At the grocery store, various items are emblazoned PRIX CHOC! You don't need a dictionary to translate: shockingly low price. Needless to say, Mr FS and I have been on the giving and receiving end of various culture shocks. Some are trivial: French people are shocked to know that one cannot buy fromage blanc in the USA.
I thought that health care costs and issues would be the biggest shock to the French. And truly, they are shocked by unequal access to healthcare. But they are most shocked by the vacation issue. When we told an assembled table of 11 people of all ages that the 5 week vacation was unknown in the USA, all jaws dropped (except those of the two children).
Isn't it a law, one finally said. The word for law is droit, which also means right, which is how I translated it to myself.
Do you think the USA could ever institute such a thing? Do you think it would be great?
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Frugal in France: Carrot Lady and Community
There is a famous book--A Pattern Language--that proposes ways to structure environments for comfort and utility. I haven't read it in a while, but I remember that the authors suggested that elders be housed in small cottages in areas with foot traffic. Each cottage would have a bench outside, so the elders could watch the world go by and chat with people.
Could such a dream be realized in the USA? I have been observing both my parents and parents-in-law and am trying to figure out what kind of old age I hope to have. The little French town in which I have been residing offers elders plenty of opportunity to remain part of the community. First, a bakery and small grocery are within walking distance of most places. I see many elders with canes going to get their daily--or twice-daily--baguette.
The carrot lady whose grocery purchases I wrote about a few days ago is a case in point. She was quite vivacious and used the slowdown at the register to initiate a discussion of what shops would be open on Bastille Day. We saw her talk to several people on her way home--just a few steps from the grocery.
I think her total purchases came to under 3 euros. Mr FS and I surmised that she goes to the grocery every day in order to have some social interaction. Since houses are close together here--many sharing walls--it is easy to interact with neighbors of all ages.
My dream is to live in a walkable city with public transport. Is there any place in the USA that offers that?
Could such a dream be realized in the USA? I have been observing both my parents and parents-in-law and am trying to figure out what kind of old age I hope to have. The little French town in which I have been residing offers elders plenty of opportunity to remain part of the community. First, a bakery and small grocery are within walking distance of most places. I see many elders with canes going to get their daily--or twice-daily--baguette.
The carrot lady whose grocery purchases I wrote about a few days ago is a case in point. She was quite vivacious and used the slowdown at the register to initiate a discussion of what shops would be open on Bastille Day. We saw her talk to several people on her way home--just a few steps from the grocery.
I think her total purchases came to under 3 euros. Mr FS and I surmised that she goes to the grocery every day in order to have some social interaction. Since houses are close together here--many sharing walls--it is easy to interact with neighbors of all ages.
My dream is to live in a walkable city with public transport. Is there any place in the USA that offers that?
Friday, 15 July 2011
Frugal in France: Last Dinner, Waste Not
I hope you don't think this is too prideful on my part, but I believe that i am extremely good at figuring out what to do with odds and ends of food. I hate wasting stuff. This talent is a huge money-saver too--not to mention time-saver, since it eliminates many grocery trips.
Interestingly, a news show here discussed how much food is wasted in France. The numbers were high. I can't remember exactly--perhaps 60 kilograms/person/year? The report also claimed that 50% of fresh fruit and vegetables were discarded. I can see why: food, both fresh and prepared, is displayed here. The food is beautiful but vulnerable. I wonder if the sellers make a supper of what remains unsold. I wonder what happens to all the dried bread. The news report was accompanied by visuals of mountains of beautiful produce being dumped into oblivion.
So, what should I cook? This is what we have: some eggs (left by our hosts, but hidden behind the jam), some mushrooms, some shallots, cheese of various sorts. Of course, we have some milk.
Easy! A mushroom strata, which will also use all the bread ends lying around. A strata is a savory bread pudding.
I first learned about this dish from one of Martha Shulman's cookbooks: Fast Vegetarian Feasts.
This cookbook has imho been superseded by her more recent work, such as her Recipes for Health.
One thing about Martha Rose: her recipes are always tested and so they always come out. You will not be wasting your precious ingredients if you use one of her books.
Interestingly, a news show here discussed how much food is wasted in France. The numbers were high. I can't remember exactly--perhaps 60 kilograms/person/year? The report also claimed that 50% of fresh fruit and vegetables were discarded. I can see why: food, both fresh and prepared, is displayed here. The food is beautiful but vulnerable. I wonder if the sellers make a supper of what remains unsold. I wonder what happens to all the dried bread. The news report was accompanied by visuals of mountains of beautiful produce being dumped into oblivion.
So, what should I cook? This is what we have: some eggs (left by our hosts, but hidden behind the jam), some mushrooms, some shallots, cheese of various sorts. Of course, we have some milk.
Easy! A mushroom strata, which will also use all the bread ends lying around. A strata is a savory bread pudding.
I first learned about this dish from one of Martha Shulman's cookbooks: Fast Vegetarian Feasts.
