You can read all three stories by expanding the blog article. Or you can read these and more in the original BBC news article by clicking on this link.
The Soldier Who Overslept
My father once returned from a trip to France complaining bitterly that the French had just laughed at him when he had tried to ask for directions to the railway station. A few probing questions revealed that he had not asked for la gare at all - he had asked for la guerre (the war) - and the locals were simply hysterical at the idea of this white-haired, would-be combatant showing up for duty 65 years too late.
"No thanks, I'm just watching. :)"
In English, looking and watching are two different things. In French, one word - regarder - will cover you for both. My American friend Janet, on holiday in Montana with her French husband Eddy, suggested he wandered around the shops while she tried on her zillionth pair of shoes. After a few minutes spent in a bed linen store he was a approached by the female assistant who asked him if he needed any help. "No thanks, I am just watching," he smiled, and was puzzled as she backed off slowly, desperately fumbling for her phone.
What Women Want
Madame de Gaulle was said to have been lunching with the American ambassador at the time of her husband's retirement when she was asked what she was most looking forward to in the years ahead. She thought for a moment before announcing boldly: "A penis". A startled hush fell over the table until the former president leant over and said: "My dear, I think it's pronounced 'happiness'."
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