Today was a beautiful start to a much needed vacation. I have really been looking forward to going to France .
Once we got to know our rental car, my feet couldn’t help but tread a familiar path into the heart of Paris for a quick hello to the Eiffel Tower, that Grand Dame that watches over the city of lights.
The city and I reacquainted ourselves easily like best friends who have not seen each other for a long time, but still fall easily into the ebb and flow of gossip and nostalgia that held us together the last time.
I reluctantly pulled myself from the easy embrace of Paris to continue our journey into the French countryside. We drove past beautiful fields and ancient villages on our winding road to relaxation and rejuvenation. As the flat fields gave way to rolling hills, fields of sunflowers made an appearance, cheering is with their happy faces always facing the sun.
Lunch time found me with a baguette and some Camambert cheese from Normandy in my hand, the result of the pull of a familiar habit.
The baguette was wonderful, crusty on the outside and pleasantly chewy on the inside (why is it that baguettes taste so much better over here?) The firm but intensely creamy Camembert added a contrast to the texture of the baguette, making the combination so much more than just the sum of its parts.
I am happy to be back in a country that I love so much, and to have had so many quintessentially ‘French’ experiences in one day really did feel like a warm welcome from an old friend.
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Postcards From Provence: Going to France
Postcards From Provence: Unexpected Directions in the South of France
Postcards from Provence: Waking up with Bread and Pastries in France
Postcards from Provence: A Sunny Day Spent with the Romans in France
Velo en Provence: Bicycling in the Cote du Rhone Region of France
Spending the Night in Carcassonne France on a Budget
Bastille Day in France: Waiting for the Fireworks in Carcassonne
Bastille Day in France: The Fireworks in Carcassonne
Bastille Day in France: Waking up with Naked Men
More Photos from Bastille Day in France
Postcards from Provence: Reflections from my Trip to Provence
Whyyy why are you torturing me with those descriptions of bread and cheese???!!
Good to hear that you’re off to a good start on your vacay!
I was surprised that I haven’t really gained weight on this trip. Despite all of the bread, cheese and wine that the French consume, the portions at meals are a little small for my big American appetite, and we have been doing a lot of walking and biking (and many days, we have just frankly been too busy to eat!)
What I love about France is that what makes it so special is really simple: good cheese, a baguette, wine… all the best parts of life.
Thanks for summing it up that way…that really gets down to the heart of it. I think that is why I love France so much…the utter simplicity of things there.
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