O Soleil and Petit Paris in Montclair NJ

Since we have started our French classes again at Fiaf in Montclair we try to attend the events they have, as they are expanding their outreach into the community, including relationships with local businesses and the Montclair Museum.

We learned recently about a discount available for FIAF students at Petit Paris, and yesterday I went to explore O Soleil on South Fullerton owned by Isabelle Lesniak and Carole Brunet-Veale, a lovely store with many items direct from France. The items include clothes, jewelry and housewares as well as Marseilles soap. A great spot for special gifts too.

Here is the website for address and directions: http://www.osoleilfrance.com/index.swf

Bon chance.

Lovely dinner last night in NYC - Demarchelier on east 85th

As we often do, we ventured into NYC last night for a walk through the Metropolitan Museum and the exhibit containing the paintings Arthur Steiglitz had collected during his lifetime. Beautiful, very comprehensive exhibit including John Marin, Picasso and, of course, Georgia O'Keefe. There was also a fun exhibit about art and caricature in art containing all works from the Met's collection. We always feel that even if we cannot be in Europe, we can be transported there by enjoying the Met on a Saturday night, with the live music playing in the main gallery entrance, and the international crowd taking in the exhibits.

We took a walk afterward and ended up at Demarchelier on east 85 off Madison for a solid French Bistro style meal. They have a well-priced prix-fixe for $27 including a salad or soup, a list of main courses and one glass of wine. D. drank both glasses and ate the steak frites which I had the coq au vin. Both were nice sized portions and well prepared. We each had a salad for starters. We tried the tarte tartin but found it not to our liking, not authentic, so next time we'll try a different dessert.

C'est la vie.

Nursing homes in France

As you may recall several years ago, more than 30,000 elderly people died in France during a heatwave, as many were left home along while their children who they lived with went on holiday without them. So few in France at that time had air conditioning and people were really not prepared for the heat. Now, there are minisplits everywhere (D's business) and people are more conscious about how to care for the elderly. That said, I've been wondering about nursing homes and other elder care issues in France. So, here is a good article:

http://www.justlanded.nl/english/France/Articles/Property/Retirement-Homes

The most interesting thing is the requirement that a child is legally responsible for the parent's care.

New language rules for French immigrants

This says a lot about France and how it is dealing with its immigration issues:


http://www.france24.com/en/20111012-new-immigration-rules-require-knowledge-french-language-government

Health Ins. for Ex-pats

This has been a big question for D. and me - how do we get health insurance if we are living in France (or anywhere outside the US)? Well, questioned answered. Great website for ex-pat health insurance with rates. Much cheaper than in US. Note that each adult has to buy their own individual policy, but even in your 60s you can have insurance for about $5000 per year per person, much cheaper than US insurance coverage and probably much better.

http://www.aaro.org/medical-insurance

Huffington Post goes French

Huffington Post will be publishing a French edition with Le Monde's assistance in November.

http://www.france24.com/en/20111011-le-huffington-post-launch-november-arianna-france-us-news-entertainment

Food police in France go after Ketchup?

Check it out, restrictions in France on serving ketchup in schools:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-france-ketchup-20111006,0,1095831.story

And we think the US government is paternalistic.

Weapons ownership in France

Here in the US, we argue over the right to bear arms and what the Second Amendment really means. In France, weapons ownership rather different. Based upon my research, weapons ownership requires a six month membership in a local gun club, with attendance and participation at the shooting range.

Here are links to two articles with good explanations of the process required to own weapons:

http://www.handgunforum.net/new-handguns-area/15611-firearms-ownership-france.html

http://www.brittany-internet.com/BrittanyNews/ShootingFirearms/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Car Wash in france

Unlike the US, car washes in France are self-service. In fact, I have yet to see a full-service car wash. My favorite are the blue elephant ones, which are all automated, so they do not require any employees. Again, another area where Europe is ahead and in a different place.

Here is the link to the address for the one in Cavaillon:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lavage+voiture+cavaillon&fb=1&gl=us&hq=lavage+voiture&hnear=0x12b5f78c23e0c31d:0x713d41454197b887,Cavaillon,+France&cid=14899436362109275496

Daica Duster - Very popular in France

It was noticeable this summer the increasing number of these cars/suvs. Originating from Daica in Romania, which seems to be owned by Renault. The price is right too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacia_Duster

Relais Routiers - Where the Truckers eat in France

Over the summer, D's father kept talking about the relais routiers and how these were good places to stop for food along the road. After a little research the article link below explains the system very well, and why it works - price, food, and location.

http://www.weareneverfull.com/cafes-routiers-oh-to-be-a-trucker-in-france/

Leasing and buying cars in France

D. and I were discussing this the other day, whether someone can lease a car in France in the same way you can here in the US. Attached is the link to an article that explains the loans/banking system in France. So, the short answer is that you can get a lease, for 15% down:

http://www.french-property.com/guides/france/finance-taxation/banking/loans/credit-types/

So brilliant - electric car rentals in Paris

We are so far behind. Here is fantastic article about taking the Velobike concept and expanding it to plug-in electric cars for short-term rentals in Paris.

So brilliant:

http://www.france24.com/en/20110930-paris-launches-autolib-bluecar-bollore-all-electric-car-hire-scheme-velib