University attire in France?

As we begin preparing to send a child to college in August, it got me thinking about what parents do in France? I cannot imagine a French dorm room as being well-outfitted the way an American dorm room is. With beds on risers for extra storage. Rather, I suspect they adapt to the limitations in ways we don't. Most importantly, from what I've learned, no French student is going to classes in sweatshirts and pajama bottoms, they get dressed. Can't really imagine someone in Paris going out in sweats to get a baguette, so why would they go to classes like that? So, in my research, it would seem casual, but with style is the key to French university attire.

Artificial sweetener omission

Having given up artificial sweeteners in about 1980 or 1981 back in the "Sweet 'n Low" days, I hardly notice whether a restaurant serves them, and if so, which ones. Pick stevia, equal, or one of the other fashionable ones of the day, I do not pay attention when in a restaurant. Neither does D. So, we started discussing this last night and realized that although you can buy it all in a supermarche' in France, we never see it on a table in a restaurant or when the server brings you your cafe' or the'. Maybe because it is expensive, as is everything else there, sugar is used sparingly and carefully. It is rather like the butter conundrum, where butter is in the food, but is never set on a table with bread.

Start your shopping engines - Summer 2013

As we already know sales in Paris will begin June 26, 2013, but I've been trolling for the start of the sale in other regions and yes, the dates are in: for Provence I'll be there when the stores open on July 3! Close will be August 6. Lots of mark-downs in between. http://soldes.hubpages.com/hub/the-2013-summer-sales-in-france

gay-friendly France

Apparently, the most gay-friendly city in France is now Montpellier, known as the French San Francisco. It will be the place where the first gay marriage is going to be held in about a month. The magazine to look at for GLBT activities in France is "Tetu" http://www.tetu.com/ http://www.france24.com/en/20130422-france-montpellier-first-gay--marriage-wedding

Maple syrup in France

In another one of our rambling conversations, we started to discuss Vermont maple syrup and weather you could find it in France, for "french" toast, waffles, pancakes etc. A little research later and yes, you can purchase syrup in France at Carrefore, and Le Clerc. Not sure that you can buy a mix in France (may have to import that in a suitcase) but I think I can find a recipe and create my own. In further discussion, we wondered what to Belgians eat on their waffles? It is definitely not syrup. Rather, it is whipped cream, strawberries, possibly some melted chocolate, but not syrup, an American/Canadian contribution.

Gelatto v. Ice Cream - what is the difference

We were having that conversation the other day after a special Hagen Daz treat post-dinner. My feeling was that it was a different fat content. Sitting here today watching the house hunters marathon and seeing the new Hagen Daz gelatto commercial raised the question again and prompted some research. The bottom line seems to be that gelatto does, in fact, have less fat, but also less air, churned at a slower speed, and stored/served at a warmer temperature. Another mystery of the universe solved. http://cookingequipment.about.com/od/icecreammachines/f/gelatovicecream.htm

New ideas for Cannes

If you're in the mood for glamour and bling, Cannes can be your dream. Although it feels like the tropics, one does have to be very aware of personal safety while there which is not mentioned in this NY Times article, but it does contains some new ideas, restaurants, bars and hotels. We're spent much time there over the years, and enjoyed it, but have chosen to move on for the relaxation of Provence. It is rather impossible to be there during the film festival, if you can even get a hotel room and a restaurant reserve' but if you have the desire, enjoy: http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/travel/36-hours-in-cannes-france.html?pagewanted=1

Some new Paris restaurants

We are always looking for good new spots in Paris but sometimes reluctant to try as we don't want to feel we are spending too much money and be disappointed in the food. So, yes, we do get a little boring and return to the same favorites. Provence is easier since we can ask friends for recommendations and the prices are usually much more reasonable, particularly in the off-season. But reading this article from the NY Times looks promising for some new suggestions to try: http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/04/21/travel/strolling-in-paris-with-menus-in-mind.html?src=me&ref=general

Avril is getting ready for the summer

As we begin planning our next journey, Avril is dreaming of the summer too. Her new collar, courtesy of Lancel is on and ready, complete with beautiful leather with gold fleur de lis, and made to last. She dreams of returning to her country and eating her native food, listening to her language (as she is a tri-lingual dog - dog, English and French), going to the best restaurants, the markets and smelling the spices with her hound nose, it is all quite irresistible, even for her. At night we all dream together of a Provencal summer by the pool, listening to the cicadas vibrate and hum in the heat of the day, and recognizing that the work of the winter was all worthwhile to get us back once again to Provence. Working to live, not living to work in true French style.

