Glowing praise for City of Light

Regarding the Dec. 15 Her World column, “To Enjoy France, say Au Revoir to Those American Stereotypes”: I recently returned from a whirlwind five-day trip to Paris. Though I had visited Mont Saint Michel a few years ago with only positive memories, I was intimidated by the idea of going to Paris because I had always heard Americans were looked at with disdain.

But my experience in Paris was very favorable.

I found Parisians quick to offer help and to listen to my broken French, although they often seemed to prefer speaking to me in English rather than trying to decipher my French. They responded warmly to my “bonjours” and “mercis.”

My girlfriend and I had an encounter with two young men who tried to pickpocket my backpack. Another young man screamed at them to scare them away, then inquired about our safety and warned us to be vigilant.

I would go again in a flash.

Sharon Flores

Murrieta