Things I have overheard Americans say in Paris

• Woman outside the Notre Dame, peevish: “These TREES weren’t in the way last time.”
• Man in backpacker garb to silent girlfriend: “I mean, if I worked on the top floor in a big building, I’d have a parachute. You have to be prepared for anything.”
• Woman in supermarket to other woman, uncertainly: “I think I’m going to try some of this French pasta.”