I am so excited - it's almost like giving birth - those months (in my case years) of worry and nurturing to prepare for the event. Then there's the hours (in my case months) of intensive labor to get to the point of "ta dah!" it's finally here! My "Petit Guide to Paris and Nice"! It began many years ago as a microsoft word document for how to make the best of your time in Paris if you only have a few days. I have many friends and family members who have planned short trips to Paris as part of a larger European trip and wanted to know my suggestions for how to spend those days.
I felt honored that my experience and love of that city was valued by others to the point of asking me for advice. And so began my "day by day" itinerary for travelers. Eventually I added ideas for visiting Nice, another of my favorite cities in France. Visiting both cities makes for a good taste of the best that France offers, in my opinion. Yes, I love the Dordogne region, but it is not as easily accessible as Paris and Nice. Both of these cities have international airports, the TGV (the fast train) gets you there in no time and the local train system is great which means visitors do not need a car and the worries of driving in a foreign country.
So, now I finally have a book which gives all of my good ideas for travel to France along with photos that I have taken over the years. For those of you who are "armchair travelers" I think you will find this book a nice addition to your other coffee table books. But it is really designed with the traveler in mind. If you only have one day to spend in Paris, then you follow Day 1 itinerary. If you have 2 days to spend in this beautiful city, then you do Day 1 followed by Day 2. And you continue this plan for up to 4 days.
My advice for Nice is a little different. Here I have the 4 days arranged by interest. The Alpine Adventure will take you into the Alps for a day, the Beach Bum day will take you to a nearby beach set in a lovely old medieval town, the City Culture day will let you see the best of the city of Nice itself, and the Fab and Famous will take you to the renowned city of Monte Carlo for the day.
I hope you will take a look at the book and maybe you will want a copy for yourself! Or maybe you know someone who is planning to travel soon, or just someone who loves France. (The link to the book is at the bottom of the blog page.) My next trip to Paris is scheduled for March 2012. Anyone want to join me? I'll talk about that in my next posting. Til then, à bientôt!
25 August 2011
05 July 2011
These old stones
I have many well-meaning friends and acquaintances who are trying to understand why I want to live in France. They will ask me many questions about the region I want to live in - the area in southwestern France which is called the Dordogne or Perigord (part of ancient Aquitaine). No, it isn't near any large cities. Yes, it's mostly quaint small villages and beautiful country scenery. Probably not any large shopping malls or centers. Mainly agricultural. The least populated area of France.
And then I get the question: "So why can't you just buy an old farmhouse in the US somewhere? Why move to France? In the States you say you like living in a city for all of its amenities, shopping, social events, etc; are you sure you won't miss all of that?" These are fair questions. In the past week I have read a couple of articles written by expat Americans now living in other parts of the world. And I will use part of their answers here. The man who wrote the article in the publication called "International Living" was accused by someone of being unpatriotic or unamerican because of his choice to live in another country. I like his answer. He said that his move was inspired by many things: the dollar goes further there, health care and cost of living are much less expensive, the people are friendly, accepting and supportive. He said it felt like how the US was 40 years ago. It isn't that he does not love his country of birth but that he misses the way things were when he was growing up - a simpler time, a kinder and gentler time. Does that make sense to you? Boy, it does to me!
The other article I read was by the editor of an online newsletter called "BonjourParis.com". She has lived in Paris for many years and calls it "home". She makes frequent trips to the States for business and to visit friends and family. Her latest article was her reflections on the city of Washington, DC and why it just didn't feel like home to her anymore. She missed France and Paris - the place she now calls home. And she said it was because she missed the "old stones"!
Everywhere you look in Paris (and the rest of France; in fact all of Europe) you see the evidence of many civilizations. If you take the time to look around you and learn about the history, you become a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself. We have some of that in the US, but ours is such a young country. In the Dordogne region there is evidence of people enjoying life there since the very beginning of mankind. The stone walls of caves where prehistoric man painted amazing scenes of animals now long extinct. The stone walls of Roman arenas and aqueducts proving the genius of a once mighty empire. The stone walls of castles which protected the power of feudalism for centuries. The stone walls of chateaux where royalty once frolicked and played. The stone walls of medieval abbies and monasteries where the Bible was copied and illustrated eight hundred years ago. The stone walls of giant cathedrals and tiny churches which display beautiful art done by unknown artists from a thousand years ago. Everywhere you go you are surrounded by these stones which echo the voices of the past.
