Military Service

On this cruise, I was assigned to a table with a suave older French gentleman in the dress uniform of the Foreign Legion. The first nite out, this fellow rose as I began to sit down at the table, bowed slightly and said "Bon appetit".

I sort-of came to a position of what could best be called the military version of attention, and said, "Jimmy Moore", thinking he was introducing himself to me.

The next morning at breakfast, the exact same ceremony was again repeated. Well, not being familiar with French customs, I sought out a friend of mine, also on board and described the incidents to her.

She said, "You big dummy! 'Bon appetit' isn't the guy's name; he's wishing you have a pleasant meal by saying 'good appetite'".

Well, needless to say, I felt pretty embarrassed, as well as quite the country bumpkin. So, I arrived early for lunch. As soon as I saw him nearing the table, I leaped up, bowed as gracefully as I knew how, and said "Bon appetit".

The Frenchman quickly clicked his heels together, came to full attention, saluted smartly and said, "Jimmy Moore."