This cookbook has imho been superseded by her more recent work, such as her Recipes for Health.
One thing about Martha Rose: her recipes are always tested and so they always come out. You will not be wasting your precious ingredients if you use one of her books.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Frugal in France: Carrot Lady
I can't help it. I am observant of consumer behavior. Perhaps this is because my father studied that behavior through focus groups and the like--similar to a character in Madmen last season. Anyway, I enjoy watching for fellow-frugalites.
I also can't help noticing frugal opportunities, even if I cannot take advantage. Yesterday, I spotted 2 kilo bags of carrots for 1 euro! Think of all the grated carrots (so beloved by the French) you could make. Well, Mr FS and I could not make use of so many carrots, since very few days remain for us.
As usual, there was a hold-up on the line. French people don't get annoyed by this, so I stifled my eye-rolling tendencies. The tiny old woman behind us, dressed in a country housedress, had a small package of meat, a tiny half baguette, and that giant bag of carrots. A frugal soulmate.
I asked Mr FS in a whisper to check out the cut of meat she had selected: it was labelled pet food. I squinted and noted that the package consisted of bony ends and bits of what seemed to be beef. I wonder if she will be cooking up some broth for herself in addition to some for her pet.
I hope she enjoys those carrots too.
Have you witnessed any frugal behavior of late?
I also can't help noticing frugal opportunities, even if I cannot take advantage. Yesterday, I spotted 2 kilo bags of carrots for 1 euro! Think of all the grated carrots (so beloved by the French) you could make. Well, Mr FS and I could not make use of so many carrots, since very few days remain for us.
As usual, there was a hold-up on the line. French people don't get annoyed by this, so I stifled my eye-rolling tendencies. The tiny old woman behind us, dressed in a country housedress, had a small package of meat, a tiny half baguette, and that giant bag of carrots. A frugal soulmate.
I asked Mr FS in a whisper to check out the cut of meat she had selected: it was labelled pet food. I squinted and noted that the package consisted of bony ends and bits of what seemed to be beef. I wonder if she will be cooking up some broth for herself in addition to some for her pet.
I hope she enjoys those carrots too.
Have you witnessed any frugal behavior of late?
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Frugal in France: Roadfood and the Tour de France
One of the things that gets me labelled CHEAP in the USA is my habit of brown bagging. At work, Mr FS and I have been enjoying our peanut butter sandwiches for more than 20 years. Brown bagging on the road has elicited even more raised eyebrows. I used to explain that it was FRUGAL not CHEAP to eat something packed at home or picked up at a grocery instead of fast food en route. I have given up and accept the criticism.
Not here though! At every parking lot for a major attraction or view--St Malo, a beautiful port city, Mont St Michel, that famous monastery in the sky--one has a vista not only of the sight one has come for, but of zillions of families opening their trunks and producing bountiful meals. We are not cheap here! We are mainstream!
My favorite moment came a few days ago. We were staying with friends of our hosts and talk turned to the Tour de France, whose route was nearby. They helped us figure out where/when to go. We parked ourselves by the side of the road in a tiny town. The crowds were only one or two deep. After an hour ("part of the experience" says Mr. FS), the riders whizzed by. It was thrilling, even though it lasted only a few seconds.
Not quite as thrilling, but still satisfying. As we left town, we passed a small park area with tables. There we spotted many of our fellow spectators, mostly French families with children, eating their pique-niques.
Do you pack your road food? Plain or fancy?
Not here though! At every parking lot for a major attraction or view--St Malo, a beautiful port city, Mont St Michel, that famous monastery in the sky--one has a vista not only of the sight one has come for, but of zillions of families opening their trunks and producing bountiful meals. We are not cheap here! We are mainstream!
My favorite moment came a few days ago. We were staying with friends of our hosts and talk turned to the Tour de France, whose route was nearby. They helped us figure out where/when to go. We parked ourselves by the side of the road in a tiny town. The crowds were only one or two deep. After an hour ("part of the experience" says Mr. FS), the riders whizzed by. It was thrilling, even though it lasted only a few seconds.
Not quite as thrilling, but still satisfying. As we left town, we passed a small park area with tables. There we spotted many of our fellow spectators, mostly French families with children, eating their pique-niques.
Do you pack your road food? Plain or fancy?
Frugal in France: French Lessons
Bonjour encore. We had intended our vacation to be a foray into relaxation, with lots of reading, writing, and walking. It turned into a much more intense time, owing partly to our generous hosts, who set up several meetings with REAL FRENCH people for us, and partly due to the fact that it was cheaper to rent a car for a week than for two days. So we added a trip to the Loire Valley.
A lot of the wonderfulness of our trip is thanks to Mr FS (aka Mr French Speaker) for his excellent French. All I have to say is STUDY YOUR LANGUAGES. Contrary to popular belief, not many French people outside of tourist centers know English very well. One French person told us that the French have an "orgeuil" about their language. And so consequently, my efforts at French have been met with patience and appreciation. Really, everyone has been cheering me on, as I struggle to get to the end--or even to the middle--of my sentence. Usually, I turn to Mr. FS for aid.
