Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nomy may be one of the world's largest, the French remain skeptical about the virtues of
capitalism and the work ethic. Business conversation is generally avoided, as it implies a
fascination with money that the French find vulgar. (It's considered gauche even to ask
what someone does for a living.) In France, CEOs are not glorified as celebrities—chefs
are.
The French believe that the economy should support social good, not vice versa.
This has produced a cradle-to-grave social security system of which the French are proud.
France's poverty rate is half of that in the US, proof to the French that they are on the
right track. On the other hand, if you're considering starting a business in France, think
again—taxes are formidable (figure a total small-business tax rate of around 66 percent)
andlikelytoincrease.Frenchvotersarenotoriousfortheirbeliefinthefreemarket'sheart-
less cruelty, and they tend to see globalization as a threat rather than a potential benefit.
France is routinely plagued with strikes, demonstrations, and slow-downs as workers try
to preserve their hard-earned rights in the face of a competitive global economy.
Typical Castle Architecture
Castles were fortified residences for medieval nobles. Castles come in all shapes
and sizes, but knowing a few general terms will help you understand them.
The Keep (or Donjon):
A high, strong stone tower in the center of the castle com-
plex that was the lord's home and refuge of last resort.
Great Hall:
The largest room in the castle, serving as throne room, conference cen-
ter, and dining hall.
The Yard (or Bailey or Ward):
An open courtyard inside the castle walls.
Loopholes:
Narrow slits in the walls (also called embrasures, arrow slits, or arrow
loops) through which soldiers could shoot arrows at the enemy.
Towers:
Tallstructuresservingaslookouts,chapels,livingquarters,orthedungeon.
Towers could be square or round, with either crenellated tops or conical roofs.
Turret:
A small lookout tower projecting up from the top of the wall.
Moat:
A ditch encircling the wall, often filled with water.
Motte-and-Bailey:
Atraditional formforearlyEnglishcastles,withasmallforton
top of a hill (motte) next to an enclosed and fortified yard (bailey).
Wall Walk (or Allure):
A pathway atop the wall where guards could patrol and
where soldiers stood to fire at the enemy.
