"In the aftermath of any war or genocide, healing and reconciliation are ultimate aspirations." — Janine di Giovanni

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

When the body breaks down, it does not all go at once; it goes piece by piece.

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.