French national food show

Just took place with many new ideas for healthy interesting eating. Can't wait to go -maybe next year. Seriously - lobster oil? http://www.france24.com/en/20121024-raw-ingredients-ethical-sourcing-innovation-sial-food-fair-exposition-paris-gastronomy

Paris real estate at the top end

Since the new president is trying to significantly raise taxes on the wealthiest in France, many are considering relocating themselves and their money outside the country, leading to possible real estate market changes: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/frances-rich-tax-deals-paris-183845732.html

Art shows in Paris 2012-2013

Nice article about current exhibits in Paris this fall/winter. Hoping to be well enough to travel soon and see: http://www.english.rfi.fr/visiting-france/20120831-art-exhibitions-paris-autumn-winter-2012

A tale of two cities - Marseilles

Article worth reading from NPR regarding serious crime issues in Marseilles, making the city a high priority for the Hollande government: http://www.npr.org/2012/09/23/161012701/poverty-segregation-fuel-marseille-crime-wave

Paris Sale dates 2013

Getting ready to shop in Paris after the holidays?: Here's the dates. The 2013 winter sales in Paris will start January 9 to end February 12, 2013. The 2013 summer sales will begin June 29 and last until July 30, 2013

French incivility

When we are in France we generally have a positive experience and find people very polite, but with a different sense of spatial orientation - i.e. sense of personal space. Sometimes driving can be a challenge, but generally we find the French people to be polite. But maybe we need to ride mass transit more, as the French complain about each other and incivility. So, the government is entering into a campaign to improve politeness, especially on mass transit - this would definitely never happen in the USA: http://www.france24.com/en/20120723-france-fights-back-against-bad-manners-rude-campaign-paris-metro

A rare and special estate sale

I apologize to you readers for not posting much while I am ill, but I am still dreaming of France and planning travel for as soon as I am well enough. But here is a fabulous article about the estate sale of the former French President d'Estaing - wishing we could be there as I am sure this will be fascinating: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/09/23/france-s-valery-giscard-d-estaing-auctions-off-auvergne-estate.html