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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think this is fucking crazy

436 replies

itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:46

We’re en route to a holiday rental in France. I wasn’t sure if the pool was shared or not between other guests so emailed the owner to ask. This is his reply - which I put in to google translate
Could you tell me if sharing the swimming pool with us who occupy the ground floor bothers you and for what reason? Recently we refused the rental because the wife and the two young daughters were veiled; are you english or muslim? We do not want you to make the trip and see yourself refused access to our property for reasons of displaying religious beliefs which are very resented by the neighborhood.

Fuck Fuck Fuck
What the hell do I do?
I am not a Muslim.
I am also not a racist.

OP posts:
ButtSurgery · 13/08/2024 15:53

Remember that in France it's illegal to wear the hijab ("veiled") in public. Same for wearing "burkini" swimwear.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/france-hijab-bans-olympic-and-paralympic/#:~:text=In%20France%2C%20the%20prohibition%20on,both%20professional%20and%20amateur%20levels.

Google translate probably misses a lot of the proper translation (tone, nuance etc).

Can you post the original here for those who speak the language?

EllieLeo · 13/08/2024 15:53

I find it very easy to believe this is true. France has a very chequered history with religious head/face coverings - you can read up on it easily.

Their attitude is not uncommon in parts of France hence them being so free with expressing it - I would not be giving them my custom knowing they hold these views but understand you’re in a tight spot as on your way there.

Original poster
itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:53

Oh!!! I had forgotten this.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 13/08/2024 15:53

Get to the rental, forget about the email, and enjoy your holiday.

iamtheblcksheep · 13/08/2024 15:52

I would still go. I’m not white but I’m not veiled either. I’d smother him with kindness in fluent French. Sometimes it’s better to educate than storm off in a huff.

France is very different to the UK. Isn’t the burka banned in France? If you don’t go remember it’s his circus and you can’t demand your money back.

Also google translate is literal. You may find the tone was actually very different.

Original poster
itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:51

ssd · 13/08/2024 15:48

I wouldn't give them my money

Too late, he has it already

OP posts:
Talipesmum · 13/08/2024 15:50

Blimey. Seeing as you’re en route right now, I’d just reply saying “Our religion is not relevant to you. We are happy to share the pool - we wanted to clarify whether it is shared or not”.

LapinR0se · 13/08/2024 15:48

did you message him in French or English? It’s possible your message was misinterpreted

Are you Muslim?

ImAFemaleVersionOfRoyKeane · 13/08/2024 15:48

I would NOT be stopping there!

ssd · 13/08/2024 15:48

I wouldn't give them my money