“Insert Laugh Track Here:” A Cross-Cultural Conversation on Visiting France

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of visiting France, or felt it was something too foreign and too out of reach?    In this episode, I speak with Carol Kieffer and Randy Gaulke, two experienced residents and tourists of France. Carol, author of “Living and Working in France: Thriving through Understanding” and cross-cultural training coach, and Randy, seasoned tourist of the Meuse-Argonne region of France and battlefield tour leader, come on the show to strip away some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings many Americans may have about France and visiting it.    What follows is a nearly hour-long conversation where we discuss traveling through France, proper social etiquette, what to expect from French restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, how to prepare, and how to set yourself up to make the most of your experience. We even bring up squat toilets...really, it’s worth the listen.   Ultimate credit for the realization of this podcast goes to Mrs. Laurie Gaulke, whose connections created the conditions that allowed everyone to come together. Thank you so much!   Links to Carol Kieffer and her book, “Living and Working in France: Thriving through Understanding”   amazon.com/author/carolkieffer    For cross-cultural coaching contact Carol at [email protected]   Carol is on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carol-kieffer-trainer/   For Randy Gaulke’s excellent website on the Meuse-Argonne   https://meuse-argonne.com, and his new tour company website, https://kneedeepintohistory.com.   For an overview of Randy’s travel tips: http://meuse-argonne.com/?page_id=278   “La Vie en France” blog entries: http://meuse-argonne.com/?cat=275   Mike and Rob Laplander are also offering WW1 battlefield tours through Lost Battalion Tours.    Contact us with any questions! [email protected]   Any questions, comments or concerns please contact me through the website, www.firstworldwarpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter at @WW1podcast, the Battles of the First World War Podcast page on FaceBook, and on Instagram at @WW1battlecast. Not into social media? Email me directly at [email protected]. Please consider reviewing the Battles of the First World War Podcast on iTunes.