tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41944979429066434772024-03-13T14:08:16.609+01:00Alive and Well & Living in France, now Italy!tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-2932526187024968772020-06-14T11:26:00.000+02:002020-06-14T11:26:00.988+02:00The Sweet Life
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial">For the longest time, I would pass these delicious pastries in the window here in Bergamo, thinking who on earth would eat a dessert made from polenta? </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-As6bwMmLHS8/XuXpSfhE_oI/AAAAAAAATrM/JrP0_BeahoIw6kDeMbfkkKmiOsPAYCEcwCK4BGAsYHg/s560/France_Italy%2BBlog%2BCovers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-As6bwMmLHS8/XuXpSfhE_oI/AAAAAAAATrM/JrP0_BeahoIw6kDeMbfkkKmiOsPAYCEcwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h360/France_Italy%2BBlog%2BCovers.png" width="640" /></a></div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Looking at this dessert, it is shaped like polenta and the color of polenta so it must be made with polenta.</font></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial">Let me back up here. Bergamo is an area known for its polenta and its found in both sweet and savory dishes. Read about it <a href="https://www.visitbergamo.net/en/ricette-polenta/">here.</a></font></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I am not a big fan of polenta and typically don't tend to eat it. When I first saw these desserts, I was puzzled. Have they gone overboard? The Bergamaschi must really love their polenta.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">After the lockdown, these "polenta" cakes called P</font><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">olenta e Osei</span><font face="arial"> were displayed in the windows again. This time I said, okay, I am going to try one. I had to know what they tasted like. I also thought if they are made with polenta, they must also be gluten-free. (I was very wrong)!!</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">So, I bought a mini one. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bQRCib5iEY/XuXsSesSOmI/AAAAAAAATsQ/wFAmlEK8Tkk81G2ortxB8UeJuRulSDRPACK4BGAsYHg/s1500/8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bQRCib5iEY/XuXsSesSOmI/AAAAAAAATsQ/wFAmlEK8Tkk81G2ortxB8UeJuRulSDRPACK4BGAsYHg/w426-h640/8.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">We sliced it in half and saw there was a chocolate filling in the middle. The cake had me at the first bite. Wow. This was NOT polenta at all. The shape of the dessert is made to resemble polenta, but that's where it ends.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tD0TiHrjMQ/XuXsfaC333I/AAAAAAAATsk/W-nYJAhosZ8FD1_XKccEIlg9uXvC_QU5QCK4BGAsYHg/s1500/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tD0TiHrjMQ/XuXsfaC333I/AAAAAAAATsk/W-nYJAhosZ8FD1_XKccEIlg9uXvC_QU5QCK4BGAsYHg/w426-h640/6.png" width="426" /></a></div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">When I looked up the recipe, I saw it is made with flour, hazelnuts, rum, marzipan, and zero polenta! Check out a recipe <a href="https://www.visitbergamo.net/en/polenta-e-osei/">here</a>. The taste is similar to a sponge cake and very moist. The outside is a marzipan coating rolled in yellow sugar crystals. How absolutely wrong I was and couldn't believe how stupid I was for by-passing this sweet goodness.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Needless to say, the next day, I bought an even bigger one to sample. All I could think was how did I pass this up for 4 months??!! My waist thanks me, but not my sweet tooth. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeRIu0aw5Zs/XuXsmp7AdrI/AAAAAAAATs0/RLSzyreuhlYCQSJJWc06JsaW7axhMlZNwCK4BGAsYHg/s1500/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeRIu0aw5Zs/XuXsmp7AdrI/AAAAAAAATs0/RLSzyreuhlYCQSJJWc06JsaW7axhMlZNwCK4BGAsYHg/w426-h640/4.png" width="426" /></a></div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">If you visit Bergamo, be sure and try one of these. You will not be disappointed.</font></div><div><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" /></font></a></div></div>tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-18904998929844035892020-05-01T14:47:00.002+02:002020-05-01T14:47:33.276+02:004 May 2020!!
