I once stopped at a Tourist Office in a small French Town during a tour for directions. I assumed they would speak some English. On enquiring I was told very curtly by the woman in charge "Monsieur, In France you must speak French!" I then changed to my very bad French which she just about found acceptable. I wonder, do they think everybody travelling Europe must learn every language in order to tour?
I think you got a particularly stroppy one, but it is true that generally French people like you to at least try to speak French.Is it so different in the Uk if a French visitor asked directions only in French l wonder?
In the street or cafe I would, but I just thought a Tourist Office would be different. Actually I found more English language speakers correcting my French in McDonalds than anywhere else. I think the UK is nothing like France in this respect. We are much less likely to come across different European languages in everyday life, although, yes, that is changing. How often do you listen to French music or watch French films? Europeans are much more likely to be exposed to the English langauge throughout their life.
Thats true l guess, after all English is the "lingua franca" in many countries so we get used to being understood when speaking our language to people from other European countries.
True but is it all flash but no action ?
Do yourself a favour and opt for either Suntour Superbe or Superbe Pro kit. The derailleurs are marvellous ... three different models (Front and rear) through the 80s/early 90s. The hubs run sealed bearings and roll close to forever. Brakes (the latest models had concealed springs) and early pedals were made by Dia Compe if I recall proper. Later pedals - again sealed bearings - had removable cages. Terrific stuff .... biased?? Moi??? SR took Suntour over in the 90s and, whatever you do, don't be fooled by SR Suntour Superbe labelled stuff. It's not.
