Funny somewhat related true story.
Many, many years ago after my divorce, I decided to send some time in Tahiti. I had no formal education in the French language. But spent considerable effort with tapes and phrase books.
I arrived in Papeete and managed to get to my hotel, check in, reserve a car… all in my fractured French.
I had always been told by other friends who had spent time there how friendly and gregarious the Tahitian people are. Well nobody was overtly rude to me. But, cold distant and minimized any interaction with me.
I think it was the third day. I was in the hotel restaurant about to order breakfast. The same adorably cute but distant girl came to take my order as the previous days.
I looked over the menu and wanted something a little different. I looked at the girl as said in English “Sorry, I don’t know how to say this in French. But, I would like”
She took two steps back. Eyes big a saucers and exclaimed “you’re not French!”
No, American.
“But, you’ve speaking French. Everyone thinks you’re French!”
I think the entire island knew I wasn’t French by lunchtime. Women became flirtatious, men at the docks were inviting me out fishing, shop keepers were suddenly friendly and helpful.
Apparently, they really don’t like the French. Turned into the vacation of a lifetime.