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday I went out for essentials and for the first time I was amazed at how many people were out and about. Usually, when I go out, I may see 3 or 4 people. The streets are usually deserted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNW3Uyb84r8/XqwXj0p4hTI/AAAAAAAATbc/tpnhhdvmypA_Gvczzayjcm1WsGHl3AZvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Market%2BDay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNW3Uyb84r8/XqwXj0p4hTI/AAAAAAAATbc/tpnhhdvmypA_Gvczzayjcm1WsGHl3AZvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Market%2BDay.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, 4 May is this coming Monday and I know everyone here in Bergamo is eagerly awaiting this day. I gather from the additional people out and about these last few days, they are ready!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tId2nBBwtQ/XqwZFhkpeUI/AAAAAAAATb0/PAXTTL2Bp2wOMouQrKBRDfWPGLesCi-tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tId2nBBwtQ/XqwZFhkpeUI/AAAAAAAATb0/PAXTTL2Bp2wOMouQrKBRDfWPGLesCi-tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, starting on 4 May one of the new orders for Phase II is we can go for a walk or a jog. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for those of us in the heart of Bergamo, we have been waiting for a bit of a reprieve from this virus. We still cannot leave the region, need to wear a mask, and still must carry a form, however, just being able to go beyond our immediate area offers a bit of hope.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D1oKoy8488/XqwaTXp2tPI/AAAAAAAATcE/3KbaVhrZlU8OyHLZFptiM2Nric_fmi_hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Market%2BDay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8D1oKoy8488/XqwaTXp2tPI/AAAAAAAATcE/3KbaVhrZlU8OyHLZFptiM2Nric_fmi_hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Market%2BDay.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Government has issued new orders for Phase II of the lockdown. Some restrictions are being slightly removed to prepare for this new phase. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">While the horrendous situation will stay with Bergamo for a long time to come, Bergamaschi are resilient and they will rise. Their city will be better than ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I walked around, I saw this little girl twirling in her pink tutu and gold jacket, aware only of the beautiful days to come.</span><br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-27293530603605991892020-04-07T14:43:00.002+02:002020-04-25T16:10:50.064+02:00Hearts of Hope
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the days here are the same. I teach online during the week, plan our groceries for 2x/week and sit in our indoor courtyard to bask in the sunshine that is only there 3 hours per day. I actually look forward to getting groceries as it gets me outside and I admit, it's getting harder and harder to be confined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An old friend from elementary school suggested I create hearts to place around Bergamo. There were already beautiful rainbow posters made by the school children displayed around town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I love doing mail art, I thought why not? I don't have a printer so I cut all my hearts from random wrapping paper and decorated them using ink pens, bits of paper, ink stamps and stencils. I made about 20 of them to begin with. I gathered them all up with some scotch ready to post them around Citta Alta. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, we had just gotten the notice that now we were required to wear masks whenever we went out. I was wearing them anyway as I thought if someone coughs I don't want to have any of that on me. </span>We are only to go out for essential items and I thought well, this is deemed essential - spreading love around Citta Alta.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I got all donned up and put on my bandanna scarf, placed my paper mask over my bandanna, took a shopping bag, and proceeded on my way. I ran out way before I should have. I need to go make more to blanket the shops along the bottom of Citta.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big ❤️ to all!</span><br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-72075831775736039402020-04-01T19:51:00.001+02:002020-04-01T19:51:45.704+02:00Rise Up
