Going to France -- Destination, la France

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 ·

    Passe un bon moement en famille, et Sois la Bienvenue à Paris
  • Kat ·

    Have a wonderful time, Bea!
  • mercotte ·

    Bonnes vacances Béa profite bien de ta famille !
  • MarieT ·

    Bon séjour en France !
  • Marmitedecathy ·

    Profite-bien de ton papa et de Paris !
  • Audrey ·

    bonnes vacances!
  • Lucy Vanel ·

    If you come to Lyon or anywhere nearby please let me know, Bea! I would love to meet you.
  • Alhya ·

    bon retour à la maison!!! profites en bien!! et j'ai hate de te relire à ton retour!
  • gracianne ·

    Bon voyage surprise alors! Et prends quand même un parapluie... Bravo pour le test du risotto!
  • Karina ·

    Bon voyage! Have a wonderful trip and celebration. Enjoy!
  • sher ·

    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 ·

    hey, have a great trip bea!
  • Lydia ·

    Bon voyage! I hope your parents love the surprise! It will definitely be risotto season by the time you return.....
  • becca ·

    May they be home and the food marvelous!
  • Ms. Glaze ·

    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 ·

    Bon voyage, my dear Béa!
  • kim ·

    Béa You cannot pass up Ms. Glaze invite! Have a grand holiday and wish your Papa the best!
  • ParisBreakfasts ·

    What's a bit of rain, when you're in Paris? C'est normal non? Bonne Voyage Bea :)
  • Pille ·

    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 ·

    Bea, Hope your dad have a wonderful birthday! And enjoy your visit!
  • astridcmoi ·

    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 ·

    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 ·

    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 ·

    I hope you have lovely weather, and enjoy seeing your family! Glad the risotto was a success.
  • peabody ·

    Have a great trip.
  • daniela ·

    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 ·

    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 ·

    Have a lovely time Bea...and don't forget to bring back some goodies to put "in the fridge!" ;-)
  • Jeff ·

    What a cute goat!! Did you pet him/her?
  • Christine (myplateoryours) ·

    Happy birthday to your dad and happy pats to Monsieur Rocanière’s lovely goats. You are from a wonderful country. I miss it!
  • Mae ·

    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 ·

    Have a wonderful time with your family!
  • Dan George Somnea ·

    Bonjour, bon soir Hi, Et bon vacances! Happy trails ! http://tourihexro.boostersite.com/ Dan George, Bucarest, Roumanie