Afoot in Scotland - Haggis

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?

Tom Thumb's Walking Stick

I was consulted on the authenticity of this walking stick. I believe it was used in Charles Stratton's portrayal of Frederick the Great, whom he lampooned as an old, tottering man.

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.