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today was a beautiful sunny day in Bergamo and I wanted to take full advantage of what I could to maximize being outdoors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After all, being in a lockdown means your only outing is to get essentials so you need to make it a good one. We decided to only go out Tuesdays and Fridays to minimize the amount of contact with others. They assume everyone has been exposed in some form or another in Bergamo so I am as careful as I can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I cheat. Sorry, get angry at me, but we have been in a real lockdown for one month. No outdoor exercise of any kind. When I read about my friends and family that still get to go out and walk, I am mad. My other walk consists of an enclosed 25 sq meter piazza right outside my front door. I am grateful I have this private space to walk in. I would not be able to do this if it wasn't enclosed, so I thank my lucky stars I have this space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is my door. We get 2 hours Opposite my door to give you an idea </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of sunshine every morning!! of how small it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I walk slower and take the long way home to my apartment. I savor every minute of the solitude of Citta Alta and admire and notice things I never saw before. The birds are still chirping - a sure sign of Spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After making the rounds, the husband told me our little baker was open again. I stopped by and waited outside for my turn. When I went inside I noticed they built a huge glass shield separating them and their customers. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any way one can make it work to keep serving customers is a win for me. I thank these shop keepers every day as I know they are risking themselves day in and day out. These shops are the lifeblood of the community and if they shut, we are all in trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I asked her if she had any ice cream as that is one thing I am really craving these days. With all the gelato shops closed, I cannot get my fix. She said one moment and went to the back and came back with this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Needless to say, she made my day. I thanked her profusely and went on my way, walking slow and taking in all the sunshine I could for the day.</span><br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-70604164637029430202020-03-24T20:04:00.000+01:002020-03-24T20:25:39.196+01:00Pizza, Hearts and Notes of Hope<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I was really craving pizza. These days, things are a bit hard to come by up here in Citta Alta. Thankfully, Damimmo's was open and yes! they were making pizzas!! Margherita here I come!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOqgU0cEcHs/XnpWEKNmriI/AAAAAAAASCE/PL5l1ARdve8BWHJqg0-9pRacAL7FAVp-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1029%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOqgU0cEcHs/XnpWEKNmriI/AAAAAAAASCE/PL5l1ARdve8BWHJqg0-9pRacAL7FAVp-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1029%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The guy told me I had to wait 15 min. for the pizza. Now, normally this is not a problem, but we are on lockdown. I felt very conspicuous waiting outside for the pizza, but I had no choice. I stared into the windows of the closed shops looking at all the beautiful merchandise. 15 minutes pass very slowly. People were giving me weird looks probably wondering why I was hangin' around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the cook came out with the pizzas and I said, grazie mille, those are for me. I walked on home and on the way I noticed these letters of hope taped to the doors and windows of the shops. I wondered who wrote them all and taped them up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pELMGdpWyWU/XnpWkZLNdaI/AAAAAAAASCM/NXe49ZQmbkIXULQXgk6HS1ikDB71o49RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1339" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pELMGdpWyWU/XnpWkZLNdaI/AAAAAAAASCM/NXe49ZQmbkIXULQXgk6HS1ikDB71o49RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1026.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I passed through the Piazza Vecchia on my way back to the apartment, taped out among the vast emptiness of the piazza was this large heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No words........</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" /></a>tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-91549896711297639412020-03-21T12:43:00.000+01:002020-03-21T16:42:29.153+01:00No ordinary Saturday in Bergamo<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the days becoming warmer and the sun pushing through, the quarantine is proving more and more difficult to stay in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bergamo is so beautiful and a great place to discover yet unchartered walks. I really try to limit the number of days I go out and when I do, it's a straight shot to the fruit and vegetable or prepared food shop and home. I often cheat and take the long walk home to enjoy a few more minutes of open air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today at the shops, I noticed one cannot even go inside any longer. As I walked toward my shop, I was perplexed as to why the lines seemed longer. Well, stricter measures seemed to have started and owners must now serve you from the entrance to their shops. You can keep yelling back to make your order. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, one thing since being here I have not improved on is my Italian. Since I just needed milk, cream and chips I did know the words. However, when I tried to ask for spicy chips, she thought I wanted pepper. I guess next time, I better have my list translated in Italian prior to waiting in line. Maybe I should learn the line for toilet paper!