When we went to the Perigord (some refer to the Dordogne) in France to spend the month of June '07, we knew that there are many English who live there permanently, as well as many who spend the summers in this area of France. I recall reading that there are some 70,000 English in the region. Because of the history of wars and confrontation between England and France, and the two countries' national pastime of recounting mordant jokes at the expense of each other, I expected to encounter animosity between the two nationalities--not usually comfortable for the bystander. We were pleasantly surprised. The resident French had a very benevolent attitude and made kind remarks about the English of the Perigord, and the English we observed there were quiet and obviously made it a point to adopt the norms of French courtesy, including the rituals of greeting and leavetaking. Contrary to what is seen in the Caribbean and in South America as English arrogance and "colonial" style condescension, the English of the Perigord make a great effort to speak the language and respect local custom. Many assimilate well into French life and simply disappear into the social landscape.We saw English with booths at the Friday fair in Riberac selling various and sundry items and integrated into French life. This amiable relationship was just one more welcome and pleasant aspect of our Perigordian experience!
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