Even though it took us almost two hours to get through customs last night (yeah, I’m SOOO glad they’re spending our tax dollars building that fence along the Mexican border and skimping on customs agents at busy major airport), we made it back safe and sound after many days of croissants, Croque Monsieurs and wine from Les Baux-de-Provence! (Mrs. Chicky, we MUST find a way to import this!)
Thanks so much to all my blogging pals who posted some amazing entries to keep my blog warm. I can’t wait to dig in and read in more detail the great posts and comments! Just let me know when I can return the favor!
While I’m trying to shake off the remaining jet lag, I wanted to mention a few things about France for those of you considering making the bon journee in the future:
1. Avert your eyes if taking the Bateau Mouche along the Seine in August. Sometimes the sights are not so, how you say, bon. There’s just no need to see an overweight white guy in a thong as you’re floating past Notre-Dame. (Sorry, I just couldn’t bring myself to take that picture — you’ll just have to use your imagination)!
2. Even if you don’t like grapefruit, you have to order something with it as an ingredient at least once while you’re in France. It’s just too much fun to say pamplemousse!
3. If the Disney Channel is on in French, it counts as educational TV for your children.
4. All airlines should have a new rule similar to the one at our community pool — before you get in (or on), you have to take a quick shower. Cut us a break — the recirculated air is bad enough on those trans-Atlantic flights.
5. This look doesn’t work, even if you’re a cute French guy.
6. Seven-year-olds abandon their picky food preferences if you cover something in garlic butter. I’m going to get to work on a recipe for Broccoli Provencal.
7. And if a food is named after a new Disney movie, you child will try it.
8. The two most important words I learned while we were away? Lavender sorbet. MMMmmmm.
There’s also a little punditry going on from me at PunditMom’s Spin Cycle. There were some things I couldn’t get off my mind, even while in Provence!
August 13th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Lavender sorbet? Oh my God, that sounds good…
Welcome back!
August 13th, 2007 at 9:07 am
I’ve never had a quick trip through customs.
Welcome home!
August 13th, 2007 at 10:00 am
So if I take my child to Ratatouille, then she’ll eat it? That would be amazing.
August 13th, 2007 at 10:26 am
cannot WAIT to hear your take on Rove’s recent announcement about bailing.
bated breath. totally bated breath.
tenterhooks.
August 13th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Welcome back!
And France. Sigh. I adored Provence. Best time was when we did Provence Byways. When my husband worked in Bretagne, we traveled all over. It was fantastic.
Sounds like you had a good time.
Julie
Ravin’ Picture Maven
August 13th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Glad you’re back, and your friends did well for you when you were gone. All I’ll say is I’m glad I’m heading to France this fall, when everyone is either fully clothed or wearing hats.
August 13th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
ha ha…. my daughter watched the Disney Channel in Spanish when we were in Mexico. I am SO going with you on the “educational” bent.
August 13th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
So, Pundit Girl’s new fave: pamplemousse ratatouille with garlic butter? Delish!
Welcome back!
August 13th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Magpie, All I know is there isn’t a chance in you-know-where that PunditGirl would have eaten Ratatouille without a Disney reference! And Mayberry, I think I’ll try out that recipe tonite!
August 13th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Welcome back!! I am so jealous, I would love to go back to France!
My favorite was mushrooms in French. Champignon. I ordered everything with mushrooms in it or on it!
August 13th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I will stop lurking to tell you that I loved meeting you in person and I’m sorry I didn’t get more time with you.
P.S. Your guest writers kept us amused but we’re thrilled to have you back.
August 13th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Wine? Did someone mention wine??
Welcome back! You were missed.
Lavender sorbet? Uh, yum.
Never had much desire to visit France (I know, I’m sorry) but just your quick description, except for the guy in the odd choice of underwear, has made me reconsider.
As for thanking me, you know how you can thank me. I think you may have mentioned wine.
August 14th, 2007 at 5:08 am
This Disney channel sounds very, very important. I’m going to check it out sometime. Do they have it here in the states? Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears aren’t still Mouseketeers are they?
I have so many questions now…
August 14th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I have adored the word pamplemousse since my 7th grade French class.
Right up there with turdblossom in terms of rolling off the tongue.
August 15th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
After all of that all I can say is oh no! Don’t tell me the mullet it coming back! Because you know if it happens there…it will be here in a couple of years. Yikes!