Thank you!

Clotilde Dusoulier: That's a great question, as the language barrier can sometimes get the relationship off to a faulty start.

Try to find a bit of time before you leave to learn a few words and phrases; it's the best investment you can make to prepare for your trip.

Of course, no one is saying that all visitors should speak French fluently; the idea is simply to show that you're making an effort. And regardless of your language skills, you should always address a French person in French first, and never assume that they speak or even understand English.

There is no magic trick, really: say "Bonjour" ("Bonsoir" in the evening), smile, and politely ask, "Parlez-vous anglais?" If they do switch to English, thank them, show that you're grateful for their efforts, and speak slowly (but not louder) to make yourself understood. And if they don't speak English, well, keep smiling, and try to communicate with gestures and what little each of you knows of the other's language.

Also, there are several food-oriented dictionaries out there that will help you decipher menu offerings.

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Greensboro NC: Sugguestions for a good Thai and or Vietnamese restaurants in Paris

Clotilde Dusoulier: For Thai cuisine, I like to go to Krung Thep (93 rue Julien Lacroix in the 20th; +33 1 43 66 83 74) and for Vietnamese cuisine to Dan Bau (18 rue des Trois Frères in the 18th; +33 1 42 62 45 59).

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Studio City, CA: What's the best area to stay in for a month if you want to live like a local? Like you, I just want to meander, shop, eat, people watch, write and maybe visit a few museums. I plan on attending the French Open and travel to Cannes next year. Thanks.

Clotilde Dusoulier: I suggest you pick a place that's close to a good food shopping street, such as rue Montorgueil in the 1st, rue Cler in the 7th, rue des Martyrs in the 9th, rue de Levis or rue Poncelet in the 17th, or rue des Abbesses in the 18th.

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Andover, NH: I will be traveling as a single woman to Paris in October/November for several days. I will be staying in the Rue Cler area and know that there's a great french market nearby.

Can you recommend some dinner options that won't break the bank, will give me the feel for being in Paris and not with 100 other Americans and is a train ride or walk away?

Thank you.