Opera in France 2013

When I was younger, I always enjoyed opera in NYC, usually going at least once or twice a season. Like most, the Italian works were more my thing, rather than Wagner. Then came children, and middle-age and it has become more difficult to sit still through several hours of anything, much less music however joyous and beautiful it is. But I respect everyone who enjoys it and does it. That said, here is an excellent website for opera fans traveling to France this summer and want to partake from Aix to Paris, Montpellier to Orange, music can be found everywhere. Who knows, maybe one day you will see me there again: http://operabase.com/festival.cgi?lang=en&is=wf

LaCoste music and art festival 2013

Since I seem to be on a music and art fette theme since yesterday, though I would continue with the one at the Pierre Cardin castle in LaCoste, a really beautiful location at the top of a Provencal hill overlooking the valley. Cardin bought what was previously the castle of the Marquis de Sade and restored it. The castle is open to the public, and the town is worth the drive for a lunch or the fette. The programme looks interesting this year from opera with a very good cast, to ballet, to contemporary music. http://www.festivaldelacoste.com/

Jazz at Juan 2013

We haven't been in several years, but always enjoyed the music at this annual festival near the waterfront in Juan les Pins. Once again Diana Krall will be performing, and many others, Sting, Wynton Marsalis etc. It will likely be more enjoyable than the last time when folks were still allowed to smoke in their seats. Phew. http://www.jazzajuan.com/en-us/2013programmation.aspx

Avignon theater festival in July 2013

The dates this year are from July 5-26, can't wait to walk the streets of Avignon, seeing the ancient buildings hosting the eclectic and electric street theater of the performers. The streets are lined with posters, and the party is hopping all night long. How exciting. http://www.festival-avignon.com/en/

Nuts for Nutella

The world seems to have gone nuts for Nutella. You know Nutella, the chocolate with hazelnut spread. I was first exposed to it in 1977 when I was in Europe for the first time. Although I enjoyed it, I never found it to be that special that I would steal to feed my Nutella habit, but apparently others do have that compulsion. Recently, I was reading an article about students taking jars of Nutella from the cafeteria at Columbia University, so they could eat it in their dorm rooms, costing the University thousands of dollars. Also recently, I read an article about a large Nutella heist in Germany, with a $20,000 load of Nutella being stolen. Ok, maybe the last one was just about the money, but seriously - Nutella? I suppose it has its benefits that even when you open the jar, it doesn't have to be refrigerated, and the ingredient list is pretty good, but if Nutella, what comes next - Lu cookies?

Over 500 posts now on J'adore France

D. often tells me I give out too much information for free, but I strongly believe the internet is about sharing info and experiences, and now have posted over 500 times, sharing info with you our readers, averaging over 1000 per month and nearing 25,000 page views. Voila!

beware pickpockets at the Louvre

In Paris, one always must be aware of pickpockets and thieves, no different than NYC or any other major city. Just like NYC there are always people begging in the Metro and, unlike NYC, we also see different gypsy groups working the subways. Now, the Louvre is being targeted, and employees are so concerned they staged a walkout. So, before you go, check and make sure it is open: http://omg.yahoo.com/news/louvre-workers-walk-off-job-over-pickpockets-142035701.html

Airbus 380-800 - Wow!!

Having just returned from a roundtrip on Air France via JFK and our first experience on the new Airbus 380-800, I can only say wow!! I am not someone who focuses usually on what kind of plane I'm traveling on other than will it get me where I want to go and back. But truly, this was an amazing plane. Smooth take-offs and landings as if not even off the ground. Quiet without the constant loud hum of normal jet engines. Enormous, bigger than a 747 in terms of seating on two levels. Really impressive plane, and a miracle this monster gets off the ground with the plane, the people, the luggage and other equipment. Truly a miracle of modern engineering.

A french village

So many people have read Peter Mayle's books and his experiences in his French village, and we have ours. In Eygalieres, it is almost picture perfect, a fantasy in reality of what it should all be like. Where people get dressed for Friday market day, to be seen, and mingle, to socialize. Where someone can hold court every morning in the same cafe in the same seat for 40 years, sitting undisturbed doing a crossword puzzle, sipping one cafe for an hour with no one hurrying him to vacate the table for others, allowing the world to come to him. Where villagers help each other, supporting local businesses and artisans, masons, mechanics. And where vendors return to the market every week, and we know who has the best paella, or the vietnamese food being made freshly while we wait, or the cheese vendor we see in St. Remy and in Apt., the woman selling espadrilles whose booth expands each year, and the gentlemen selling smoked meats and salmon (maybe bagels and lox next summer?). Ah for the simple life. Returning soon.