🤣</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I walk home, I look at all the signs made by school children saying all will be okay. I sure hope s</span>o.......<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-57390454249614123012020-03-16T19:34:00.002+01:002020-03-21T16:46:06.707+01:00Lockdown in Bergamo - a birthday to be remembered!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, today's my birthday and this is an unusual one, to say the least. Living in the heart of the red zone in Lombardy we definitely feel the strains of the lockdown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are only allowed to go out for a very quick walk for essentials. Today, I deemed trying to buy vegetables along with liquor essential. I asked the fruit and vegetable guy for gin, but alas, none, so I bought a coffee liqueur to toast my birthday. Better than nothin'!</span><br />
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Cheers!!</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you go out now, you need to fill a form out that shows the date and where you are going. You carry this with you along with ID every time you go out. Failure to show it can result in a fine or worse... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, I am scared to go out now. If I trip or fall or get badly injured, I am out of luck. I hope my family nor I need the hospital right now as you can forget it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you imagine, 2020! and we have to carry a form to give a reason for being out on the streets! The form looks like this:</span><br />
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The form we need to fill out every time we go out of the house.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My small courtyard has become my exercise sanctuary. It really is this petite!! I know this is a small price to pay for keeping my distance. I really don't want to take any chances if I don't have too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We try and limit our small shopping every other day. There is nothing to hoard here. The shops are full. We can get what we want. The upside of a small apt is there is not a lot of space to store things. Yes, I get a few things from Amazon as well to help round out the shopping and minimize the number of trips outside. Businesses are shuttered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It looks like a ghost town here. In this image, people waiting in line at the bakery/grocery. Only 2 people allowed in at a time into the shops. </span></div>
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Waiting in line to enter a small bakery/food shop - 2 people only at a time.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have two pharmacies in Citta Alta. One allows 1 person at a time into the pharmacy. The other one, she has a window where she is dispensing meds. She wants no one in her shop. I don't blame her. </span></div>
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Window Dispensing Drugs</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All over the town are signs like this - saying closed until further notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, most of the time, Citta Alta looks like this - deserted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is normally a tourist hub with wall to wall people. Come visit Citta Alta and Bergamo as soon as you can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a beautiful place to have a mini weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The younger students are making these beautiful signs and hanging them in their windows and on all the storefronts. It says "Everything will be ok".</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bw2NPQPQck/Xm-pA6gEr1I/AAAAAAAAR1E/MRLfs1VH4BEvdP_RnwQ5M55-yUqcuw3nACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bw2NPQPQck/Xm-pA6gEr1I/AAAAAAAAR1E/MRLfs1VH4BEvdP_RnwQ5M55-yUqcuw3nACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know Italy will prevail and the rest of the world too. If we all do our part, we as an entire world will come back stronger than ever. </span></div>
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-91819293220072758262020-01-25T18:31:00.001+01:002020-01-25T18:50:26.384+01:00Gluten-Free in Italy <br />
Delicious homemade pasta, desserts, pizza - people will say you are nuts to try and be GF.<br />
Most of the time, I stick to my GF options, but honestly, the pizza one is hard. Because<br />
the crust is so thin here, I allow myself this little treat. Currently, we are weekly visitors to<br />
<a href="http://www.dafrancobergamo.org/" target="_blank">Da Franco's Ristorante Pizzeria in Citta Alta, Bergamo</a>. Check out my 20 GF<a href="https://pin.it/bgtd6wcgnii7rj" target="_blank"> here</a> desserts for<br />
all those sweet cravings you can't resist.<br />
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Ciao for now!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-43621239276672482692019-12-07T18:35:00.001+01:002019-12-07T18:35:03.956+01:00Alive and Well and Living in Italy!
