Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Why I'm ready to go 'home'

As you might know if you have been following this blog for any length of time, I live a crazy life.  Bahamian husband whose family is all still in the Bahamas. An American momma where we live 3 months out of the year, and France our adopted home.  Each place holds little pieces of our hearts.

As much as I love America and living here and the people surrounding us, I am looking forward to heading "home."  And in our situation, home truly is where the heart is. 
Little photo shoot near our house in France

Today I am going to share a post I had over at Brittany's blog (Naturally Estes).  It is a bit about why I love living in France.  I have talked about the things that are hard about our lifestyle before, but there is most definitely some good.  And quite honestly, I think that there are a few Americans, believe it or not, that could maybe learn a thing or two from the Frenchies...  I know crazy, but hear me out.

1.) Sloooow down people!  I am from California, so I am not sure how true this is the rest of America, but everyone is always in a hurry!  For what people?  Take your time, visit your grandma, take a walk.  Yes, a walk.  Walk somewhere!
Talking our son Tae to school

2.)  Enjoy your food.  And no, not McDonalds.  The French take a 2 hour lunch break everyday.  They sit there and enjoy their meals and enjoy people's company.  It is refreshing.  And apparently, healthier!

Having lunch with friends in Switzerland

3.) Take a vacation!  Our friends in France were shocked to hear that we only have two weeks a year to take vacation.  He had, get this... SIX weeks.  I know we can't do anything about getting more weeks, but if you get a chance, take a vaca!
Shakespeare & Company in Paris. If you're ever in Paris, go here. It's lovely

4.) There is life beyond the border... Don't get me wrong, I love America.  I want to be here when we are done.  But so many people have never left the country and cannot understand that something in a different culture might be good, if not better, sometimes.  Imagine that!
Annecy. Another must-see in France.
 5.) Enjoy life.  I think this is the most major point and encompasses the others.  Like I mentioned, I love America, but somehow it feels like the French enjoy life better.  There isn't a Starbucks drive-through on every corner {*GASP*} because people sit down and enjoy their coffee. {it is actually somewhat offensive to the snobby French café drinker}  There are festivals and Christmas markets.  There are farmer's markets in every city and the main stores aren't open 24 hours.  Because they take breaks.
Farmer's Market in Switzerland
The French also do silly things that don't make sense to us Americans.  Before we got married, my husband would tell me to "check your logic at customs because it doesn't belong here."  I didn't believe him, but after living here for a bit, it is so true.   I guess you take the bad with the good!

Well I have been living in France for 4 years now on and off and I love it.  It isn't always easy, of course, like any lifestyle, but I would have to say it is one of the best experiences of my life.  It takes some adjusting when we return to the states.    If you would like to read more about my life in France, click here.  I have also written some about living in France in general.

Here's us!
I hope you have a great Thursday!  I am working on styling a photo shoot for Friday and am a little overwhelmed.  I hope it comes together nicely!!  I can't wait to share it with you all!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel the same way about life in Denmark. Us North American's could learn to slow down and enjoy life, each other, our selves, and our food a lot more!

TexaGermaFinlaNadian said...

Great post! So true, there are so many things that Europe does so right. I know you are looking forward to getting to your 'home'. That is sure how we felt!

Grammy Goodwill said...

I am so guilty of living life too fast. Thanks for the reminder.

Sarah said...

I agree with above, great post! I miss France an awful lot, but at least half of that is because home is where the heart is ie: the fiance (the other half is because of the food :P). Oh well, only a month and a half to go! Good luck for your own trip back, God bless

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate said...

Great post and great points. Having lived outside the US, I understand completely. I think wherever we are, we take the best of what we know and make the most of it.

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

man, am I jealous!!!! hope the trip back goes smoothly :)

Natalie @ NS Pottery said...

I'm totally in love with your blog! Can I go live in France with you?! It looks so dreamy.

Unknown said...

Lovely post darling!! I love France!! I studied abroad there 5 years ago, and it was my best experience ever!! I love walking through the streets, having baguettes in the gardens, enjoying meals and hot chocolate (I don't drink coffee) with new friends. It's such a lovely place; I must live there some day!

Unknown said...

It is so true that everyone is so busy in America. Since when does busy equate with a good life? It's good to slow down to stop and smell the roses every now and then!

Anonymous said...

I could definitely learn a thing or two from the French lifestyle. Mainly, SLOW the heck down!! :0) I'm working on it.

Thanks for this post, I love reading about your life in France! Someday I'll take a trip.

Tracy said...

This guest post is how I found your blog! It's great! One thing I've wondered though, how are the kids while the adults spend so much time eating? My boys, especially the 4 year old, don't like sitting still that long. So I'm wondering how the kids handle it?

Babes and Sages said...

all very well said

Anonymous said...

so nice.. hope someday i can life in there too.. :) irene wibowo

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