I am enchanted by it all. I want to be a part of it - the art, the architecture, the history, the beauty and culture which only a country that is thousands of years old can offer. Yes, even in my little corner of France, far away from Paris and cities of any great size, I am surrounded by these old stones. I find them comforting, like an old blanket that I wrap up in on a cold winter's night. This feels like home. This is where I want to be. Someday . . . A bientôt!
And then I get the question: "So why can't you just buy an old farmhouse in the US somewhere? Why move to France? In the States you say you like living in a city for all of its amenities, shopping, social events, etc; are you sure you won't miss all of that?" These are fair questions. In the past week I have read a couple of articles written by expat Americans now living in other parts of the world. And I will use part of their answers here. The man who wrote the article in the publication called "International Living" was accused by someone of being unpatriotic or unamerican because of his choice to live in another country. I like his answer. He said that his move was inspired by many things: the dollar goes further there, health care and cost of living are much less expensive, the people are friendly, accepting and supportive. He said it felt like how the US was 40 years ago. It isn't that he does not love his country of birth but that he misses the way things were when he was growing up - a simpler time, a kinder and gentler time. Does that make sense to you? Boy, it does to me!
The other article I read was by the editor of an online newsletter called "BonjourParis.com". She has lived in Paris for many years and calls it "home". She makes frequent trips to the States for business and to visit friends and family. Her latest article was her reflections on the city of Washington, DC and why it just didn't feel like home to her anymore. She missed France and Paris - the place she now calls home. And she said it was because she missed the "old stones"!
Everywhere you look in Paris (and the rest of France; in fact all of Europe) you see the evidence of many civilizations. If you take the time to look around you and learn about the history, you become a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself. We have some of that in the US, but ours is such a young country. In the Dordogne region there is evidence of people enjoying life there since the very beginning of mankind. The stone walls of caves where prehistoric man painted amazing scenes of animals now long extinct. The stone walls of Roman arenas and aqueducts proving the genius of a once mighty empire. The stone walls of castles which protected the power of feudalism for centuries. The stone walls of chateaux where royalty once frolicked and played. The stone walls of medieval abbies and monasteries where the Bible was copied and illustrated eight hundred years ago. The stone walls of giant cathedrals and tiny churches which display beautiful art done by unknown artists from a thousand years ago. Everywhere you go you are surrounded by these stones which echo the voices of the past.
I am enchanted by it all. I want to be a part of it - the art, the architecture, the history, the beauty and culture which only a country that is thousands of years old can offer. Yes, even in my little corner of France, far away from Paris and cities of any great size, I am surrounded by these old stones. I find them comforting, like an old blanket that I wrap up in on a cold winter's night. This feels like home. This is where I want to be. Someday . . . A bientôt!
25 April 2011
How to Get Along with the World - Part Deux
In my previous post I introduced an article that I wrote for a friend of mine who was planning a trip to France. I had intitled it "How to Get Along with the French", but after reflection, I realized that the suggestions I had made can be applied to everyone anywhere in the world, including our own USA! It all comes down to basic common courtesies, which, unfortunately, Americans seem to have lost. My first point was that you should always greet everyone with a kind word and a smile. I invite you to read the previous post - Part Un - and share any comments you may have.
Here's Part Deux:
I was in Houston a week ago visiting my favorite cousin (like a sister to me!), Cindy. She and I have traveled together many times. We talked about my list of how to get along with the world. We shared our experiences of how much better we are received (in or out of the US) when we take the time to be polite. Americans are so impatient - we want what we want when we want it, which is usually "right now!"
Life is too short to plow full steam ahead without enjoying the moments. If things are taking longer than you would like, ask yourself why it's so important for you to be in a hurry. Are you missing a special moment now because you're in such a hurry to be somewhere next? Be patient and say "please". And that brings me to my next point:
Here's Part Deux:
I was in Houston a week ago visiting my favorite cousin (like a sister to me!), Cindy. She and I have traveled together many times. We talked about my list of how to get along with the world. We shared our experiences of how much better we are received (in or out of the US) when we take the time to be polite. Americans are so impatient - we want what we want when we want it, which is usually "right now!"