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Fast Forward 5 years and we have planted ourselves in Italy! Call it a crazy mid-life crisis decision, but we did it, dog and all.<br />
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We shipped all our belongings to France in part to begin the next stage of our life. The dog was transported on Lufthansa Airlines and had quite a trip. When he arrived around 11 pm to our house in France, he appeared dazed and confused. However, when he saw us, I am sure he said, "You bastards, why did you do that to me?!"<br />
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We took a 5-day trip to drive from France to Italy enjoying the sites along the way. It was a beautiful drive, but I don't want to do it again anytime soon. Everything was good until we got to Torino and the aggressive drivers started coming out. It rattled my nerves for days.<br />
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We even stopped in Barolo Country and made an impromptu stop to spread some of my Dad's ashes among the Italian Vineyards. I know he would have wholeheartedly approved.<br />
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We settled in our Air BnB in Bergamo and began our Italian Adventure.<br />
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To be continued......<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-66004283271338265452014-06-11T22:23:00.001+02:002014-06-11T22:23:52.417+02:00Au Revoir France As we are winding down our 7th year in the City of Lights and getting ready to bid au revoir, I realize there is so much I have yet to see and do. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity to live abroad and experience the life and culture of another country. As we are making our bucket list for things to see and do in France, I realize that most of our list revolves around food with a bit of culture thrown in somewhere. Which in my eyes is not half bad at all. Did I mention the pastries??<br />
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People ask what I will miss most. The food I think is what I will miss most. I know this can be a bit overkill for some, but the flavors, presentation, and freshness just can't be beat. Oh and did I mention the pastries??!! My family has decided we are just going to make a good effort to put ourselves into a diabetic coma savoring every last pastry, but oh it will be a good one! We have noticed our pastry budget has grown quite large in the last month or so.<br />
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I will also miss the window displays and how everything is beautifully and carefully presented as if it's a live theatre show every night.<br />
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Yes, people say the French are snooty and don't like foreigners. However with the exception of a few rare instances, I have to say we have been welcomed into this country. No, it hasn't been easy, and they make you work for what you want - things aren't just handed to you - you expect everything to take a long time and if it doesn't, well something isn't exactly right. But we have persevered and made it work - albeit not perfectly, but not half bad either.<br />
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If you yet have not had a chance to experience this beautiful city, I highly recommend it. Yes, visit all the touristy spots, but be sure to make time to just walk down small side streets taking in the ambience and various ethnicities that each quartier has to offer.<br />
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Je t'aime France......<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-74448832395824965812014-06-11T22:05:00.001+02:002014-06-11T22:05:50.503+02:00Paris Book Mob Video is Live! To update the last post, here is the link to the live Paris Book Mob Video - I didn't make the cut, but my daughter and Uncle did - really a great video and fun to see the audiences' expressions.<br />
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Click<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by0ZCryANG8" target="_blank"> here</a> for link to the video.<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-31781428239413188892014-04-13T15:18:00.000+02:002014-04-13T15:18:02.944+02:00Paris Book Mob Yesterday was the first ever Paris Book Mob sponsored by the American Library. We met up at the Tour Eiffel not really having an idea of where to go. Only when we spotted fellow book holders did we realize we were among the right bunch. We had to pose ourselves for 3 min and freeze. Important to check to make sure you have an interesting page to read for 3 minutes - never realized this is a long time to read the same page!! We mingled among the tourists in line, found a good spot and on cue froze for 3 minutes. A few came really close to see what I was reading. I could overhear various comments - "What's this?" "Why are all these people standing there with books?" What was really neat was there were a handful of students from my class participating as well!<br />
Coming soon the promotional video for the American Library in Paris!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-82641981617618747522014-03-07T14:31:00.000+01:002014-03-07T17:27:34.301+01:00Caramelized Apple Tarte Fine Thin apple tarts are so easy to make and when you make them yourself, there are no bad ingredients inside. Try to buy apples from a local grower - even better.<br />
