#2647 - 02/12/03 03:06 AM
Re: Moorea Beachcomber and Nonsmoking room
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Eva
Junior Member
Registered: 07/28/05
Posts: 0
Loc: Canada
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As a recent ex-smoker I have been reading this thread trying (and failing) to keep out of it. However, I have to point out that while I don't know how the locals will react with an American demanding that someone stop smoking, I can tell you that it is more the French that they should worry about. And, believe me, there is no "ugly American" who can be as offensive as a Parisian who is TRYING to be offensive when faced with american demands. No contest. In the interests of peace in Paradise and avoiding getting your blood pressure up, may I suggest that if someone is bothered by a smoker and cannot change tables etc. they ask the smoker nicely and in an understanding manner to either refrain or blow their smoke the other way, explaining that they are allergic etc? Self-righteous demands that a smoker stop in a place where it is allowed is only going to lead to an unpleasant scene and even more smoke blown your way!
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#2648 - 02/12/03 09:05 AM
Re: Moorea Beachcomber and Nonsmoking room
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Kiki
Member
Registered: 05/05/02
Posts: 140
Loc: Santa Maria, Ca. U.S.A.
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Like Eva, I've been following this thread and trying to keep my mouth shut. Having two non-smokers debate peoples rights and common decency is very interesting but one-sided. I am a smoker and am very aware that some people find it uncomfortable. I try to stay very alert to the folks around me to make sure no one is offended. I have never been "requested" to stop smoking... it was demanded, accompanied by various insults and rude behavior. We seem to have a kick-butt, in-your-face attitude here in the U.S. and it just doesn't work in F.P. Whether it's smoking or bad service or a reservation mix-up, I've seen too many Americans handle situations with this attitude. They end up with a miserable trip. Frankly, I find someone barreling down the freeway in their SUV with a latte' in one hand and a cell phone in the other much more life threatening than a few wisps of smoke in the trade winds of F.P. Peggy, have a glorius time on your honeymoon and best of luck to you!!
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#2649 - 02/12/03 08:35 PM
Re: Moorea Beachcomber and Nonsmoking room
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Submarine
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/03/03
Posts: 1032
Loc: Gilbert, Arizona, USA
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No one needs to hold back, just jump in with your two cents.
It's better to argue about it here than in FP.
Good point Eva about trying to ask nicely, but as Americans I think we are at a disadvantage because of our global reputation and it probably won't go over as well as you may hope. I found the french people I met in FP to be very nice and pleasant, not at all like the 'rude french' rep that gets thrown around.
You are right, Kiki, about how a smoker gets asked 'nicely' in most situations, and that is unfortunate. A little more courtesy on both sides would go a long way. No one needs to be blowing smoke in anyones face on purpose, and maybe since there aren't separate sections in FP, a smoker should seek out a table downwind just as a non-smoker should find one in the opposite direction. Not too difficult.
An interesting side note: I read in the paper today that France was increasing penalties to stores selling cigarettes to minors and forbidding the handing out of free cigarettes to minors. It also said they were going to increase education about the dangers of smoking in schools. So maybe they are 'catching up' in France and the next generation of French tourists will be non-smokers. So all the fervent anti-smokers in the crowd just have a little patience and maybe FP will be even more of a paradise for you in the future.
I hope everyone has such a good time in FP that they forget to be annoyed by smokers or non-smokers.
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#2650 - 02/14/03 07:48 PM
Re: Moorea Beachcomber and Nonsmoking room
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Honey, if you don't like to breathe bad things, why do you live in CA? Better move quick. Plus the recently proven fact that second hand smoke is less dangerious than living in California, as well as many other things. IF and ONLY IF the room SMELLS, that's not dangerous, just annoying. The thing you need to do is get on with more important things, like your life. Don't like Smoke? Don't go where people are CURRENTLY smoking. After the smoke's gone, there's no health risk. Just the smell..
JADY..MD. PHD (Smoker and Scientist)
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