Life is too short to plow full steam ahead without enjoying the moments. If things are taking longer than you would like, ask yourself why it's so important for you to be in a hurry. Are you missing a special moment now because you're in such a hurry to be somewhere next? Be patient and say "please". And that brings me to my next point:
***Always show appreciation for what someone has done for you (even if it was expected because that’s their job or it was slower than you wanted). So practice saying “merci” (sounds like mare-see). When I was in Houston with Cindy, she took me to a couple of French restaurants and an Italian Pizzeria (yes, they exist in Houston, Texas!). Rather than just ordering, we asked the waitress (At Bistro Provence) about the dishes, how they were prepared and what she suggested. We took our time as did she. We started with a glass of wine and enjoyed the evening - which was beautiful as we sat outside. She came back after the meal and brought a fellow waiter. Both of them visited with us and were interested in our travels to France. It wasn't just a meal, it was a great experience and evening.
The next day we had lunch at an Italian pizza restaurant. Again we asked the waiter about the wine list, the menu, made comments about the decor and how much we liked the place. Before long the owner came over and chatted with us. This is very European and I love it. The owner is usually the manager and they make it a point to visit with their clientele. If you don't have time to visit, then hit the drive-through at your local fast food place!
My last day in Houston, we tried out a new French restaurant. Again, because of our interest in everything and our show of appreciation, we had a visit from the manager and some great suggestions by the waiter.
And Cindy and I, once again, talked about how just a little kindness and appreciation goes a long way toward having a great experience - for everyone.
As I did last time, I'll end with a challenge. This week, make it a point to say "please" and "thank you" to everyone who does something for you. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the cashier line at the grocer's or the fast food place or even a nice restaurant, and the clients hardly say two words to the cashier. (They're usually busy talking on their cell phone - but, don't get me started on that!) What a better day everyone will have if we all say "hello", "good-bye", "please" and "thank you"! A bientôt!
The next day we had lunch at an Italian pizza restaurant. Again we asked the waiter about the wine list, the menu, made comments about the decor and how much we liked the place. Before long the owner came over and chatted with us. This is very European and I love it. The owner is usually the manager and they make it a point to visit with their clientele. If you don't have time to visit, then hit the drive-through at your local fast food place!
My last day in Houston, we tried out a new French restaurant. Again, because of our interest in everything and our show of appreciation, we had a visit from the manager and some great suggestions by the waiter.
And Cindy and I, once again, talked about how just a little kindness and appreciation goes a long way toward having a great experience - for everyone.
As I did last time, I'll end with a challenge. This week, make it a point to say "please" and "thank you" to everyone who does something for you. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the cashier line at the grocer's or the fast food place or even a nice restaurant, and the clients hardly say two words to the cashier. (They're usually busy talking on their cell phone - but, don't get me started on that!) What a better day everyone will have if we all say "hello", "good-bye", "please" and "thank you"! A bientôt!
10 April 2011
How to get along with the French (and the rest of the world!)- Part Un
I originally wrote this for a friend who seemed wary about visiting France having heard numerous stories from fellow Americans who thought the French were unfriendly. After I wrote these, I realize that what I have here are simple common courtesies that, unfortunately, our society has ignored over the past few decades. I love quoting my grandpa who said: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."
This will begin a series of posts from my "How to Get Along with the French" suggestions. But actually it should be called "How Not to be Known as the Ugly American."
I know that there is a stereotype of the “typical Frenchman”. That chain-smoking, sneering, complaining, rude Frenchman. But the truth is, it’s the stereotypical American that causes the problems with Franco-American relations. (and, by the way, France is now a non-smoking country! Hooray!)
This so-called typical American is used to fast everything – food and service at the top of their list. Admit it, we want what we want the way we want it NOW! (I can say this because I am an American and know of which I speak!)
The typical Frenchman, on the other hand, prefers life to move slowly. (Notice I said “life” not traffic! Ha!) Here is rule number 1 to help you find cooperation from the French (and everyone else):
- Always say “Bonjour” (sounds like bohn-zhoor) or if it’s 7pm or later “Bonsoir" (sounds like bohnswahr). Whether you are addressing the waiter, the fast-food server, the bathroom attendant, the ticket taker, the cashier, the hotel worker – it doesn’t matter. Good manners and kind words go a long way in any language, but even further with the French. And throw a big smile in there, too!
So, my advice for this first "rule" is to be polite and take time to greet the people you come in contact with. I have found that Americans are often surprised and yet delighted that I will greet them and ask how they are - at the drive-through window, at the grocery store, at the doctor's office. We are so programmed in the US to just get the job done that we forget to be polite.
The French don't forget politeness, and they (as well as the rest of the world!) will be so pleasantly surprised that an American has greeted them that they will go out of their way to be helpful.