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Making your own pie crust is not easy with the double and triple steps of leaving overnight to rise, reknead, etc. After all, making an apple tarte doesn't do justice if you don't make your own crust - but who has time for that?? I found this super easy thin pie crust from Clotilde over at Chocolate and Zucchini and decided to check it out. Very simple to make and only requires one hour of chilling in frigo.<br />
Here is a link to her super easy puff pastry:<br />
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<a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/recipes/cakes-tarts/rough-puff-quick-easy-puff-pastry-recipe/" target="_blank"> http://chocolateandzucchini.com/recipes/cakes-tarts/rough-puff-quick-easy-puff-pastry-recipe/ </a><br />
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Not bad for first try. I know, I need to work on my presentation skills.....going for taste!<br />
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And voilá! Look at this beauty!<br />
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These tarts make a great afternoon snack or anytime you are looking for a coffee or tea pick me up.<br />
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Here is a link to Clotilde's super easy caramelized apple tarte fine:<br />
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<a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/recipes/cakes-tarts/caramelized-apple-tarte-fine-recipe/" target="_blank"> http://chocolateandzucchini.com/recipes/cakes-tarts/caramelized-apple-tarte-fine-recipe/ </a><br />
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- remember she says her trick is in the butter - so make sure you choose a good one. And don't forget to butter and sugar the parchment paper underneath the dough before cooking tarte - oh yea!<br />
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Happy snacking!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-56369486543644045922014-02-02T15:25:00.003+01:002014-02-02T15:26:05.235+01:00La Chandeleur This is an old post, but thought I would share again as today is Jour des Crèpes.<br />
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Today 2 February in France is La Chandeleur or Fête de la Lumière or Jour des Crèpes. This religious holiday was to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Baby Jesus. However, now it is mostly recognized as a celebration of a return to spring after a cold dark winter. The pancake link (as there seems to always be a "food" link with French Fêtes and why not!!) is that the pancakes symbolizes the round, golden sun.</div>
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An old superstition is that on this day one holds a gold coin in their left hand while flipping the first crêpe prepared in the pan in their right hand. If one has a successful toss of the crêpe, they will be rewarded with good luck all year round.</div>
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So happy tossing and mange beaucoup de crêpes!!</div>
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-43573552333605900992014-02-01T11:48:00.000+01:002014-02-01T11:49:52.560+01:00I don't Speak English Very Well So many times we go into a shop asking if they speak English and we most often get the same response.. "very leetle". Once again, I went into our local pharmacy asking for something in French, but not quite getting the words correctly, switched over asking our over used cop out phrase, "Do you speak English?" Most of the time the French clerks see us coming a mile away and suddenly claim l'heure de dejeuner and run quickly to the nearest door. This time, however she had no where to run. So I asked for a special bandage and even had an example of what I was actually looking for. I said to the clerk, "Have you learned English yet?" Shyly she said, " I don' t like to speak English". I said, "Ah, but you know a bit". "Yes but my accent is bad", she said. She gave me my bandages and I said she could keep the one I gave her. She replied, "Yes, a souvenir. Thank you." Outside I told my friend the story and I said she must understand English if she understands the word "souvenir". My friend replied in a matter of typical French responses, "But yes, the word 'souvenir' is French!" I guess I am the idiot now!<br />
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L'heure déjeuner: lunch time<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-53776812257800302912013-09-22T16:34:00.003+02:002013-09-22T16:34:39.468+02:00Cuisine! Stopped by<a href="http://www.pierreherme.com/" target="_blank"> Pierre Hermé</a> today to give them a letter of motivation for Rachel's stage (internship). I do hope she gets it. Of course, cannot stop here without buying a few goodies. Their macarons are amazing. They have a new flavor called Ephemeral..... I guess you can say it is.....olive oil and mandarin orange infused with cucumber water....<br />
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On another cooking note, this is the season for carrotte violette - they are beautiful and delicious to boot. Get them before they're all gone!!</div>
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-13908880446887000202013-09-22T16:25:00.000+02:002013-09-22T16:25:08.328+02:00Market Day Today walking among the crowded thursday market trying to dodge the umbrellas when suddenly my hat was lifted off my head by a random umbrella and off it went. I yelled to the lady, but she didn't hear me. Hmm, hope it saw some interesting things.<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-11252001295753312552013-08-19T22:39:00.001+02:002013-08-19T23:10:13.070+02:00Vending Fruits and Veggies The French must love the vending machine concept. Once again, while in Loire Valley, I stumbled upon a fruit and vegetable vending machine. It was set up by a local farmer - he had his sign proudly displayed letting everyone know the products came from his farm only 800m down the road. You choose your item, put the money in, the door opens and voilá - you have farm fresh fruit or vegetables<br />
