The Workaday World...

Having arrived back in the States last Friday evening has given me a few days to observe some of the obvious differences between France and here in the States.  When we drove the 2,500 some kilometers through France to see stages 9-13 of the Tour de France and make our way to Rocamadour, Chartres, Paris and Montmartre, we were able to view some of the most inspiring views I've ever seen in my entire 43 years.

One of the biggest notices there are the lack of billboards, hotels, strip malls, Wal Marts, and ads for lawyers, etc.  They have these 'practically untouched by time villages' with small homes, gardens, and so many, many beautiful croppings of flowers.  It's almost as if they are expecting company, and want the place to look good before you get there.  We had a couple of friends come to visit this past Saturday night and spent most of our day preparing for their visit...  the French farmers seem to keep their yards that way all of the year.  Simple and beautiful.  

The same cannot be said for the cities, however.  They, unfortunately, have many demeaning features that exists in cities here, and some that I simply can't live with at all.  One is smoking.  They do it more than Americans, and they're allowed to do it practically anywhere they want.  I'm so impressed with the laws we've passed here in certain states to allow the smoke-free the ability to breath without second hand smoke.  France could learn a thing or two about that.  Another thing is diesel.  Because of the high price of gasoline, the majority of cars run on diesel fuel, which illicits a diesel smell and pollution, contributing to the haze we saw when we viewed the city from atop the Eiffel Tower and from the steps of the Sacre Coure in Montmartre.

Well, if there were more time I'd happily add a dozen or so photos of the beauty and simplicity that we noted during our visit.  I could easily go back, although I'd likely spend a majority of the time in the country (especially the Pyrenees) and do lots of bicycling (on the road & off), backpacking, camping, and just laying out looking at the stars at night.  The wines, breads, cheeses, fruits, etc., were all fresh, tasty, and of good flavor.  They don't have what I consider to be ideal breakfasts (bread, jelly, juice, coffee), but they do rise early and they do smile when the greet you with 'Bonjour'.  It was a good trip, and we'll be posting many more items as we manage to organize, edit, and spend the time.  Thanks for visiting...