Mate, you are not exagerating in the slightest­... If I ever have an aneurism, I'm sure it will be traced back to France. I blew a fuse myself in Gare-du-Nord in July 08... even though: 1) I speak and read the darned language (I'm French-Canadian born and raised in Quebec - one could say I'm fluent) 2) I'm rather travel-savvy: 2 years living in London, England - think Heathrow about twice a month - AND a round-the-world trip which took me through China and LAX... Enjoy the beer buzz, and avoid any part of Paris AT ALL COSTS!!!!! Cheers! Chantale