- price includes fruit flies.<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-53001944334968094702013-07-12T18:23:00.001+02:002013-08-19T23:09:56.067+02:00Biking in the Loire Valley What better way to see the back roads of the Loire than on a bike. There are so many things you can see on a bike that one would miss if driving. I have always wanted to do a bike trip in France...... So I checked out some sights and opted to go with <a href="http://www.randovelo.fr/" target="_blank">Rando Vélo</a>. The Loire has around 800 km of bike routes with varing degrees of difficulty. Since it was myself, my younger daughter (11) and my Dad (81) we opted for the family route. My daughter had no problem at all. The route is mainly flat with a couple hills. The first day we got completely lost just getting started! It took us about an hour and many laughs to finally get going on the right direction. Once we got going it was easy peasy. The route was quite easy and the scenery was gorgeous. You follow the Loire Velo signs which are clearly marked. Often times there was no one on the route and other times a few bicyclists. Everyone is quite friendly and there are many "bonjours" along the way. We passed fields of poppies, old farmhouses and the beautiful Cher River with lots of wildlife in and among the marshes. We stopped in Sassionnieres to have lunch before heading on to Our first stop - Villandry for the night. The gardens at the Chateau here are so worth a visit. At a distance of 16km I was so happy to make this first stage. If you opted for a car, you might miss this view:<br />
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The next day the trip continued on to Azay Le Rideau- 25 km in all. Again a gorgeous ride along the river. On these routes there are places to stop to grab a picnic lunch and admire the along the river. There were bakeries in the town and butcher shops that one could buy everything for a nice picnic lunch, meat, cheese, wine and bread and dessert at the bakery. Much better than any café! Many of the businesses along the way have the "Accueil Velo" sign which welcomes travelers on bikes. This is a charming town which boasts a beautiful chateau. The route for bicyclists gets a bit hairy going into town- this was the only thing on this route I was uncomfortable with.<br />
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The third day we needed to do 33 km to get back to Tours and catch a train. When we booked this trip I never paid attention to the fact that the Tour de France was running all through this area. We decided to take the D751 route from Azay and then follow the Loire Velo Signs all the way back to Villandry. At first I was a bit skeptical as this part of D751 follows along a highway even though there is a dedicated bike route that is buffered from the road. We only had to travel about 2 km before the 751 veered off and we were among forests only. It was so peaceful and such a lovely ride. We continued on following the Loire Velo signs and before we knew it we passed backroads and farms and animals we never would have discovered had we taken the suggested route by the company. We maybe passed 2 bikers along this whole stretch until we got to Villandry. Here is was a bit busier as things were gearing up for the Tour De France. We continued on to Savonnières and 3 hours later we were back in Joué le Tours having a picnic at the lake.<br />
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If you have an opportunity to do a bike trip and you feel a bit adventurous, you can check out the Loire Vëlo site and plan your own routes. The Loire routes are well marked with this velo sign:<br />
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I highly recommend doing a bike tour- it's a super way to see the backroads of France. To read more about cycle routes in the Loire, check out this site -<a href="http://www.cycling-loire.com/" target="_blank">Cycling Loire</a>. I'm all ready for my next trip!!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-28659509483469657532013-06-23T15:44:00.001+02:002013-08-19T23:10:36.810+02:00Fête de la Musique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Fête de la Musique is a free event held every year on 21 June - to coincide with the Summer Solstice. Any musician is welcome to perform on the streets of Paris or any open air area. All forms of musical expression are welcome to encourage different styles of music.<br />
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It was a clear, beautiful night this past Friday night to enjoy the Fête de la Musique. This was the first time I had gone into Paris to enjoy the event. It was amazing! Musicians everywhere, people everywhere enjoying the free music on the streets. It was soo cool! It is a family, friendly event for all ages to enjoy.<br />
