Pre-departure preparation, the Polly Platt way

Polly Platt's books on French culture, language, and quirks (French or Foe? and Savoir-Flair) are filled with interesting tidbits, random facts, and fantastic advice for those of us who weren't raised in the shadow of la Tour Eiffel. Here are some of my favorites.

1. The magic words aren't abra cadabra, they're Excusez-moi de vous déranger, Monsieur, mais... (I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but...) No matter what reputation the French may have for being unapproachable and rude, those words will warm even the most glacial of icy hearts.

2. Be specific when ordering coffee. Un café is a small cup of black coffee. Add noisette to the end if you want milk. Add crème to get a cup (with milk) that's twice as large and three times as expensive. A safe middle-of-the-road request seems to be un petit crème, which will be larger than un café but smaller and cheaper than un café crème, and will include milk.

3. You don't need to be on time. Ten or fifteen minutes late is apparently the norm.

4. But you do need to engage in conversation--lots of it. A dinner party beginning at 8 PM might go until 12:30 AM or later.

5. The French are famous for their customary cheek-kiss greeting. Start with right cheek/right cheek, then go to the left. In Paris, only do two; four is considered plouc (hick) and is associated with the provinces. (Yes, really.)