Fear and Hope

Let’s talk about fear and hope.  What are your fears as a non-French speaking traveler? What’s it like to be a non- French speaking tourist in France? Once upon a not too long ago time, I was that non-French speaking tourist. How did I survive?

I arrived with both fear and hope: fear that I would get lost and a hope that the frequent use of “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” and lots of “Merci” would help me cultivate an atmosphere of goodwill  that would carry me through any difficulties.

Eiffel Tower- circa 2005

Traveling in France Today

Today, I travel in France without giving language issues a second thought.  Being a non-French speaking tourist is a thing of the past but I’ve worked hard to get to that point.  And yes, there are plenty of times I just don’t understand even though I’ve asked the speaker to please slow down. Does it make me uncomfortable or fearful? If I’m honest the answer is sometimes, but that is more a reflection of my insecurities than anything else. However, nothing will keep me from exploring the country I have come to love.

Now to answer the question “Did being a non-French speaker ever make me fearful of travel?”    NO.    Do I travel in fear today – never. I have never felt unsafe anywhere in France. The friendly people and the beautiful vistas of the countryside are all things I love – everything from the tourist attractions to the day to day events such as outdoor markets. The question is, will I be fearful to travel after the events of November 13?

Eiffel Tower post November 13, 2015 (courtesy of iTELE)

After this past week’s events in Paris, so many friends have asked me if I will continue to travel to Paris and the answer is a resounding YES! I have friends who live in Paris and in other parts of France. They continue to live and work and enjoy life every day even after the horrible attacks of November 13.  (In fact, as of 1 July 2014,  64,982,894 live and love life in France. )  I can’t imagine cutting myself off from them.

Post 9-11

Post 9-11 in the US, I felt insecure and a bit afraid to even go out in my own garden and I live nowhere near the points of attack. I remember hearing so many times that if we allow ourselves to succumb to fear then the terrorists have won another battle. Minute by minute I worked hard to remember that while as a nation we healed from those attacks. And…. I am working hard today to remember that as I plan my next trip to France. I will not allow someone to steal my joy.

It is clear from the interviews that have been posted on the web that the French people know how important it is not to let this horrid event leave them in the oppression of fear. France will stand strong, I have no doubt. Compare the two photos of the Eiffel Tower.  Only the colored lights make the difference. They show the world a proud, strong France.

Video

I was so touched by the video of the small child whose dad was explaining about the hommes mechant (bad men) – such a precious innocent child. A message of hope is loud and clear.

This entire video is subtitled in English but I have set it to begin with this one particular interview. Fear and hope – a lesson for everyone. I invite you to watch the whole video. (Click on CC at the bottom of the video if you do not see the English subtitles on your screen and select “English”.)

Paris, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of healing. The world stands strong beside you. We will not let fear steal our hope for a bright tomorrow.