I am in the process of planning a spring trip on a river cruise through France in the spring. Please do not be jealous of my opportunity, but share my joy and I hope you will enjoy my sharing the trip in photos, a few, later. Yes, I am very, very lucky to be able to afford such an expensive trip, and in truth, I am spending my children's inheritance, but I also have TIME chasing behind me and reminding me that these travels will not be so easy or even enjoyable as I age.
Some folks (those who have discretionary income) spend money on homes or jewels or sports or fancy cars or even fancier hotels, or their children and grandchildren but my money goes to travel. So much of the world still to see before we destroy it all and find ourselves involved in global terrorism and maybe even war. I have been reading about the history of France and feel that much has not changed from the 1600's and 1700's except for the speed with which hatred and prejudice and war and rich taking advantage of the ignorance and powerlessness of the poor can travel and spread. That does sound like a depressing note, but we are an ugly species and hard pressed to see others viewpoints. They have their history of genocide just like we do.
I never really wanted to see France among the many places of the world, but this will be a trip with my sister whom I see so few times and really am looking forward to the close memory making.
According to Gertrude Stein the French did not invent the "croissant" but it came about as the result of Ukrainian soldiers making bread and using a Turkish recipe during a war. I have no idea if this is true because Gertrude Stein rarely uses commas and writes in a sort of stream of consciousness style but it is a lovely idea.
In my reading I am surprised at how France has come about much like us from disparate groups of people over the years. Gauls, Romans, Flemish, etc. have combined to create this complex culture. The mapping of the country over the years created three major and many other meridian line claims and maybe I will see one or two. The Tour de France was a commercial enterprise that became more successful and very different from its original race with country picnics along the route.
Anyway, I will be leaving at the end of May and hope it is not too canned an experience and I just thought I would share.
Enjoy and don't feel a bit guilty. I'm jealous, but not in an angry way, because I, too, have been having my share of great trips!
ReplyDeleteI've spent money on ridiculous things, but I've never regretting the expense of travel. At the end of May I'll be off to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Maybe we'll pass each other in the sky.
ReplyDeleteI am all for travel if and when you can. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI might be a tad envious, but I begrudge you nothing and wish you a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI do have a twinge of sadness that you cannot stick me in your pocket. Oh, please have a glorious time cruising down the river. Take lots of pictures, and keep a journal so you can take us with you in memory when you get back.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I spend my pittance on travel too. We are making plans for travel on our retirement which will include a tiny, tiny trailer that our truck could pull. Rail travel, ship travel, all can be helped if we rent out this condo.
You are going to have sooooooooo much fun.
We took a river boat cruise on the Seine. Normandy to Paris. It was wonderful. We spent May Day in Giverny , Monet's garden.
ReplyDeleteI will sit back and enjoy the pictures. No out of country trips for me for another year!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Have a wonderful time. We are also spending our children's inheritance on travel. I read somewhere that it has more lasting meaning for people than trinkets, furniture or clothing.
ReplyDeleteYes, i'm happy for you, not jealous! There's no reason to envy what others have, because we all have so much.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this time and can't wait to hear all you will share.
ReplyDeleteSeems I never liked to stray far from home but dream a lot :)
A river cruise sounds like a wonderful trip. I am sure you will enjoy it and have many stories to tell afterwards. How nice that you are sharing this adventure with your sister.
ReplyDeletegood for you. have a great time. we don't travel. being a self employed artist doesn't leave a lot of extra income. plus we have a cat. i would like to travel at some point though but France is not high on the list.
ReplyDeletePutting $ into your mind and memories is the best in my book. I'd love to travel with my sister or two, have a great trip. Cruising on a river has always sounded wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI've read of some cruises through France - barge trips and another that I can't recall at this moment. They sounded just incredible. Do enjoy and I can't wait to see your photos.
ReplyDeleteI, too, would rather spend the money on travel. I have to balance that with my husband's "stuff."
You are so lucky to have the ability to go such places. France has such a long, interesting history. I'm part french, Je parle une perve aussie. I'm not big on French food tho, except the pastries.
ReplyDeleteYou always manage to find interesting, historical things to do n report on, I think. I hope you have a good experience there.
Don't forget to see Monet's garden. I am a little jealous but also happy for you. I'm soon to make my first trip in the Big Easy and the French Quarter. Oui!
ReplyDeleteJe te souhaite un trés bon voyage!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with your sis in France.
ReplyDeleteI'm not in the least jealous, now if you where doing a horseback trip to a fly fishing lake in Montana, or riding the Pacific Crest Trail...
Now I'm starting to feel like I'm stalking you. I remember reading about your Irish trip last year. I'm visiting there this year. And, although I, too, have had no burning ambition to visit France I will going to see a tapestry in Bayeaux that has piqued my interest. I look forward to reading about your French adventure.
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