"When the body breaks down, it does not all go at once; it goes piece by piece." — Janine di Giovanni

In the aftermath of any war or genocide, healing and reconciliation are ultimate aspirations.

There is a romantic, often misguided, misconception among the British that life in France is akin to life in Paradise.

In America, people know there are always 10 people better than them who are after their job. In France, they know that too - but no one is going to get their job till they go to their grave.

It is a well known urban myth that the French don't trust banks and store their money under their mattress. It's not that they are tight with money - they just don't trust anyone.