Subject: Re: Pointing in Paris
Greetings!

The no-pointing rule is a new one to me. Perhaps I've been insulting my butcher for the past 4 1/2 years!

'No coffee with your meal' is well established. And after the meal, you should order only "un cafe" (a shot of espresso) or "une noisette", (a shot of espresso with a little milk added).

And when you say "bonjour" or "bonsoir" to someone, best to add "monsieur" or "madame" as appropriate. And even if you know the person's last name don't used it. So, say "bonjour, monsieur", or "bonsoir, madame".

I've found the most important single word in the French lnguage is "pardon". I must say it a dozen times a day (when getting through a group of people to get off the Metro, for example.) And to show how really polite you are, when you deal with a shop clerk or the hotel desk clerk etc. one says "Excusez-moi de vous deranger". (Excuse me for disturbing you). You are more likely to get a smile that way.

Bons voyages! Evan in Paris