans, especially those who of us who live in cities, find this difficult to remember. We Americans mostly just walk into a store and start looking or taking. Shopkeepers or sales clerks don’t expect to be greeted.
When I’m in France sometimes I still forget to say bonjour and then try to make up for it as quickly as possible. That’s not as bad as the many Americans who don’t even try at all. I admit I cringe every time I hear one of my compatriots in France start speaking English right away. Don’t do it! Just say Bonjour!
It is magic. My bonjour elicits a bonjour from the vendor or waiter. Sometimes if I say it with a pretty good French accent (admittedly easier when just saying one word), they may continue to speak to me in French. I’m always thrilled when I understand. The longer I study French, the more my confidence grows and the longer my conversations grow.
And if you don’t speak any more French than bonjour, people will appreciate your effort before switching to English for you.
Bonjour is especially important in small villages like Collioure where I just spent a magical week.
Collioure, France
Who wouldn’t love strolling the streets of one of the prettiest villages in France overlooking the Mediterranean? Who wouldn’t love to make a beady bracelet like a girl at her first sleep-over? Swimming in the Mediterranean? I would. And I did.
I just got back from the Come to Your Senses Writing Retreat hosted by the incomparable Karen Karbo along with wonderful co-teacher Natalie Serber and guest writer Chelsea Cain. This terrific trio inspired me to scribble and type away on my novel-in-progress.
Along with great writing advice and a group of wonderful fellow participants, there was the delicious food prepared for the group every day by Helen and Kristen. (I’m ashamed I never learned their last names. Next time!)
And the best hand-holder, luggage-carrier, activity-director, and lunch-pail-deliverer who Karen refers to as The Man of the House. Lunch every day in a beach pail? Yes, please.
Le Village
Collioure was named France’s Le Village Préféré in 2024. Walking the narrow streets among colorful buildings it’s easy to see why.
Fun and inspiration from Chelsea Cain.
Make a bracelet and add a word to remind you of this week. La mer is never far away in Collioure. Maybe this bracelet will become a part of my writing ritual.
What a wonderful way to end the summer. Now I’m back in Paris to continue my bonjour practice.
Writing News
I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of Alyson Shelton’s Where I’m From Poem project inspired by George Ella Lyon. Alyson provided sentence starters for each writer to write a poem. I was especially delighted to participate since I used this same prompt many times with my own middle school students. After submitting my poem, I shared it with Alyson on Instagram Live.
Alyson now has 204 poems - and counting. She has also created the Where I’m From podcast to showcase all the wonderful poems created for this project.
My poem is #30 on her list. Scroll down to listen to my conversation with Alyson as I read my poem.
P.S. Natalie Serber’s poem is #71.
Check it out!
Book Recommendation
Of course one of the best things about going to writing retreats is meeting writers. Last week I met Eva Lesko Natiello, the author of The Memory Box.
I am not normally a reader of thrillers, but I had to check out Eva’s book - just to see what she had to say.
I couldn’t put it down. I started read it on the train back to Paris and then stayed up late last night to finish it.
Buy it HERE.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given about being polite? How are you transitioning into autumn? I’d love to hear from you.