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If you are in Paris next year or France during this time, be sure to check out this event.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOx2bXBsqPs/UKZNREioL4I/AAAAAAAAAbM/BCOQFRBnWx0/s1600/finalsignature.png" /></a>tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-40282405904947614442013-06-08T20:59:00.002+02:002020-04-25T11:55:54.634+02:00Market Day - French Style<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Market days are in full bloom at the moment here in the City of Lights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the sun has appeared and shoppers are looking for seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh cheese, meat, fish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One can not only find food at the market but clothes, ribbon, toys, really anything - if you are looking for a particular item, most likely you can find it at one of the many markets around Paris.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love seasonal vegetables and fruit and look for local farmers at the market. There are a lot of wonderful sellers at these markets, but many of them are not local farmers. Local farmers grow their own produce while the larger vendors purchase their fruits and vegetables from a big wholesaler and resell at the markets.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Isn't this a gorgeous display?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While walking to school the other day, I happened upon a beautiful display of vegetables. I could tell just by the display, this was a special vendor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking the time to speak with them for a few minutes, I found out they are a Mom and daughter that come all the way from Normandy twice a week to do this market. They grow everything on their farm. They told me soon they will have plenty of vegetables as the season is beginning for a lot of summer veggies. I can't wait. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Those white things that look like carrots are radishes - called radis glaçons - they are delicious!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who wouldn't want to buy their veggies from them and you also support your local farmers.</span><br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-77821679551101865222013-05-25T17:33:00.003+02:002013-05-25T17:33:47.138+02:00La GariguetteIt's strawberry season here in France and one of my favorite strawberries is the Gariguette. Small, dark red and bursting with flavors, they are so incredible. The parfum alone will knock you over wanting these cute little berries.<br />
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There only here for a short while so grab 'em while you can!!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-71355532512701242492013-05-16T22:11:00.001+02:002013-05-16T22:11:49.400+02:00Paris is Optimistic......Spring.....really????
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Well, I got my first traffic ticket while driving in the Compagne.<br />
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The driver in front of me was going oh so slow and I passed on a dotted line - I made sure of that - but apparently when I crossed back over, the line was solid - All of a sudden the police appeared in front of me and was waving to me. I said Oh, *****, he is pulling me over. My daughter, said, no Mom, he's just waving you around him. No, he's pulling me over. He said I passed on a solid line and me, trying to explain myself in my poor French was a losing point - there was no way I could get out of it. He said the fine was 90 euros!! He asked if I was a resident - and I said no - (this is another story - not explaining here) so he said I had to pay right now. I pulled out 60 euros and said will you take this - My daughter said, oh great Mom now you are bribing a policeman!! He said well, follow me to the bank and you can get the money out of the ATM. He seemed to know exactly where to go.....hmmm. So got the money out of the ATM, paid him and was on my way.<br />
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So now, I drive so Grandma slow and everyone passes me now - but that 90 euros hurt - brocante money!!<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194497942906643477.post-67768101410727741872013-05-01T09:15:00.001+02:002013-05-04T16:07:13.505+02:00Life in the CompagneSpending time in the Compagne* always yields new and interesting finds. Imagine my surprise when I came across two!! very cool drive-up stands. Imagine pulling up to a take-away fresh milk stand where you can dispense real fresh milk that is lait cru**. You purchase sterile plastic bottles - just make sure to read the sign first as unbeknownst to me, the machine doesn't give change so I kept pushing the bottle button and out spilled 5 plastic bottles! Oh well, more fresh milk! Put the bottle under the dispenser and push - voilá! fresh milk - and it is sooo good! I wish we had one of these in our town! What a genius invention.<br />
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The second very cool drive-up stand was a wash/dry stand! Imagine, pull up - throw your wash in the dryer, do your grocery shopping and 30 minutes later your clothes are dry! There are two washing machines available, but I only used the dryer as our house had a washing machine. This is a new novelty at this grocery store and they are trying it out. I cannot imagine it not being a success as most people have a washing machine, but not a dryer as electricity is quite expensive. The downside would be if you had to wait a while for the machine.<br />
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*countryside<br />
** raw milk - non-pasteurized<br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18441843332067809250noreply@blogger.com0