Why do people smile in the forest?

Patches of the Fontainebleau forest floor are carpeted with bluebells today. Weeks ago, we found patches of forest floor covered in wild daffodils (jonquilles sauvages).

The new oak (chene) and beech (hetre) leaves are that heart-rending pale chartreuse green that signifies spring.

The temperatures have soared to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, or 29 degrees Celcius - an anomaly for mid-April.

While in the city, or in the small towns, people don’t smile or say ‘bonjour’, in the forest, people smile and say a hearty ‘bonjour’ and give a big smile. Why?

People dress differently in the forest – more like Seattle; comfortable shoes - a veritable rarity in Paris – shorts and t-shirts.

Do people think they can trust other people in the forest? Why else let down your façade, your protection. Or do people think they might need each other in the event of a dinosaur or a saber-toothed tiger showing up suddenly? Do they greet you to see your teeth and evaluate your edibility?