Best car show in Europe

In Italy on Lake Como, worth attending, looks like some amazing cars for those of us who love classic and unusual cars: http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/touring-world-most-exclusive-collector-car-show-concorso-105556661.html

A Rash of French Suicides

Horrible story from the weekend which was also a holiday weekend in France regarding a rash of suicides by train, not the most peaceful way to die, and the belief that they may be in some way connected. One person killed himself with his 19 month old son. It was also interesting to note that France has a high rate of suicide 16 out of 1000. ttp://www.france24.com/en/20120529-unprecedented-wave-railway-suicides-france-trains-sncf-copycat-police Surprisingly, the US has a very low suicide rate, about 12 out of 100,000.

For those who love a cold class of Rose' in the summer

As I do not drink alcohol it is not the article for me, but it is interesting for those like D. who can enjoy a cold class of Rose' with a meal on a hot Provencal day. That said, the restaurant in Cassis sounds worthwhile: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/provence-its-transportive-rose-wine/1

Department of Gers, the home of Armagnac

As always, the New York Times never fails to have a great France article, including some obscure places. Here's the latest about the Department of Gers, where Armagnac originates: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/t-magazine/farm-fraiche-in-the-southwest-of-france.html?pagewanted=all

Buying a French hamlet - followup

As I reported a few months ago, a small French hamlet or village was for sale for about 1.2 million for a willing and qualified buyer. Ultimately, the village was re-possessed by the bank when the owner defaulted on his loans, and put up for auction ultimately selling for $700,000. The new owner will be a South Korean artist who wants to experiment with sustainability in a communal setting. I hope this ends up being a boon to the 150 residents as it sounds like they need some economic assistance. http://www.france24.com/en/20120522-rural-france-hamlet-auctioned-off-south-korean-artist-vi

Retiring in France

Another article about Paul and Bearn region of France as an excellent and inexpensive place to retire, even for Americans. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/retire-french-countryside-budget-173557017.html

Fishing in France

During the last year we've become fascinated by Jeremy Wade and his show "River Monsters" on Animal Planet. As a child, D. loved fishing, including fishing on Lake Como and numerous other spots in Europe. I have done some fishing in the Florida Keys and deep water fishing off Cape Cod. Although we are animal lovers, until watching Jeremy Wade, I was never truly thinking about fish (other than Sharks or piranha ) as predators in a true sense like alligators, but they truly are. Wade travels around the world showing us the predators living in our rivers, showing fish that is the stuff of nightmares, but fascinating. Naturally, this got us discussing the summer and whether we could try some French fishing and where to go. Fortunately, I have found some good info about where to go and what to fish for in France, as well as permit requirements. One spot we will try is near us, the Sorgues river that flows through Illes sur la Sorgue, and involves fishing for Grayling and Trout. http://www.go-to-france.co.uk/pages/fishing.htm Here is the link which explains the fishing permits, note the difference in the cost for a woman's annual permit, just a little sexist: http://www.french-property.com/news/french_life/fishing_permit_right_france/

A shoe survey

So did you ever wonder who buys more shoes - American or French women? and what do they buy? Here's the survey that answers all the important shoe questions, because "need" when it comes to shoes is a relative term as I always say to D. when he asks me do you really need another pair of shoes: http://worldcrunch.com/europe-womens-shoe-style-choices-reflect-national-identities/5351

Kabuki dance at an Indian restaurant

Last week one evening, D. was completely obsessed with Indian food. He loves it and we usually eat at Tandoor Oven in NYC, but he had recently had a restaurant tip for Star of India in Kenilworth and we decided to go to an early dinner. We arrived before 6 p.m. and the place was empty except for a bizarre grouping of people. The owners and their family members and staff, all Indian, watching, helping, and directing, two young Hispanic men, trying to take down old dirty drapes and hang new clean ones for mother's day events they were hosting. We sat down in the back away from the goings on, and ordered what turned out to be an above average meal. D. had his back to the crowd in the front while I sat and watched, as people walked back and forth with curtain rods and much dialogue ensued between and among them all. It was an odd stylized Kabuki dance, as the two men conversed in Spanish, the Indians conversed in Hindi, and then they tried to mutually communicate in English to discuss the drapes and how they were being hung. Fascinating and entertaining unintended people watching. D. is now obsessed with the term Kabuki dance and how to use it, rather than just Indian food.

