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There is a lot more to France then cheese and wine
There is a lot more to France then cheese and wine, and I must confess it took me quite a few visits before I realised this. Having spent the first 40-years of my life living in the Gateway to England, namely Dover, popping over on the ferry to get all our duty free wines and tobacco, seemed to me all that was what France had to offer.
However, as the children got a little older, and money was not quite so tight, it was decided to take a family holiday in France. Easy, just load the car up and drive. No costly air flights and the use of our own transport during the stay. The children were quite excited, except for the eldest. He just sniffed and said it just sounded like a shopping trip. I asked what they actually knew about France and the youngest (bless her!) blurted out "French bread". My second son, who thought he was always the brains of the family, smiled and said "Louis Pasteur". The eldest, still feeling a bit miffed, said "Frenchmen cycling around with onions round their necks". I then decided to educate them. I explained that France was bordered by three seas, and that 75% of it was agricultural. Industry had grown quite a lot since the Second World War, and that a large percentage of the population lived around Paris. After the eldest yawned a couple of times, I gave up, and thought I would let them see for themselves.
We had a good holiday, ending up down the south. Even the eldest admitted he enjoyed himself! We had a few more inexpensive holidays in France after that, making sure we stayed in different parts each time. We especially loved it when we stayed in country farm houses. Sampling the wonderful cuisine, and checking out the local craft centres. However, I still loaded my car up with wine to put away for Christmas presents, and always took some cheese back for my neighbour who looked after the budgie.
All that was quite a few years ago. My children fell in love with lots of aspects of France, and go there regularly. Unfortunately I cannot travel as well as I used to, and my pleasure is listening to their exploits in France.
Like most young adults of today, they are becoming increasingly difficult to buy presents for on their birthdays and Christmas, but thanks to the internet, and their love for France, and "something different", I have found that I can buy them the ideal gift without having to leave the house. Genuine French pottery, items of clothing, even small furniture items. They couldn't be more delighted, even my eldest said I was his favourite Mum!
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