Going to France -- Destination, la France

September 29, 2006

Food & Travel

Just Imagine How Thirsty They Are!

I am off to visit my family next week, but this time as a surprise. I am just lucky -- or not, it all depends the point of view -- that neither of my parents speaks or reads English, so there is no chance that they know I am coming! My dad is indeed celebrating his 66th birthday and I just cannot miss that. I simply hope that I won't find porte de bois (literally a wooden door, meaning "no one is at home"). They better be at home!

First, I will see this:

Monsieur Rocanière's lovely goats, in my home village.

A few days spent in the countryside to refill in all sorts of goodies, including visiting all the cute cows, sheep and goats lazily grazing in the fields.

And then I will see that too:

View of la capitale

For two short days where I am going to enjoy walking les rues de Paris (Paris' streets), hopefully with nice clear weather. Il ne pleut pas, n'est-ce pas ? (It is not raining, is it?)

I look forward to this short yet rewarding aventure en France, between la province and Paris, two contrasting worlds that I love for different reasons.

Alors à bientôt, and if you are in Paris, let me know, who knows, maybe we can meet if time allows, most likely on Oct 11th!

Note: I ended up deciding to cook my tomato risotto for my Italian friend S. who added "You passed the risotto test". None was left, which is a good sign, especially from someone whose father grows Carnaroli risotto rice back in Italy!

33 Comments

Gamelle · September 29, 2006
Passe un bon moement en famille, et Sois la Bienvenue à Paris
Kat · September 29, 2006
Have a wonderful time, Bea!
mercotte · September 30, 2006
Bonnes vacances Béa profite bien de ta famille !
MarieT · September 30, 2006
Bon séjour en France !
Marmitedecathy · September 30, 2006
Profite-bien de ton papa et de Paris !
Audrey · September 30, 2006
bonnes vacances!
Lucy Vanel · September 30, 2006
If you come to Lyon or anywhere nearby please let me know, Bea! I would love to meet you.
Alhya · September 30, 2006
bon retour à la maison!!! profites en bien!! et j'ai hate de te relire à ton retour!
gracianne · September 30, 2006
Bon voyage surprise alors! Et prends quand même un parapluie...
Bravo pour le test du risotto!
Karina · September 30, 2006
Bon voyage! Have a wonderful trip and celebration. Enjoy!
sher · September 30, 2006
How wonderful!! The pictures of the cows and the sheep are simply magical. Could anything be more beautiful? (Not to me.) I think this will be so rewarding for you--and your father. Have a great time.
ces · September 30, 2006
hey, have a great trip bea!
Lydia · September 30, 2006
Bon voyage! I hope your parents love the surprise! It will definitely be risotto season by the time you return.....
becca · September 30, 2006
May they be home and the food marvelous!
Ms. Glaze · September 30, 2006
I don't know if you've got the time (or budget) for a 3-star meal, but I'm cooking at Guy Savoy in the 17th. I would love to meet you in person. Coup de champagne on me...
Bisous and safe trip,
Ms. Glaze
Ivonne · October 1, 2006
Bon voyage, my dear Béa!
kim · October 1, 2006
Béa
You cannot pass up Ms. Glaze invite!
Have a grand holiday and wish your Papa the best!
ParisBreakfasts · October 1, 2006
What's a bit of rain, when you're in Paris? C'est normal non?
Bonne Voyage Bea :)
Pille · October 1, 2006
Enjoy your trip, Bea! You're such a good daughter;) I've flown back home for my grandmothers' birthdays, and they've always really enjoyed the 'present':)
gattina · October 1, 2006
Bea,
Hope your dad have a wonderful birthday! And enjoy your visit!
astridcmoi · October 1, 2006
Profite bien de Paris, il fait bon en ce moment et se promener à paris est un vraie aubaine. et joyeux anniversaires à ton papa.
Dianka · October 1, 2006
Oh Bea, wow. How jealous I am of your travels! I wish I could do it too but I am so bust writing my blog. Sometimes I take a day to write one page and I still make grammatical mistakes. I just don't get the difference between "I and me" sometimes, so I always use "I" even when I say "it is good for R and I to be together". I suspect it should be "me" but I am afraid to use it! Your writing is just soooo wonderful.
Enjoy your trip!
Dianka
Cocopassions · October 1, 2006
Bonne vacances en France. Et si tu veux faire 30 km pour venir faire un coucou à la maison......ou pour déjeuner sur Metz ;o) N' hésites pas
Julie O'Hara · October 1, 2006
I hope you have lovely weather, and enjoy seeing your family! Glad the risotto was a success.
peabody · October 1, 2006
Have a great trip.
daniela · October 2, 2006
bienvenue Bea,
je ne serai pas à Paris l'11 octobre, mais dis-moi combien de jours tu sera dans la ville, j'aimerais beacoup qu'on puisse se rencontrer
bon voyage
daniela · October 2, 2006
j'ai oublié une petite chose:
pour ton père il sera un souvenir inoubliable.
l'année dernière, j'ai fait la même surprise à mon père… je revois encore son visage ému…
rowena · October 2, 2006
Have a lovely time Bea...and don't forget to bring back some goodies to put "in the fridge!" ;-)
Jeff · October 2, 2006
What a cute goat!! Did you pet him/her?
Christine (myplateoryours) · October 2, 2006
Happy birthday to your dad and happy pats to Monsieur Rocanière’s lovely goats. You are from a wonderful country. I miss it!
Mae · October 5, 2006
Have a lovely trip Bea! How exciting! I love surprising and being surprised. Say 'hi' to the goats and cows for me :-)
and a Happy Birthday to your Dad.
I went to Paris nearly 2 years ago and i'd like to go again soon. Beautiful city. Enjoy!
jann mumford · October 6, 2006
Have a wonderful time with your family!
Dan George Somnea · April 30, 2008
Bonjour, bon soir
Hi,
Et bon vacances!
Happy trails !
http://tourihexro.boostersite.com/
Dan George, Bucarest, Roumanie