Gone fishin’

Before traveling anywhere, the closing times of shops and banks there and the days on which they will be open or closed should be learned.

I try to go to Paris often. In France, they have a 35-hour workweek that must be adhered to, so you will not find gas stations open every day. Mondays are often a regular closing day, but it may not be the only day an establishment is closed, and that day may vary from week to week.

Most schools in France have a four-day week, with Wednesday being a half-day or taken off completely. Some shops may be closed on Wednesday so that parents can be with their children.

It is a traveler’s responsibility to learn the customs of the countries he or she is visiting.

JOAN N. GRACE

Asheville, NC