Ideas and theories on journey in France, Sweden, and Slovenia

I’m into my third week of journey in Europe. I really like touring as a result of, amongst different issues, it makes me suppose. And so I’d wish to share a few of these ideas with you:

The seashores of Normandy

Regardless of your political persuasion or your ideas on warfare, you’ll be able to’t assist however shed a tear when visiting the American Cemetery on the D-Day seashores as we did final week on our Normandy tour. So many younger lives that weren’t lived. So many desires by no means realized. So many households left heartbroken at dwelling.

Driving in Sweden

Granted I used to be far north, the place there typically gave the impression to be extra moose than individuals, however the drivers there have been probably the most courteous I’ve ever encountered. They’re so good, they don’t even tailgate behind you once you get misplaced and drive slowly (like me). And once I was pulled over (lengthy story and never for causes of my driving), I by no means encountered policemen in any nation who had been extra pleasant and  skilled.

Got to like small airports

The airport right here in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has now formally joined my record of favourite airports. It is small, straightforward to navigate, and also you’re out and in earlier than you realize it. And I’m now staying at an exquisite family-run resort in a small village solely 4 miles from the airport. I understand that not all airports might be like this, however can somebody please do one thing about Charles de Gaulle in Paris? If all of us chip in, maybe we are able to rent them an skilled airport designer. What a (massive) nightmare.

You’ve obtained to like the cider, too

Visiting Normandy once more this yr (and Brittony, the previous 2 years) has given me a higher appreciation for onerous cider. I take pleasure in it an increasing number of. There is such variation in flavors and such care that goes into its manufacturing. And add to this the Calvados (distilled cider) after which Pommeau, which is Calvados blended with candy cider after which aged. And then there’s Poiré (Perry), which his onerous cider made out of pears. I additionally liked seeing the cows grazing on the grass between the high-branched apple timber.

The flat plains and mountains of Slovenia

I’m now on the flats round Ljubljana. It’s beautiful farmland, with small villages and their church steeples. What makes this space so particular and completely different than, say, Kansas, are the towering mountains on all sides. I drove over a move to Austria yesterday, to say I did, and ended up climbing and exploring there all day. Today I’m heading east to wine-country the place I plan to slide over the Hungarian border so as to add one other nation to my record. That will carry me to 46.

Food first in France

When the French aren’t consuming, you’ll usually discover them speaking about meals. It’s such a central a part of life in France. Which results in the query of the rooster and the egg. Is meals so central in France as a result of it’s so good?  Or has the meals turn out to be so good as a result of everyone seems to be so fixated on it.