Farmer's Markets France and United States



It was a pleasure to experience the outdoor markets of France again this spring. They are full of delicious food that has a clear origin, something the French desire more and more. I was told by several French people that they have 'rejected' the foods from the supermarkets.




 
We have farms and farmers' markets here in America, and they are getting more popular. I hope that trend continues.







They are willing to pay a couple dollars extra for good food, and we should be, too. But in some ways it is a Catch-22. I can't get everything I need at the markets here, so I go to the supermarket. But if I go to the supermarket, the markets don't get my money and can't grow.



We have come a long way with the quality of our restaurants in the past decade. Let's hope that the quality and diversity of our other food follows.

French Travel Literature


As you know, I teach (and write) travel literature at the University of Bridgeport. Apparently the French have a great appreciation for this art form. This was not the only Paris bookstore dedicated to travel that I saw, either. Unfortunately I don't read French...although perhaps it is for the best, because otherwise I would have spent my entire vacation browsing shelves.

In fact, the number of bookstores in Paris was simply astounding. A literature culture, to be sure. I mean, only cafes outnumbered bookstores as far as I could tell. Well, perhaps boulangeries...bread and books, what more do we need?

Back From France


More soon, but I'm back from two weeks in France - revisiting some old places from our honeymoon in Paris, and seeing lots of Normandy and the Loire Valley. Had a great time of course.