Because of Mr. FS's French, we had an invite to a family dinner with friends of our hosts. We also spent two days in Brittany with other friends of our hosts. While that invitation pre-dated anyone's knowledge of Mr. FS's proficiency, we had several meals en famille, one of which included a discussion of France's connection with the slave trade. Very intellectual.
Mr FS meets with admiration everywhere he goes. Apparently, his accent is hard to place and several French people have asked if he is Spanish! Every word you can attempt in the language of your country of choice will increase your experiences exponentially.
Even though I have been a tag along on this trip, I did manage to come out with a pretty good sentence in week 2. In fact, my jaw dropped when I got to the end. Hope this is correct. Speaking of Miss Em, my organized daughter, I said, "Elle fait ce qu'on doit faire." Even if there are mistakes, I think that's pretty good after almost 40 years since my last French lesson.
OOPS! I detect a bit of orgueil there!
A lot of the wonderfulness of our trip is thanks to Mr FS (aka Mr French Speaker) for his excellent French. All I have to say is STUDY YOUR LANGUAGES. Contrary to popular belief, not many French people outside of tourist centers know English very well. One French person told us that the French have an "orgeuil" about their language. And so consequently, my efforts at French have been met with patience and appreciation. Really, everyone has been cheering me on, as I struggle to get to the end--or even to the middle--of my sentence. Usually, I turn to Mr. FS for aid.
Because of Mr. FS's French, we had an invite to a family dinner with friends of our hosts. We also spent two days in Brittany with other friends of our hosts. While that invitation pre-dated anyone's knowledge of Mr. FS's proficiency, we had several meals en famille, one of which included a discussion of France's connection with the slave trade. Very intellectual.
Mr FS meets with admiration everywhere he goes. Apparently, his accent is hard to place and several French people have asked if he is Spanish! Every word you can attempt in the language of your country of choice will increase your experiences exponentially.
Even though I have been a tag along on this trip, I did manage to come out with a pretty good sentence in week 2. In fact, my jaw dropped when I got to the end. Hope this is correct. Speaking of Miss Em, my organized daughter, I said, "Elle fait ce qu'on doit faire." Even if there are mistakes, I think that's pretty good after almost 40 years since my last French lesson.
OOPS! I detect a bit of orgueil there!
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Here We Are: How Much Has It Cost?
OK: I will brave the nasty keyboard. Thanks to all for the suggestions for gifts. We will be bringing a simple bouquet to our dinner tonight; the same if we visit the big house in the country (they have had a death in the family); and leave a bottle of cognac for our hosts, who return from their adventures a few weeks after we leave.
(Nasty Keyboard: It is all too easy to accidentally highlight and delete. Such has happened a few times.)
Since I believe that with frugality, more things are possible than without, I thought some might be interested in knowing our costs so far. We are frugal now by choice. More difficult than the money for most would be the time: because we are frugal, we can say NO to summer teaching. Because we are teachers, we have a chunk of time off in the summer.
Cost so far:
Flights: $2400.00 These include a stop in Massachusetts to visit my mother, which we do every summer anyway.
Paris: $250.00 for hotels, about $60.00 for transportation, about $$40.00 for rather make-shift eating.
Nantes/Reze: lodging FREE(!!), about $7.00 each time we take public transport to the city; about $10.00-15.00 for simple meals every day, including a few walks to the bakery and some visits to markets.
Next week, we shall rent a car ($250.00) and spend a week in the countryside. Reze is a rather rustic suburb and we spend a lot of time walking on the river. There is much to see and do in Nantes as well.
I have dreamed of a vacation like this for many years. Truly, I feel as though we are in paradise.
(Nasty Keyboard: It is all too easy to accidentally highlight and delete. Such has happened a few times.)
Since I believe that with frugality, more things are possible than without, I thought some might be interested in knowing our costs so far. We are frugal now by choice. More difficult than the money for most would be the time: because we are frugal, we can say NO to summer teaching. Because we are teachers, we have a chunk of time off in the summer.
Cost so far:
Flights: $2400.00 These include a stop in Massachusetts to visit my mother, which we do every summer anyway.
Paris: $250.00 for hotels, about $60.00 for transportation, about $$40.00 for rather make-shift eating.
Nantes/Reze: lodging FREE(!!), about $7.00 each time we take public transport to the city; about $10.00-15.00 for simple meals every day, including a few walks to the bakery and some visits to markets.
Next week, we shall rent a car ($250.00) and spend a week in the countryside. Reze is a rather rustic suburb and we spend a lot of time walking on the river. There is much to see and do in Nantes as well.
I have dreamed of a vacation like this for many years. Truly, I feel as though we are in paradise.
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