I shall issue you a challenge for this week. Make it a point to greet everyone you come in contact with, not just your friends and colleagues. It is true what they say about karma! Next week I'll give you rules 2 and 3. Have a great week everyone. A bientôt!
18 March 2011
Country Cooking
When I say those words, "country cooking", what comes to mind? Fried chicken? Chicken Fried Steak? Ham and beans? Chicken and dumplings? All those great standby recipes from grandma's kitchen? I have never lived in the "country" but we visited my grandparents in the Ohio hills every summer and it was very much in the country! That's when I realized that food didn't actually come in cans and packages and cellophane-wrapped trays. Grandma grew her own vegetables and raised chickens. It was an adventure and an education for this city girl.
I have two favorite authors who write about their experiences of living in other countries - Peter Mayle, who moved from England to Provence, and Francis Mayes, who moved from the US to Tuscany. Much of their writings are about food, one of my favorite topics!
It seems that many now-famous dishes that have come to us from France and Italy started out as good ole country recipes. For example, Coq au Vin is a wonderful dish made of chicken that's been marinated in red wine and then cooked with mushrooms, carrots and herbs in a large pot. It is often served over mashed potatoes. Here in the US, Coq au Vin is considered a gourmet dish. But here's the origin. When the farmer's rooster got too old to do his job in the barnyard, it was time to butcher him. But he was old and tough. So he was cut up and soaked in wine to tenderize him and then added to local (and easily accessible) vegetables. Here was a smart cook! Nothing was wasted.
Another example is Boeuf Bourguignon. A most wonderful stew made with beef, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs. It's the same principle - the smart country cook would take the least desirable (tough) cut of beef, marinate it overnight in red wine (easily accessible in France) and cook it up with the vegetables.
The French do not consider these to be gourmet dishes - they are simply country cooking at its best! Bravo!
Many Italian dishes are based on the same idea or are a way to use up all the leftover cheese, veggies, herbs, wine, sauce, bread, etc at the end of the week. Nothing was wasted. The Europeans have been "green" for a long long time. There is so much we Americans can learn from the frugal practicality of European country cooking.
I can think of other dishes I've had while traveling that fit into this idea of being "gourmet" to the American palette, but simply being practical to the European cuisine. Cassoulet is a wonderful French version of ham and beans, but with duck and goose added as it's popular in the SW of France where fois gras is made - hence lots of geese. Or Bouillabaisse - that yummy fish stew that's so popular along the Riviera. Hungarian goulash is a similar concept which uses the sweet paprika that is from that country. It makes me wonder if perhaps sushi had a similar origin - you've got leftover rice, some seafood and veggies, so why not wrap it all up in seaweed and serve it for dinner?!
And now I'm hungry! ha! And I wonder if fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and ham and beans would ever be considered "gourmet" in other countries. . . . Somehow I don't think so. Although if they could only taste my mom's ham and beans, they might decide otherwise :) A bientôt!
I have two favorite authors who write about their experiences of living in other countries - Peter Mayle, who moved from England to Provence, and Francis Mayes, who moved from the US to Tuscany. Much of their writings are about food, one of my favorite topics!
It seems that many now-famous dishes that have come to us from France and Italy started out as good ole country recipes. For example, Coq au Vin is a wonderful dish made of chicken that's been marinated in red wine and then cooked with mushrooms, carrots and herbs in a large pot. It is often served over mashed potatoes. Here in the US, Coq au Vin is considered a gourmet dish. But here's the origin. When the farmer's rooster got too old to do his job in the barnyard, it was time to butcher him. But he was old and tough. So he was cut up and soaked in wine to tenderize him and then added to local (and easily accessible) vegetables. Here was a smart cook! Nothing was wasted.
Another example is Boeuf Bourguignon. A most wonderful stew made with beef, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs. It's the same principle - the smart country cook would take the least desirable (tough) cut of beef, marinate it overnight in red wine (easily accessible in France) and cook it up with the vegetables.
The French do not consider these to be gourmet dishes - they are simply country cooking at its best! Bravo!
Many Italian dishes are based on the same idea or are a way to use up all the leftover cheese, veggies, herbs, wine, sauce, bread, etc at the end of the week. Nothing was wasted. The Europeans have been "green" for a long long time. There is so much we Americans can learn from the frugal practicality of European country cooking.
