France
France
After having been to France un-countable times, three words sum it up for me, “I LOVE FRANCE.” I don’t mean to be a snob and I am not trying to be a “Francophile”, I just love France. I didn’t pick France to fall in love with. In fact, I tried to fall in love with Germany, and Austria. I even lived in Austria and Germany — and I learned the German language on my own. Hoping to fall in love. But alas. I was chosen by France. France chose me.
The food for one is amazing. Anything you order is going to be a win. Not to mention the desserts, pastries, croissants, and Crème Brulé’s. Don’t even get me started on the cheeses, and the breads. French mustard or mutard – to die for. I could eat it by the bucket. Buckets of course, bring me back to the chocolate mousse. When I worked at the French Gourmet in high school, I dipped into the bucket of chocolate mousse in the walk in fridge. Sorry, Michel.
And the breads, amazing. Anything edible. Check. Wines and Champagne. Always good. Then there is the sightseeing, diverse and varied by region or by neighborhoods and blocks in Paris. From the lavender fields of Provence to the crashing waves at St. Malo, and the cobblestone streets and Roman ruins all over the country, France is surprising and mysterious.
Then there is the French music, and art. But most of all the food culture. You can eat anywhere in a restaurant even by yourself, and it is completely normal and acceptable. The waiter is your friend, guiding you through a culinary journey. The mutual respect to food and wine creates an instant bond. And you can sit, watching people, lingering over your coffee or meal, writing postcards, or simply spending time. It’s great.
French people are delightful, and fun. They can be serious but they always know how to enjoy a meal. And they are so proud of their country. If you want to know France, meet a French person. A French woman or man will be eager to share their enthusiasm for good food. You may have to break the ice though. Ask for their recommendation of a favorite lunch spot, or where they love to vacation in their beautiful land. Perhaps ask where you can get the best croissant or what is their recommendation for a nice wine. You may be surprised at the outcome. And you may even make a friend, or share an enjoyable and delicious meal.
My favorite author, Peter Mayle, has written entertaining volumes on the French and their love of food. Having lived many years in France, he details the enjoyment of lingering over French meals, savoring the lovely French wines; and interacting with and trying to understand French culture. In my mind he understood it well. France chose him too.
If you’d like to get started with his books, here’s where to begin…
