Le Petite Table - Eygalieres

As I was ill last summer, it was difficult for me to contemplate traveling to some of our favorite restaurants, but this one we had seen and not eaten at the previous summer after it opened. It was a really pleasant experience. Set in what used to be a local home, with a small swimming pool, the tables are set in the garden around the pool and patio. There is an interior full dining room, and the bathrooms are very spacious as they used to be actual bathrooms but the showers have been removed. The food was very well-prepared and planned,a more gourmet menu than many local restaurants, service was quite nice and attentive. My dinner included an excellent lobster dish, soup, and a beautifully displayed dessert. Portions were enough but not too much so we did not feel as though we were overeating, even though we ate three courses. We did notice it is open through the holidays, unlike some restaurants here which are season, but we will return either in the spring or next summer. On this trip we are eating more at home, and staying more with bistro-type food.

TGV - a lovely way to travel

Now that we are here in Provence I am catching up on notes I made last summer but was too ill to blog - including the TGV - France's high speed train. D. had taken it several times from Paris to Avignon but I had not yet traveled that way. It is not cheap, but very worthwhile. It is infinitely easier and more relaxing than driving, particularly after flying overnight and arriving early in the morning on NY time. Instead of a seven-hour drive from Paris, we arrive in about 3 hours, more rested as we have nap time on the train, along with toilettes, so we are not losing time to traffic and stopping in rest stops to stretch and use the bathroom. Tickets can be purchased online via SNCF's website. We don't recommend going through others who do sell the tickets because anytime we've tried it, D. runs into problems. Better to go direct even if it costs a little more. First class means a reserved seat which is quite comfortable. Second class is not reserved but still nicer than most US trains, even Amtrak to Washington. As with almost everything French, there is a food car with a very nice menu, including for children, and contains bio (organic) foods. We always notice everyone buying food and walking through the cars with their purchases, smelling very tempting. Naturally, the French include their dogs in all occasions including train travel, and the dogs are everywhere including the aisles and under the seats, always well-behaved. We look forward to Avril joining us on the train next summer.

Provencal Holidays - no christmas sweaters

Like holidays around the world, the winter holiday season in Provence is all about food, and food with cultural symbolism. The 13 desserts arises from the last supper, and the 12 who attended it plus Jesus, so 13 is not considered an unlucky number here. The bouche de noel is all over in each bakery, and even in our favorite ice cream shop in St. Remy as an ice cream cake. When we walked through town yesterday to the cheese shop we decided to drink coffee at the ice cream shop which had just opened at 11:30 a.m. and the locals were already lined up to pick up their orders, pastry, ice cream cake, and other goodies. It was a 12 on a 1-10 people watching scale. The interactions, the style, the response to receiving their orders. Not significantly different then the US, but with more style, and calmer. The decorations here are pleasant, subtle, and not overpowering. Santa is almost no where to be found, and haven't seen any reindeer - no Rudolph, and very importantly - no Christmas sweaters!

Gratitude

As always this time of year, we can look back and review the last twelve months and my family and I have been through so much. As always, working hard to pay bills so we can afford to travel and experienced the world. But this year was especially difficult, since June, fighting my way to recover from major surgery and cancer treatment, and the effects it has had on my husband and son, clients, and friends. It is an experience that makes one grateful for everything and nothing all at the same time. Arriving here in Provence I feel tremendous joy to be here, and experience a different season in Provence, to add a little something to our lives which we all need so much after the trials we have shared until now. The sky today, although a little overcast, was still beautiful, colorful, but softer, the scenery lovely and green, although not as lush as the summer, and even more peaceful and serene without the hustle of push of summer tourism. The style is not unlike New York, sweaters, jeans, boots, much black clothing, but for most people always a scarf with style. The food is already noticeably more seasonal, without the same fresh fruit and produce we enjoy all summer. Clearly, not shipping in fruit from around the world, just eating what is produced more locally and seasonally. Many seasonal treats related to the holidays, be it nougat, dried fruit, special breads and desserts including bouche noel (which we will be enjoying for tonight's dessert), and so much more. We are so fortunate to be here and to share this experience with all of you readers!!

US Airways via Philadelphia - excellent travel

We left Thursday night from Philadelphia, with about 30 minutes of traffic near the airport we were a little concerned as we entered the terminal about clearing security on time. We picked Phili because since Sandy, JFK is rather difficult to get through, and Air France is no longer flying from Newark. Continental/United was very expensive, and US Air had very reasonable prices for the season. Despite our worries, it was amazing, the nicest airline and TSA staff of any airport we have traveled through in several years. We were through with time to spare. Very easy check-in for an international flight. TSA staff was pleasant and professional, especially given my medical situation. Airline staff allowed me to board early with no problems. S. commented that as airline food goes, the food was pretty good (I almost never eat on a plane other than a bagel I bring with me). Seats were comfortable. An overall A+ travel experience.

French trends for holidays 2012

Here's a blog about trends for the holidays in France - two books would love to have on my sony reader but are not there yet, as well as movies to watch for and how Fifty Shades of Grey did in translation (not my kind of book) - travel to Tunisia - getting my mind in a France state: http://josephbamat.blogs.france24.com/article/2012/12/20/france-consumer-trends-2012-best-selling-most-sold-films-car-music--0

Groupon.fr - tips

We have subscribed to groupon in france since summer 2011 and watch it regularly to see if there are worthwhile restaurant groupons. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Suggestions include being very careful. Look at restaurant menu on line to ensure that it is a good deal, as sometimes it isn't. Take a look at reviews in tripadvisor to see if it is a restaurant that interests you, in the right location, so you are not wasting money. On this trip, for example, we want to remain flexible, depending on how I feel, weather, when we want to cook versus eat out, so groupons are not high on our priority list. We've had some good luck here in NJ with groupons, including the daily ones which you have to use that day for a quick inexpensive lunch or dinner. But these are restaurants we know in towns we know and are convinced it is a good deal. So, as an overall statement, groupon can be a good deal, with proper research and planning.