Although France likes to think itself as a modern country, air conditioning is little used and it is next to impossible to get Mexican food. One continuing exasperation for American visitors is that people willfully persist in speaking French, though many will speak English if shouted at. The French people are in general gloomy, temperamental, proud, arrogant, aloof, and undisciplined. And these are some of their good points. Most French citizens are Roman Catholics, but you would hardly guess it from their behavior.
Many people are communists and topless sunbathing is common.
Men sometimes have girls' names like Jean and Marie, and they kiss each other when they hand out medals. American travelers are advised to travel in groups and to wear baseball caps and colorful trousers for easier mutual recognition. In general, France is a safe destination, though travelers are advised that, from time to time, it is invaded by Germany. By tradition the French surrender more or less at once and, apart from a temporary shortage of Scotch whiskey and increased difficulty getting the baseball scores and stock market prices, life for the visitor generally goes on much as before. A tunnel connecting France to Great Britain beneath The English Channel has been opened in recent years to make it easier for the government to flee to England.