Monday, October 7, 2013

bonne maman

Friday night, moments after Lorelei and I enjoyed yummy tamales for a great cause, a cute guy asked me: "Why France?" He was wondering what made me decide on this country out of so many others as the place I'd purse a master's degree. "It was the safest option," I replied. And it's true. I love art, food, and wine. Also, I studied French in college, spent a semester living in Strasbourg, and knew I had the most wonderful French family who'd care for me like one of their own. Moving to Paris was scary, yes, but I had a familiar safety net to arrive to. This past Saturday, I took a break from the city spend the day with Marie-Christine and Patrick.
Almost immediately upon arriving, we took a seat here, in the living room, to catch up as we enjoyed a pre-lunch apéritif. (I haven't seen them since Marie's birthday!) Then we moved into the dining room for the weekend lunch above: leeks vinaigrette, stewed turkey with potatoes and mango, puréed celery root, brussels sprouts, lettuce salad, camembert, tarte aux pommes, and, of course, wine and bread. We finished the amazing meal with small cups of strong coffee. I doubt I'd be in France now were it not for the goodness of Marie and her family. And what a shame it would be to miss out on apéro plans with the aforementioned cute guy... ;)

14 comments:

  1. Ahhh exciting! you'll have to let me know how it goes. ps I'm so glad you ended up in France too, Paris wouldn't have been the same without you!

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    1. I will, I will. And I'm SO glad to have met you in Paris!

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  2. Oooo... I'm loving the plans with the cute guy part ;) Sounds like a wonderful weekend, it's always great catching up with those close to your heart. xxx

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  3. I just stumbled across your blog and am looking forward to reading more! While I've never lived in Paris, I did study in Montpellier for a semester and I also taught English in the Nord region after I graduated from college, and I've visited Paris a few times. It'll be fun to read another American's account of life in France/Europe. I miss it often.

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    1. Welcome! How nice you were able to spend time here in France, too. Hope my blog can make it feel a little closer!

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  4. I found your blog through the Expat Diaries link up and it's so intriguing to read about your life in France (and look at those pics of your delicious meal!!) Hope you have fun with cute guy ;)

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    1. So glad another Danielle found me ;) I hope you enjoy. Thanks for the well wishes!

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  5. It's always nice to catch up with your French "origins". I like to have coffee with the guy who rented me his apartment (a young guy who was so helpful with me as well as, between you and me, kind of hot.) to revisit my first experiences here. He seems to remember the 2009 me better than I do!

    The lunch sounded lovely and typically French (in the best possible way)...and please do keep us posted on the inquisitive cutie. ; )

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    1. That it is. Yours sound a bit more exciting though ;) I will most definitely keep you posted!

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  6. This post made me all kinds of warm and happy :)

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  7. I feel like I was there - so delightful

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