Value of the Euro

As you may have already noticed, the Euro value has continue to Decline further the last few days (at about 1.27 against the dollar) as Greece prepares for new elections yet again, and cannot find a compromise for their economic problems. The expectation from what I am reading seems to be that it may pull out of using the Euro and return to the drachma at a vastly devalued ratio. Thus, many Greeks are engaging in a run on the banks, pulling out Euros which will remain at a higher value than the reinstated drachma. Not a good scenario for Greece or the EU, and especially for the Greek people. It is amazing to consider that the Euro has been in use only ten years (June 2, 2002 was commencement date) and is already in such distress. Conceptually, the Euro and the EU are brilliant ideas to create a bigger more unified economy, eliminate work restrictions between countries, eliminate border controls and so on. The reality has been more difficult, especially since the economic crash. The only bright spot now is for we who travel from outside the EU, to the EU countries who use the Euro and perhaps this summer with a better exchange rate.

Mother's Day in France - La Fete des Meres

If you haven't celebrated Mother's Day today, you can do it again, French style on June 3. Usually, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, unless Pentecost is celebrated that day, as it is this year, then it is moved to the first Sunday in June. Mother's day in France apparently dates to Napolean's times with updates over the years. After WWI, it was promoted heavily including awards to French women with large families to repopulate the country after the war's heavy losses. By 1950, the current form of the holiday began to be celebrated, in ways similar to the US where mother's receive flowers and cakes, and children are even encouraged to write poetry. No, mom should also be served rather than cook dinner. My holiday usually consists of breakfast in bed made by husband and son, pancakes, flowers, etc. bon appetite.

Tornado in France

Here's a link to photos of rare F1 tornado in France near Toulouse from last week, May 2, 2012. Very rare but apparently increasing due to climate change: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/tornado-france-f1-toulouse-video_n_1471218.html

Reclaiming citizenship in an EU country. Difficult.

D. and I were discussing last night the possibility of reclaiming heritage from our respective families and their countries of origin. We've been recently enjoying the show on PBS "Finding your Roots" with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., a truly beautiful show which is also very educational at the same time about science and DNA, as well as our country's history and the history of the countries we all came from. It got us talking about what we know, what we want to know, and what we could prove if asked about where we came from. D.'s family mythology suggests Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and possibly Russia. He does have some cousins who have been in Paris since WWII. Mine is mostly Russia (Belarus) and one part which, depending on the year, people did not know what country they lived in because the borders were continually changing due to wars and resulting treaties. So, we began researching whether you can achieve citizenship in an EU country based on heritage and ancestry. I found one comprehensive website with many links that was quite helpful. Looks like possibilities for Lithuania but not from Germany or Poland, as both of D.'s parents were born in US, while grandparents were born there. For my family, it is likely even more difficult to prove as all of my grandparents were born in the US, although some of their siblings were born overseas. http://livingingreece.gr/2008/03/18/how-to-acquire-eu-citizenship-through-ancestry-or-naturalization/ Still, interesting to research the different laws and requirements of each country, as being an EU citizen has so many benefits now to live and to work.

an unmarried French President

Another difference between the US and France is our beliefs that our Presidents should be married with children, that their morality within their marriage will suggest their morality in office. This is likely the more modern view, not the view of the JFK or FDR days, but certainly arising from our Puritan origins. Thus, it is with interest that we are going to see what Francois Holllande does with his "partner" of several years as he travels the world. Apparently, it does present substantial protocol problems depending on where he is going. http://www.france24.com/en/20120509-diplomatic-headache-unmarried-hollande As far as I can see he has never been married, but had four children with Segolene Royal, who previously ran for President against Sarkozy. His current partner, Valerie Treirweller, is twice divorced. America is definitely not ready for this level of sophistication in how we view our political leaders. Just look at Francois Mitterand and his long-term mistress with whom he had a daughter. Would never fly in US political circles.

John Stewart with questions about the French

Very fun bit. Always love Pepe le Pew, but he probably is a bit of a stalker: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/05/jon-stewart-france-questions.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

Provence Real Estate - perhaps a good time to buy.

