Thoughts and theories on travel in France, Sweden, and Slovenia
I’m into my third week of travel in Europe. I love traveling because, among other things, it makes me think. And so I’d like to share some of these thoughts with you:
The beaches of Normandy
Regardless of your political persuasion or your thoughts on war, you can’t help but shed a tear when visiting the American Cemetery at the D-Day beaches as we did last week on our Normandy tour. So many young lives that weren’t lived. So many dreams never realized. So many families left heartbroken at home.
Driving in Sweden
Granted I was far north, where there sometimes seemed to be more moose than people, but the drivers there were the most courteous I’ve ever encountered. They’re so nice, they don’t even tailgate behind you when you get lost and drive slowly (like me). And when I was pulled over (long story and not for reasons of my driving), I never encountered policemen in any country who were more friendly and professional.
Got to love small airports
The airport here in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has now officially joined my list of favorite airports. It is small, easy to navigate, and you’re in and out before you know it. And I’m now staying at a wonderful family-run hotel in a small village only four miles from the airport. I realize that not all airports can be like this, but can someone please do something about Charles de Gaulle in Paris? If we all chip in, perhaps we can hire them an experienced airport designer. What a (big) nightmare.
You’ve got to love the cider, too
Visiting Normandy again this year (and Brittony, the past 2 years) has given me a greater appreciation for hard cider. I enjoy it more and more. There is such variation in flavors and such care that goes into its production. And add to this the Calvados (distilled cider) and then Pommeau, which is Calvados mixed with sweet cider and then aged. And then there is Poiré (Perry), which his hard cider made from pears. I also loved seeing the cows grazing on the grass between the high-branched apple trees.
The flat plains and mountains of Slovenia
I’m now on the flats around Ljubljana. It’s lovely farmland, with small villages and their church steeples. What makes this area so special and different than, say, Kansas, are the towering mountains on all sides. I drove over a pass to Austria yesterday, to say I did, and ended up hiking and exploring there all day. Today I’m heading east to wine-country where I plan to slip over the Hungarian border to add another country to my list. That will bring me to 46.
Food first in France
When the French aren’t eating, you’ll often find them talking about food. It’s such a central part of life in France. Which leads to the question of the chicken and the egg. Is food so central in France because it’s so good? Or has the food become so good because everyone is so fixated on it.