SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 128

for the latter.) Not all restaurants, however, have high chairs
( chaises hautes ). Museum cafés and other tourist venues are
generally child-friendly, as well.
Many casual restaurants have children's menus,
including the citywide chains of Chez Clément and the
ever-popular Hippopotamus. Try the sandwich chains
Pomme de Pain and Toastissimo, Léon de Bruxelles for
mussels (to be eaten with the fingers!) and excellent fried
potatoes, and La Criée for fish. Some restaurants offer
crayons to keep children occupied. The pizza chains offer
home delivery for neighbouring areas, and delivery and
takeaway are available from restaurants, ranging from
sushi to Indian cuisine. And of course, wherever you go,
there's always McDonald's.
TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH!
General Conditions
Medical and sanitary facilities in France often rate
among the highest in the world, and the city itself is kept
remarkably clean.
Water in Paris has been safe to drink (although the taste
varies) since the city spent 12 million francs on water
purification systems well more than a century ago. The
water, however, has a high mineral content of calcaire
(calcium and chalk), which is not unhealthy, but many
Parisians tend to drink bottled water such as Vittel, Volvic
or Evian, or slightly fizzy water such as Badoit or any of the
inexpensive brands found in groceries. Currently the Brita
water filter is popular. The pitcher and filters are widely
available, with one replacement filter designed for water
rich in calcaire .
Before You Leave Home
While packing, be sure to include all important medications
in your carry-on case, as checked luggage occasionally
goes astray. If medication includes syringes or other items
that might be questioned, carry with you some proof of
their need. To avoid needless questions, make sure that
all medicines sur ordonnance (by prescription) are in their