Speaking last week with a real estate firm located squarely in provence in St. Remy. John Stephenson at Knight Frank (knightfrank.com), a British firm but one who is very knowledgeable about high-end Provence real estate market. John correctly predicted the French election outcome, and also informed me that the market in Provence has improved. Meaning that sellers have become more realistic about pricing and are more motivated to move their properties. So, for those who are looking, this may be the summer to buy, especially if the Euro softens a little further against the dollar. As expected today, it has decreased slightly, down to 1.3 or so, sometimes dipping down to 1.29. Here's hoping it drops further before the summer so we can stretch our dollars in the markets and during the sale. Planning and dreaming with departure about six weeks away. We'll be using the blog and twitter this summer so you can follow us, just look for Avril.

Terms Limits in France

While attending my high school reunion saturday evening, a classmate and I were discussing the concept of term limits for politicians. Although for many years I did not believe in them, as I believed we could just vote the bums out, my view has changed due to the excessive amounts of money now found in American politics. Fortunately, we do have the 2-term constitutional limit on the Presidency. Naturally, that got D. and I discussing whether the French had term limits. Smartly, they do. The French President can serve two consecutive five years terms. Meaning that he/she can serve 10 years, then take five off and run again, while the US President is barred from running again for another full term, and cannot serve as Vice President. Ah, as the political wheels turn.

lightning fast French Presidency transition

Unlike the US where the transition from one to the next President is a three month dragged out affair based upon the slow travel times of nearly 250 years ago, the French transition is lightning fast. Hollande was elected on Sunday May 6, and will be sworn in on May 14, only one week of transition, for Sarkozy to move out of the Presidential palace in Paris, and for Hollande to appoint his cabinet ministers etc. This would never happen in the US, we go through vetting and floating names, and background checks, and congressional confirmation, and so on. We have people that the President appointed who still have not been confirmed for judgeships and other critical jobs. So, maybe another lesson we can learn from the EU countries, that the people's business comes first?

Adieu Sarko

And so we bid adieu to Sarkozy, "sarko" as he is nicknamed in France, losing a close race with only a 4% margin, 51 for Hollande and 48 for Sarkozy. And bienvenue to Francois Hollande. The first socialist elected since 1995 when Miterrand was president. Watch the euro on Monday as between this and the Greek parliamentary elections, the markets could be a wild ride. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/06/france-elections-2012-hollande-beats-sarkozy_n_1489482.html

Musings on reusable shopping bags and the French

Recently on Earth Day, I began thinking back to my childhood here in suburban NJ, in a family who believed in recycling in the 1970s, glass, newspapers, plastic, but a major user of paper shopping bags, reams of them with a family of at least six. Then, in 1977 when I first traveled to Europe I saw people shopping in Paris with the famous string bags and thought it interesting but didn't really make the connection to recycling. By 1989 or so, the old catalogue company Lillian Vernon was selling sets of the string bags and I ventured into using my first reusable bags. They lasted several years, and while living in LA, I purchased even more bags, cotton, that I still use today 20 years later, but have added more. Unfortunately in that time, the French adopted the American style of plastic bags and they began to be everywhere, in the stores, markets, and even in the local farmer's markets. But, now, the tide has turned and people are again returning to reusable bags, in part by government dictate. So, to go to a supermarket, bring your shopping bags in France, otherwise you are going to pay for the bags you need. That said, I've done a rough calculation of how many plastic bags that have not been put in a landfill in about 25 years of using reusable bags, can you believe it is easily about 4500?? Put down your plastic, and remember to take your bags to the store!

Fast Passport Renewal - kudos to State Dept.

A few weeks ago, my son's passport was up for renewal. I always think that being without a passport is like being a man without a country, you can't travel, especially places we want to go. So, with much effort, I put together all the documents required for a child whose parents are divorced and whose father refuses to sign the forms, the required court orders, and official documents demonstrating that he and I are who we claim to be, the updated photograph, and checks. The local post office was very organized, and was happy that I had brought originals plus copies, and they were ready for us and our appointment. As always, we paid for the expedite fee, and sent it off, thinking it would take several weeks to see the new passport. So, over the next few days I began to watch the passport website to see the status but found nothing, as if the documents had never arrived. I was nervous, because five years ago it took weeks to get it back and required phone calls about the court orders, and fear that it would not arrive in time for us to travel. But then, miraculously, the new passport arrived on our doorstep - only seven days from when it was sent out. Amazing. truly. Great job State Department. You've really come a long way.

World's Best Restaurants 2012

Some new French restaurants to researched culled from this list of the world's top 50 restaurants - at least 7 from France: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/worlds-50-best-restaurants-2012_n_1464035.html#s919221&title=1_Noma_Copenhagen