Sun 10 Dec 2006
I was thinking the other day of the differences between living in the States and living in France, just the everyday sort of things, a lot that have to do with food.
When I think of my time in the States I remember sitting in traffic, buzzing along the many freeways, sitting stopped at yet another red light hearing Christmas music on the radio when it wasn’t even Thanksgiving yet. I found that many things tasted either too salty or too sweet. The desserts and the champagne were too sweet to my taste and crackers and snacks tasted too salty. We ate alot more ready made foods, such as frozen Mexican food. My mother even fixed an all ready baked beef roast from Costco which was really tasty.
Back in Paris and most of my cooking is done with fresh vegetables, meat from the boucherie down the street, cheese bought from a fromagerie straight from some distant farm, unwrapped in plastic. I take the metro or a bus where ever I go, do much more walking, and am just now starting to see Christmas decorations, if you don’t count what the huge department stores have up. I often miss the convience of having grocery stores open just about all of the time. I must plan ahead to have everything we need for meals so I won’t find I don’t have something essential on a Sunday, even though you can always find a bakery open somewhere on Sundays-the French have to have their daily bread.
Both countries are great and I enjoy aspects of both of them. I miss many things-not counting family-from the States, the more mundane of which is American sports. As I said before, I think France feels like my home now but, if I should win the lottery, I will have a home in both countries. That would be perfect.
December 10th, 2006 at 6:05 am
Lovely photos, Linda. The thing I miss most about the States (other than friends and family) is the washing machines and dryers - so much more efficient than the European ones. I also miss the ease of stores staying open late - as you said, here if you don’t plan ahead, you’re out of luck if you want milk, etc. late at night.
December 10th, 2006 at 9:01 am
What a beautiful granddaughter! Right this instant I miss molasses, I want to make ginger bread and where in France or near Aix can I get that?
December 10th, 2006 at 11:46 am
While living in Paris, we did not miss any American food besides maple syrup for our Sunday’s pancakes (a long tradition ;-), but we found it in Le Bon Marche.
What we did miss (and here I agree with Paris Parfait) were the household conveniences like a dishwasher and washer/dryer.
Also, the ease of dealing with utilities/providers, etc. In the States, all it takes is a phone call. In Paris…well, that’s a whole different post;-)))
December 10th, 2006 at 11:55 am
Your granddaughter looks loke an angel. Beautiful.
December 10th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
It’s so true what you say about the food in the States. I notice the huge portions hanging over the plates, and I can really taste all the artificial ingredients now that I eat almost all fresh food here in France.
I love your photos.
Meredith, you can often get molasses in France at big supermarkets; it’s called mélasse.
December 11th, 2006 at 3:32 am
Oh, how I’d love to have homes in both countries, too! One of my best friends does and I think she’s the luckiest person I know! Your granddaughter is cherubic and your blue door photo is so stunning. Enjoy your Parisian holidays!