I take a Japanese conversation class once a week to keep the "skillz" sharp (yeahhhh right).  My classmates are amongst the most interesting people you'll ever meet - an Art Director for a advertising agency; a grandmother who wants to be able to speak to her grandchildren; an executive who is about to head to Osaka for 6 months, etc..  Me - I just like to talk and the more languages I can do it in, the better.

A few weeks ago, I was paid the best compliment I have ever received in my life.  I came into the first class a bit late & introduced myself in Japanese.  One of the European/Mediterranean gentlemen in the class gave me a big smile - not a flirty smile but a "knowing/understanding" smile.   After class, we were walking to the T & I found out he was French.  He said to me, "When you walked into class, you just looked so French.  So, I assumed you were French like me. Then, you started speaking English and your English was way too good for you to be from France." ha ha ha YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Merci Beaucoup, Ben-san!

Side note - I am currently reading "Stuff Parisians Like".  Apparently, Parisians like wearing black, going to the movies on Sunday, making lists, and crossing the street in a bold way.  So, I can totally see why Ben thought I was from France.