Sheep in Paris

Although we see sheep all over Provence (as in December, crossing the road) this idea is tres intelligente for Paris, sheep to graze and maintain lawns outside the national archives building. The sheep are much quieter and eco-friendly than the gas-using, fume-spewing, noisy mechanical mowers, and they're cheaper. Maybe for NYC soon as Mayor Bloomberg does often find new ideas in London and Paris for improving NYC. Bon chance. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/world/europe/sheep-tend-lawn-outside-city-archives-in-paris.html?_r=0

Most scenic road trips?

This article includes rides through Amalfi Coast in Italy (lovely) and a drive from French Alps into Menton near Cannes on the Cote d'azur (even better for me). As article mentions, check your breaks and not for those who suffer from motion sickness as with all smaller European roadways, they will wind and at times seem quite treacherous. Steady nerves required, along with proper car meaning not a big American-style SUV. Rather, a smaller, lower to the ground, stable vehicle. Nothing like driving these roads with manual transmission, if you are able - that is real driving. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/us-news-travel/10-most-scenic-road-trips_b_3000378.html

Chocolate art in Avignon

In the rain today, we took a drive and walked through the square in Avignon. It was busy but not full like the summer. We stopped by the window at a favorite patisserie where in the windows there were beautiful chocolates left from Easter. The figures ranging from typical bunnies and ducks, to turtles and fish with such fine detail as many sculptures, reminding me of a childhood ice cream and candy shop in the town center which always had beautiful displays of seasonal candies an goodies. Missing the Gruning's famous coffee chip ice cream tonight but happy to be in Provence where beauty still lives on.

Spring colors in France

Shopping and strolling through Provence and spring fashion colors are in evidence everywhere, in every shop, in handbags, and shoes, in scarves and other accessories. To be in fashion here one must have clothing or accessories in blush, coral and a little aqua. I always think aqua and French blue looks good on almost everyone as does blush. Coral, on the other hand is a more difficult color to wear and not for everyone, not really for me. Maybe in a foulard or echarpe? Fortunately, I had already purchased blush sandals. As always, I will find a way to work the colors in to my spring and summer wardrobe as we return to France in June.

Spring day in Provence

Today is beautiful, sun shinning, trees and plants budding and flowering. The grass is already a deep dark green, the air is clear and smells like earth, a smell that was noticeable as soon as we stepped off the train in Avignon. The growing season is beginning, floralies (flower shows) are everywhere as people buy flowers for their homes. We have joined in and planted a few here and there and hope they are still alive and blooming when we return for the summer, along with the oranges, lemons, and other beautiful plants of Provence.

Palace of Madam Pompadour

Fascinating article with beautiful photos of a special chateau still in private hands. Hope the owner does donate to a major museum who can afford to maintain it, and in keeping with his fabulous restoration: http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/03/28/inside-frances-100-million-palace-pompadour-a-royal-chateau-restored-by-a-press-shy-philanthropist/?utm_source=homes.yahoo.com&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=france%2Bpompadour%2Bpalace

Easter in Provence

Is quiet, not the buzz of Christmas or the summer. While some attend church, France does not have a strong religious push in its culture, so sitting in Eygalieres yesterday having a perrier and engaging in our favorite sport of people watching, we noticed some dressed for church while others were not. No Easter hats anywhere. Today, Monday, many businesses are closed, many schools on break and people traveling. But as always there is Easter food, bunnies and eggs, beautiful berry-based pastries (but no Peeps), and spring weather ranging from the low 60s into the 40s at night. Great sleeping weather, so that is what we have done, some gardening and sleeping and of course eating. Unfortunately, where we live in the woods in the US, I have stopped gardening because we end up feeling as though we are merely feeding the animals, particularly the deer. Here, wildlife is more limited, although we had an extraordinary experience Saturday pulling in and seeing a big healthy fox cross our driveway heading into the fields, he stopped and watched us, startled to see a person on his territory and trying to determine if we were a threat. As naturally we are not, he sauntered on his way. Perhaps he will feel differently when we return in a few weeks with Avril.