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!