I can think of other dishes I've had while traveling that fit into this idea of being "gourmet" to the American palette, but simply being practical to the European cuisine. Cassoulet is a wonderful French version of ham and beans, but with duck and goose added as it's popular in the SW of France where fois gras is made - hence lots of geese. Or Bouillabaisse - that yummy fish stew that's so popular along the Riviera. Hungarian goulash is a similar concept which uses the sweet paprika that is from that country. It makes me wonder if perhaps sushi had a similar origin - you've got leftover rice, some seafood and veggies, so why not wrap it all up in seaweed and serve it for dinner?!
And now I'm hungry! ha! And I wonder if fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and ham and beans would ever be considered "gourmet" in other countries. . . . Somehow I don't think so. Although if they could only taste my mom's ham and beans, they might decide otherwise :) A bientôt!
08 February 2011
Citizens of the World
When you travel to another country, what is the first thing you notice? Is it the trash in the gutter? The noise on the subway? The odd food on the menus? The unfriendly people? The unfamiliar sounds of a language you don't understand? Do you tend to view your new experience as something so completely different from your own daily routine that you miss the beauty of the country? Or does the beauty of the country give you a special feeling of experiencing something new and exciting? I guess it's the old adage, "do you view the glass half empty or half full"?
Too often when we travel, particularly when it is to a place that seems really "foreign" to us, we tend to see everything in terms of how different it is. And yet, people are people, no matter where you go. All are trying to live their lives the best they can. All want to provide for their families and take care of their children. All look for opportunities for happiness and joy. We all love to celebrate holidays - both religious and patriotic. We all love family get-togethers and singing and affection. Most people take pride in their communities, their cities, their countries.
I remember returning from a trip to eastern Europe and upon landing in the US and standing in line at the passport check, I heard the man behind me say, "God Bless the USA", as though he thought no other country in the world deserved God's blessings. I responded, "God Bless the world we all share"! I'm not sure he caught the intent of my statement, but I believe it wholeheartedly.
When our every action and comment seek to divide communities of people rather than finding common ground and a way to get through life together, we will be stuck in our own little world of bias and prejudice.
I prefer to see the similarities among the citizens of the world. When I travel I try to embrace those things that are different from my own comfort zone. Someone once asked, "why do people travel when they want everything to be just like it is at home? Just stay at home!" And I say "Amen"! I think there are some who are afraid of anything that's different from what they know. Fear is such a terrible enemy - whether we travel or not.
So my challenge to you in your travels (or in life) is to not be afraid of those things you don't understand. Before you travel to another place, learn something about their culture, language, history. And once you arrive, look for those things that enhance your experience. The trash, the noise, the unfamiliar foods and language will always be there, whether you travel within or outside the US! But look beyond those things and see the people going about their daily lives - in a routine that is probably very similar to yours back home. Look at their culture and history through their eyes and with their pride. Isn't that what you hope people visiting our country would do? We are not so different after all. A bientôt!
Too often when we travel, particularly when it is to a place that seems really "foreign" to us, we tend to see everything in terms of how different it is. And yet, people are people, no matter where you go. All are trying to live their lives the best they can. All want to provide for their families and take care of their children. All look for opportunities for happiness and joy. We all love to celebrate holidays - both religious and patriotic. We all love family get-togethers and singing and affection. Most people take pride in their communities, their cities, their countries.
I remember returning from a trip to eastern Europe and upon landing in the US and standing in line at the passport check, I heard the man behind me say, "God Bless the USA", as though he thought no other country in the world deserved God's blessings. I responded, "God Bless the world we all share"! I'm not sure he caught the intent of my statement, but I believe it wholeheartedly.
When our every action and comment seek to divide communities of people rather than finding common ground and a way to get through life together, we will be stuck in our own little world of bias and prejudice.
I prefer to see the similarities among the citizens of the world. When I travel I try to embrace those things that are different from my own comfort zone. Someone once asked, "why do people travel when they want everything to be just like it is at home? Just stay at home!" And I say "Amen"! I think there are some who are afraid of anything that's different from what they know. Fear is such a terrible enemy - whether we travel or not.
So my challenge to you in your travels (or in life) is to not be afraid of those things you don't understand. Before you travel to another place, learn something about their culture, language, history. And once you arrive, look for those things that enhance your experience. The trash, the noise, the unfamiliar foods and language will always be there, whether you travel within or outside the US! But look beyond those things and see the people going about their daily lives - in a routine that is probably very similar to yours back home. Look at their culture and history through their eyes and with their pride. Isn't that what you hope people visiting our country would do? We are not so different after all. A bientôt!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)