They are smiling inside, I just know it.

Today was our first rather spring-like day, with temps in the low 60s and radiant sunshine. The Parisians were out in force, squinting into the sunlight after a cold, dark winter. Most were still dressed in their heavy coats, as if they could not quite bring themselves to believe that printemps might be right around the corner. If we were in the States, the smiles would be competing with the brilliance of the sun on a day like this. But not here. More proof that the French just don't use the smile to express pleasure or happiness the way we expect. There did seem to be joviality in the air, and I swear I detected an extra spring in the step of les gens on the the street, but les visages were the same as if they were discussing a business brief. But on the inside, the smiles are there. I just know it.