There is nothing like a comfortable adventure to put people in a good humor. . .

The English kill their meat twice: once when they slaughter it and once when they cook it.

No matter what their background, the southern French are fascinated by food.

You don't like it when a French housewife gets mad at you. If she gets steam behind her, she is an unstoppable creature.

Best advice I've ever received: Finish.

Sunglasses must be kept on until an acquaintance is identified at one of the tables, but one must not appear to be looking for company. Instead, the impression should be that one is heading into the cafe to make a phone call to one's titled Italian admirer, when--quelle surprise!--one sees a friend. The sunglasses can then be removed and the hair tossed while one is persuaded to sit down.

I have a very set routine. I work six days a week, but only half days. I work from 9 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon, without any interruptions, a fair slug.