More photos of paradise

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.

Avril needs frequent flier miles

As usual in the summer, Avril has joined us in our journey and it got me to thinking about how Air France and other airlines who wish to encourage us to travel with our pets should award frequent flier miles to them, rather than treating them like luggage. Can they get special privileges? What would they be? A first class dog section with a menu for treats? Or could it be when you hit a certain level you could earn a seat next to your human? Priority boarding? Free trips? This could be an idea whose time has come.

Student travel -

In transiting through JFK on the way over, I was fortunate to see so many student groups setting out to travel the world, most for the first time. It brought me back to my first overseas trip at age 17, to travel Europe and see places I had been reading about for years. I was happy to see these young people and their enthusiasm and sense of adventure, as I know by the time they return they will be irreparably changed by their experiences, no matter what they are, just as young people from all over the world are changed by coming to America. These students are our future in a more international world and economy, and their views and ability to understand other cultures and history are critical to everyone's future. In a few days, we will be sending our son to his travels into other countries he has not experienced yet, and into his future.

News when we travel

In the old days (maybe 10 years ago) my news lifeline would be the International Herald Tribute, along with some CNN international if we were lucky enough to have it in the hotel. These days we have CNN in the house, and laptops with highspeed internet so with le web we can read the news and our regular papers every day should we choose. So many times when we travel there is some big breaking news story just as we leave or while we are away and we get blanket coverage on CNN or sometimes BBC or Skynews - Michael Jackson's death, the Norway killings, the bombings in London, or the summer Governor McGreevey resigned when I was working for the state of New Jersey, or every four years the World Cup. This summer, already we have major news stories from Nelson Mandela's illness, President Obama's trip to African, civil unrest in Brazil and Egypt, and we can anticipate the birth of the royal heir in England. We always enjoy getting a different view of the world while here and watch CNN International at home, but it does not contain all the same programming we see here. We have added a new twist to watching tv here, with some additional technology (since without it we can't watch netflix or other programs) we are watching some favorite programs at night or movies.

In paradise once again

As you readers may know, it was a very difficult year for our family, with me being so ill. Cancer and chemotherapy only increases my appreciation for our arrival yet again in France, for the beauty of Provence and the lifestyle here. It has taken me a few days to get on the time zone and settle in to our house, and enjoy the improvements we have made, especially in the gardens. The pleasure we feel every time we return back from an excursion and pull in to our private heaven is difficult to describe. Pictures help but do not really do it justice. We are looking forward to spending our time here relaxing, hopefully healing and regenerating a bit, eating (healthy) and watching, learning and progressing in our understanding of France, its people and culture. Perfection.

Another restaurant label - this time by the chefs

From the top chefs of France, comes another labeling system where the restaurant must apply and meet the standard of freshly prepared foods and good service (not the easiest to come by in France). We will be looking for this designation as it begins to appear. http://www.france24.com/en/20130410-french-superchefs-launch-new-quality-restaurant-label