Gesticulation is the universal language.

In French class, there was one section on food. It was probably the most important chapter ever written. Here we learned how to ask for a container, a slice, a wedge a morcel a piece, a tube and a box. We learned that in Paris, you get a tube of mayonnaise and a box of milk. (Somewhat disconcerting. Like going to a place where you nod for no and shake your head for yes. It makes your brain hurt. Go ahead, try it.)

I try to prepare for my adventures out (quick consultation with relevant vocab before I head somewhere). But here’s the thing when buying cheese, sign language is really the best way to communicate. Even in the U.S. where I have an excellent grasp of the language, I make a little wedge shape with my hands to indicate how much cheese I want. I might throw in “I want this much,” but the communication is all in the hands.

And that is universal.

(I did throw in a comme ça, merci for good measure.)