Costa Coffee

I have had the wonderful fortune of being able to visit Paris twice in the last few years and for a city that didn’t even make it to my top 20 places to visit in my lifetime, it is an incredible metropolis that you should really consider passing through, at least for a week. The culture and history are amazing (which are givens) but what will totally knock you off your feet is the food. People will tell you that but it will still shock you when you put a pastry or a bite of a galette (of the sort from the Brittany region) in your mouth.
Okay, all of that is to say that while there are great things to experience in Paris, you will find that service is not exactly what one would call friendly or hospitable. I get it, I’m an American and Yanks are entitled and pompous. I totally understand that and I know that no matter how much I jump up and down, shouting to you that I’m not that way (especially since I’m the child of immigrant parents of an extremely humble background), you will remain skeptical. That’s okay.
I have come to understand that Parisians are not what we here in the States would consider exactly «warm.» But I accept the cultural difference and am more than happy when I can have a cordial exchange with business owners/​managers and their employees. I don’t speak French, but I learned the obligatory «Parlez-​vous anglais?» in deference to the country’s official language. I heard the cashier speak English to the customer in front of me but when it was my turn, both she and the manager on shift looked at me blankly so I politely (and timidly) asked my question. The man acted indifferently and said flatly, «A little.» So I ordered my cappuccino, feeling embarrassed. I paid and left.
I understand that Parisians are tired of Americans and their expectation that everyone speaks English (I have witnessed this and know it to be generally true) but when your customer tries to communicate with you and your place of business is in an international airport (8^th busiest in the world in passenger traffic, at that), you would think you could be a bit more understanding.
I won’t change the world or this place with my review, but there you have my two cents. Oh, and the cappuccino was quite good.