Why France?

Saignon

Moon over Saignon

Bonjour Saignon! The enchanted rock village overlooking the town of Apt in the Luberon region of Provence is timeless. I am thrilled to be here once again, this time in the summer rather than the fall, where the temperatures reach the high 80’s during mid-day but cool considerably after sundown. There is a cooling breeze during the summer months that becomes a strong, cold, dry northerly wind referred to as a mistral in the winter. And currently the full moon is shining down on the village making the scene magical, like a storybook fantasy.

“Why France?”  How do you describe a lifestyle so foreign to the American way? It’s the quality of life that draws people near and far. France is the perfect place to retire for many reasons, especially the health care program. It is unheard of to be turned away by a doctor for lack of insurance. They treat you anyhow and charge you based on your income, and if you can’t pay well that’s okay too. It’s illegal to turn people away from medical care. It is also illegal to discriminate against dog owners, when leasing an apartment.

Americans question the percentage of taxes imposed by the French government. I wonder if you consider what those taxes cover, things that we Americans pay directly out of our own pocket, who really comes out ahead? For example, a working family having a baby is provided a nanny to help with the baby, and the mother is on paid leave for a year after the birth. The workweek is shorter in hours and the vacation periods are longer. Everyone is on holiday for the entire month of August. The value of family life is revered.

Fresh Tomatoes

The simple life where family, community and friends are the central focus and making a living is what you do, not necessarily something you live, eat and breathe. It is about enjoying life rather than just getting by. A lifestyle that is conducive to living in the moment rather than waiting for this or that to feel complete. And the pace is much slower, even in Paris, than what we know as a culture. It’s about embracing life and enjoying those around you. Meals are a celebration where people sit down and spend a lengthy time together. There is no snacking between meals, eating at desks or in cars, and eating on the run just doesn’t exist. Consequently obesity is not an issue. Dinner is the time people come together to share conversation along with the fresh foods of the season and local wine. Need I say more about why I love it here?

Beau & Moi, the Dogwalker

My days have settled into a routine that is as flexible as I want it to be. I am living in a small village in my own private space, far removed from the tourist world. Rising with the sun and driving Beau, the Spanish Greyhound, to the trails for an hour-long hike through the countryside, starts my day. The terrain is a reminder that the Romans inhabited Provence for over four hundred years and the stones protruding out of the ground on the trail are evidence of that time. How awesome to be this close to a history so long ago. The scent of lavender fills my nostrils as we pass the recently harvested fields. We greet bicyclers with the traditional Bonjour and have become friends with a British man walking his dog on the trail. I can’t speak the language well but the French are not only forgiving, they are extremely helpful in my attempt. We encounter horseback riders and open pastures where Beau is free to run like the wind. I keep walking and he eventually catches up with me to show me the way at the crossroads.

After & Before the Harvest

Rock Trail

Returning to the flat Beau has his breakfast and is now ready for a nap that will last until early afternoon. I return to my flat where I prepare an espresso with an incredible Krups machine that makes better cafés than most coffee shops I know. Often times before returning home we visit the village of Apt for a trip to the market where in-season vegetables and fruits abound. The French eat what is seasonable at the time, therefore eliminating the need for processed foods. Now is the season for juicy cantaloupes, scrumptious tomatoes, squash, corn on the cob, and all things green. Filling my bag with more than enough, I find a boulangerie for a freshly baked baguette and then look for Camembert fromage. OMG if you have tasted French cheese of any kind you know there is no comparison to the taste. And, the wine? This time of year Rosé is preferred. Being an American I wrinkle my nose thinking only of White Zinfandel whenever Rosé is mentioned. As a prior restaurant owner I refer to White Zin as the wine people, who don’t really like wine drink. I am assured that the French Rosé is closer to a white - crisp, light, refreshing and the preferred Vin for the season. Okay so I bought it and true to all the claims, it is a perfect match for a hot summer day. And the cost was a mere five euros.

Back to the flat for a quick look at emails that connect me with the rest of the world, some writing, a walk around Saignon with my camera and then a nap. French people love their naps and they are not only refreshing but also good for the body and soul. Napping is not just for the young and old, it is for everyone. The shops and businesses lock their doors from Noon until 3 PM and people rest, as they should.

These are only a few of the reasons for, “Why France?” It’s a beautiful place with a slower, more relaxed lifestyle that resonates strongly with me. Did I mention the pastel Pink toilet paper? When is the last time you saw pink toilet paper? Ahhh, that’s what I thought. Rumor has it that there is also bright red and purple too! How funny is that?

Roush Dogs

If only my six canine roommates were with me in this magical place, there would be little need to hurry home. As it were I will continue to savor every moment until I get on a plane bound for the world, as I know it. I will leave with the thought of returning once again with all my la chiens, to live like a French woman for a time. At least until the wanderlust returns, and beacons me forward to yet another foreign land.

Au revoir