What Not to Do in Paris (Part 2)
In earlier bulletins there was a great deal of interest in the list of the top 10 things NOT to do in Paris, in the area of etiquette and cultural  norms. The original list, published on Smarter Travel.com, advised on the subjects of dressing down, ignoring shopkeepers, keeping hands under the table, starting conversations in English, putting bread on your plate, touching produce in markets, asking for a to-go bag, making rookie menu mistakes, neglecting to pro-actively request the check, and hugging. We asked our staff and readers to expand on a few key points missing from the original list. Click here to see the "part 2" summary of etiquette tips and the reasons for them. Merci to staff members Francine, Nathalie and Pascaline for sharing these "insider" insights.
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Portland Waiters Race Coming Soon
One of the most popular highlights of Portland's Bastille Day festival is the Portland Waiters Race. Look for this year's race on Saturday, June  12, 2014 at 2pm in Director Park in downtown Portland. Waiters from throughout the city will compete for $1000 in cash prizes plus amazing prizes provided by the race sponsor, Nestlé Waters USA (Perrier). The race involves a couple easy laps around the park (not running, but speed-walking). There are two divisions (men's and women's) and three winners in each division. Waiters are encouraged to sign up online. Feel free to forward or share the link with a favorite waiter! Click here for the race description and here for the online signup for waiters.
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French Immersion (And More) This Summer
The Alliance brings its popular total immersion classes to Portland this summer with the "French on the Willamette" p rogram. Currently underway is the first weeklong intensive immersion class for intermediate students, from 9-5 daily, Monday through Friday. The group spends 6 hours in class each day (with four different teachers) plus 2 hours in meal-time conversation (served at the Kamm House). No English at all! To find out about this and other weeklong and weekend immersion this summer, click here. Remember too that the standard summer term of 10-week classes at all levels begins the week of June 23 - it's not too late to register!
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Member Ads, Free Desk & Event Openings
Free desk: White Dania desk  (24" deep by 5' wide) is free to a good home. Is sturdy but shows wear; tidy up or use in a garage. Seeking Portland Friends: Portland-based A lliance member Vona da Silva welcomes her two French grandchildren, a boy and a girl, ages 11 and 13 respectively, to Portland from June 23 through July 30. The visitors, from Paris, will enjoy a number of planned activities in our city, some of which would be fun for other children to join in (for example, a birthday party at Oaks Park!). Families with children of the same age, wishing to enrich their summer experience by meeting the French visitors, are welcome to connect with Vona by phone at 503.380.0255. Event Updates: Remember that the Chamber Music Northwest is opening their 44th summer festival with three concerts of composers Debussy, Chausson, Saint-Saëns and Franck. Visit www.cmnw.org for details. Note that the 30 free tickets to the June 26 concert have been distributed. Moving now to the Tuileries exhibit at Portland Art Museum, a couple of spots have just opened up for the June 22 private group tour in French. Click here. Note that the July 20 tour is still sold out.
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Now enrolling for Summer Term, Summer Camps and Immersion Programs.
Conversation
Groups
Some are hosted by Alliance staff, board members or other volunteers. Drop-ins welcome; membership is encouraged but not required.
NW or Central PDX
St Honoré on NW Thurman on
Wed., 6pm, June 18
C'est Si Bon on NE 7th on Tuesdays @ 6pm
SE Portland
At St Honoré on SE Division, Monday, July 7, at 6pm.
At Chez Machin, Mon., July 14, at 7p.m.
At Vie de Bohème weekly on Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m.
Vancouver
At Gustav's in Vancouver, Tues., July 1 at 5:30 p.m.
In-Kind Sponsors
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