A slice of life

At my son's graduation last week, began to consider that I was experiencing a slice of life, but whose life? Which life? Is it the life I prefer or is it someone else's life? In observing those around us, most dressed nicely but so many dressed inappropriately, and acting inappropriately, we discussed that the slice of life we want is in France, to sit in our favorite cafe and watch that world go by. Even if I can't understand everything being said, it just seems more civilized to me, calmer, and more in control. Maybe it seems true because we don't live here and it is more a fantasy than a reality, but at least I'm here enjoying this slice of life which makes the other more tolerable when I return.