Where do europeans go to escape the crowds?

How that the Olympics are ready to start tomorrow in London, and tourists are spreading out through Europe, where do the Europeans travel? Germany, Sweden, Croatia and yes, naturally Provence. Here's a link with some lovely spots: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/departures-magazine/secret-european-summer-ge_b_1699981.html#slide=1275019

Drinking age in France.

While traveling earlier this month, D. and I were noticing young people who were at least 16 sitting in cafes socializing but not drinking alcohol, so it got us discussing the current drinking age in France. I was aware that previously it had always been age 16, but it was raised in 2011 to age 18 with France's efforts to combat drinking problems in its society, and working to change the French culture where families are allowing children to drink in their homes as young as age 12. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/12/12/143521104/french-lessons-why-letting-kids-drink-at-home-isn-t-tres-bien

XL Airways - A hidden French experience

Since our summer plans were disrupted due to my illness, our tickets for France changed and became too expensive. Poor Avril would be left in the kennel we decided, as our journey would be too short to stress her by traveling, and I was too ill to have her with me in the markets and restaurants. But I recalled an article I read about XL Airways and new flights in the US to Paris, from Vegas and SFO. I did not know this airline existed, but I did my usual research and found that it is about 16 years old, based in Paris, and provides seasonal flights from US to Paris in the summer, and then shifts toward Morocco and other spots in the winter. Miraculously, we were able to get two seats from JFK to Paris, at a fairly reasonable price given how late we were purchasing the tickets. We arrived at JFK to travel, the plane leaves at almost midnight. We had ordered a wheelchair for me. And it was quick to arrive as there are no seats in the terminal near the check-ins. Our only difficulty was a manager who insisted we check a bag we intended to carry on, which required an emergent re-arranging of its contents into other bags. Luckily, as always, I had thrown in my favorite pink Longchamp shopping/plage bag, and we loaded it with items we did not want to be checked in the bag. The manager was unhappy but we prevailed. The wheelchair service was a blessing as we zipped through a lengthy security line which normally would have taken at least on hour to clear. Although the plane was delayed by two hours, we boarded quickly once it arrived and was ready, and were on our way. Although the coach seats were narrow, the plane was clean, the staff all French and quite pleasant, and nearly all the passengers were French. The food was nothing special and there was one movie (quite old by about 8 years), and cartoons for the children, but we were able to sleep for several hours. Upon arrival, we were so pleased to find a wheelchair waiting for me just outside the plane doors, and a pleasant young man, who whisked me through customs, and once D. had our one check-in bag, was able to take me through the airport to the TGV station and the Sheraton. Although we had missed our train due to the plane delay, D. was able to get tickets rescheduled for the next train to Avignon, a three hour journey instead of 7 via auto. We slept more, and arrived at our destination without stress or worry, especially given my condition, it was a miracle.

Bread Quest 2012

As always, we have spent some time exploring both new boulangeries and old, as our new house is in a different location, closer to Eygalieres and St. Remy, rather than in St. Andiol. Although that was a lovely spot, this is a bit more central to where we like to be, closer to our farm stand, the cheese shop, the potager, yes it all revolves around food. And so, the bread quest of 2012 began, with a visit to the closest, in Molleges Gare (not bad), several in Eygalieres and St. Remy (also very good) as well as Senas near the winery (very good), but once again D. returned to Cap Sud the shopping mall in Avignon to the closest outlet for Javaud, which still wins the bread quest, and even the deserts hands down. It is something about the refined texture and taste of the bread, and even the pastry is wonderful, not too heavy but full of fruit or chocolate or whatever you prefer. The staff is always pleasant and knowledgeable, the store immaculate, and full of special items for gifts and home. Whenever possible we try to get to the mother ship in Carpentras but not on this trip. December. I always dream of the summers in Provence, but this year, it will be the return in December.

An abbreviated journey

Since we could only be here for just over two weeks, and we were setting up a new house, me recuperating from surgery, trying to relax all at the same time, it truly forced us to consider what we really want to do each day. Where to go? What matters, since we can't get in our rhythm of the summer. So much that we will miss since there is something to do every day if you wish to do it. So, a must was a visit to Isles sur la Sorgue for the Sunday market, early, to find my dressing table which I have used every day since. No Wednesday is complete without a visit to the St. Remy market, be it to get cheese at my favorite vendor, to the spice vendor for gifts to bring home, to say hello to my scarf lady, Kim, or just to wander and watch the crowds and the dogs. My favorite last week was a woman on her scooter, riding along with her husband strolling behind her and her dog sitting comfortable on her lab surveying the other dogs below. Friday's market in Eygalieres, to find a truffle for cooking, to buy La Fabresse oil (again the winner for 2012) and to get Paella for lunch which was wonderful. We had always passed by the Paella vendor and watched the locals line up for his food. This year we promised ourselves we would join the crowd and we did. The food was fresh and tasty. Although we can eat Paella in Newark in the Iron Bound, this was far superior. A trip to Aix was also a must, to hit Monoprix for the sale, finding housewares for our new home, and clothing, gifts, Target for France. Last night, an ice cream for dinner at our favorite spot in St. Remy, complete with driving our very own blue Citroen 2CV, a car that brings smiles and waves from the French as well as the tourists, and which friends have nicknamed the "blue beast." It is simple, yet charming and has its own personality, similar to D. just wants to go at his own pace, letting others pass him by if necessary, without notice as he chugs his way to find the bread for this year's bread quest, or just wants to meander to nowhere. A few more days left and a few restaurants to eat in, a little more shopping and walking, then our early return home. But we will return in December for Noel.

Thankful to be here once again

For those of you who know me privately, you will know what the last few weeks has been for me, with significant health problems. So, our trip was delayed and shortened, and the summer we planned is not to be. But, with some great effort and medical clearance, we were allowed to travel for a short time until I have to return for medical care. That said, I am incredibly grateful to be here, to see the place we love so much, to enjoy our new home and participate in organizing it, and planning our future in it. As always, we find such peace and serenity when we are here, as we wander through our journey, and rediscover Provence each time, as well as ourselves. So, for however long or short we are here, we remain grateful, and we prioritize our trip, seeing the people we care about, and just going to our favorite spots, probably nothing new this year, just recreating the old. Today's was our favorite cheese shop and Marius Fabre. What could be bad. All is right with the world.

Yes, we have charcoal briquettes in France!

Thanks to a valued reader and comment from last summer, D. did expand his shopping repertoire to include Castorama in Avignon where, magically, he was able to purchase real, authentic charcoal briquettes. So, our first barbecue took place this evening in Provence, a day late as it was not July 4, but still lovely. Had some shrimp on the barbie along with sausage and steaks, homemade caponata (a tapenade), salad, and our favorite bread and goat cheese with fig for dessert. Perfection. And once again, we agreed, that we will no longer search to replicate that perfection in New York or New Jersey. While we can find good, we can't find perfect. And with me ill and our energies limited, we will spend our time and energy returning yet again to where we know perfection is available down the Napoleonic road, through the trees, and around the bend, into le reve.

French women and love

Here is link to interesting interview. Not sure what the subject's basis for her knowledge is, as it is not set forth in the interview. Not sure that I agree with all of what she says, but it is food for thought, as opposed to real French food: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=12156&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=1362556