this is why j'aime being Française...

This came to me last night, randomly. I had gotten a phone call from ma mere who is on vacay right now in the motherland.  She was telling me about all the places she was visiting and the great food and wine she was consuming...all the while I was getting super jealous.  It's been a few years since I've been to visit my family in France and I really do miss it sometimes.  So that got me thinking, "what is it that I miss?"  Believe me, it wasn't always like this.


It wasn't until my early adult years that I began to embrace my French roots. Up until that point, it was more of a pain in the neck than anything else. I was constantly being asked (especially when I was child) "How do you say this?",  "Say that in French", "Say something in French"....(this particular request usually resulted in a dirty insult, en française, bien sur)


Now that I'm older and wiser, I've grown rather fond of the fact that I not only am I fluent in both languages but I also have dual-citizenship (though I think that's probably supposed to be hush-hush) which enables me to vote in BOTH countries. Not to mention, I always have a place to stay while visiting abroad. It's funny, I'm Southern all the way around, y'all! From south Louisiana to the South of France, my people clearly flocked to hotter climates.


Like they say, there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" (I don't know what) about the French. Here are my top favorite things about being French! Allons!

*****************************

Obviously...PARIS, but not just for the Eiffel Tower. 

I love the history, architecture and romance

outdoor cafes

old cobblestone streets of Montmartre

(Mr and I actually took a pic in this exact spot!)

Bateaux Mouches!

Hands down, the best way to see every sight Paris has to offer

day and night cruises down the Seine River

Art: Van Gogh.

Vincent, when he still had both ears

cafe terrace at night

Food: Crepes au Nutella

'nuff said.

The beautiful, Madame Coco Chanel

...and her fabulous fragrances

Merci, Coco!

La Provence

reppin' for Bouches-du-Rhone

Fields of lavender and sunflowers...seen while driving the interstate

True Story.

traditional Provencal tapestry

la mer Mediterranee

{Calanques de Cassis}

{Nice, France}

and last but certainly not least, ma mere

circa 1986

rehearsal dinner: 2011

les Femmes de ma famille: maman, mami et tati