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!

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:

***Expect that everything will take a little longer than it would in the US.  Learn patience, s’il vous plait!  That means “please” and that’s another phrase that will help you get what you want faster (sounds like seel-voo-play).  It really doesn’t matter that your French sounds authentic.  It’s the fact that you are even trying that will impress them.
   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!