Reflections on France — How I Miss Her!

I have been back exactly one month from my Wonderful France trip, and one thing is really clear to me — I want to go back!  France has that great mix of serenity — Saint Paul de Vence and  Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Balme — to high profile sophistication of Monaco, Monte Carlo, Nice and Lyon– to the just plain fast pace as you would find in exciting Paris.

When I say I felt freer than I have in my entire life, I mean it.  I was free to meet new people —  adventuresome Australians, caring Canadians and all ablaze Americans.  I was free to try my first Pastis and my first Floating Island.  I unapologetically and unashamably took pictures of all the iconic Parisian and uniquely French sites, while at the same time taking photos of some of the most unsuspecting aspects of life in France.  You know the ones that cause you to ask yourself “who would be interested in this photo?”

The food, the food, the food!  Who knew that ordinary chicken could express its Frenchness in so many different ways.  I actually had Coq Au Vin!  Who knew that macarons taste better in Aix? Who knew I would eat at Paul Bocuse’s Lyonaise Restaurant in Lyon? And, oh, The boulangeries, charcuteries and the plentiful open air markets (St. Tropez) too big to navigate in one visit.  I had fun trying, though!

Who knew that I would find a bracelet laden with Swarovski Crystals for little or nothing?! I came back loaded down not with clothing, but with tee shirts and refrigerator magnets shouting out Côte D’Azur, Avignon, Arles and Cannes!

I am determined to cook something — anything — with those cooking herbs from Provence, and then lay that meal atop the Provençal linen that I purchased.

Yes, I’m a newly minted Froncophile.  Can’t you tell?  Actually, I’ve been one for a while through my mental travels, visits to French restaurants in Chicago, and through the writings of James Baldwin, Richard Wright,  Peter Mayle, Julia Child and a good number of Expats, who like me, have that Love of France Disease.

France, who knew I would miss you this much? #thisidoforme.com

ANTICIPATION!!

As I prepare for my trip to France later this week,  I am paying close attention to all the emotions that are flooding my mind, body and soul.

What stands out is the sense of anticipation that I am experiencing, not just excitement, but a feeling that something is about to be birthed.  Usually, I am excited about the new country that I am going to visit, the foods that I will sample and of course, the shopping that I will get to do.

I have been to France before on two other occasions (Paris, Aix, Marseille), and although I will excitingly get introduced to new French towns/cities (St. Tropez, Beaune, Monaco, Lyon), this trip is different from other trips taken in the past.

I can’t recall anticipating visiting a new city with the hope of returning home to plan something — a trip, an excursion to new restaurant, an educational lecture — not for me, but for you!  “This I Do For Me” readers, I take this trip with brand new eyes and a heart for creating something for you that you will remember, always.

While I’m traveling, please check our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest pages.  Wheels Up!

Baguettes, Macarons and Crepes — Here I Come!