In 48 Hours, Things Discovered

Having officially been in France (and semi-conscious) for just over 48-hours (Paris – Lyon – Toulouse – Paris – Vernon/Giverny), I’ve already learned:

1. When flying Icelandair, bring food and water, especially if your layover in Reykjavik is from 11pm-1am. Everything is closed and there are no water fountains.
2. Drink (water) to battle jet lag, at every opportunity.
3. Toulouse’s symbol is the violet and you can find things made with violet everywhere.
4. Use the restroom on the train because it’s free (unlike the €.70 ones in the train station), but don’t expected it to be clean.
5. E. Leclerc (French grocery store) is not the same thing as E. Leclerc Drive.
6. French children can be just as loud as American ones.
7. Wine is unbelievably cheap. €4 for a beautiful rosé.
8. Fresh squeezed orange juice is always the best option.
9. Foie gras in France bears absolutely no resemblance to the pale, lard-like imitation under the same name found in the United States.
10. À point is medium rare. Saignant is rare. Bien cuit is well done. These phrases are important.
11. Free Mobile’s €19.99 plan is amazing. Unless you need coverage everywhere, in which case you discover that you get exactly what you pay for.
12. Having a bank account in France makes everything easier (I do not yet have one).
13. The Paris metro is somehow easier to navigate than New York’s.
14. The trains have a magical ability to lull you either into a daze-like state or to sleep. Set an alarm.

À bientôt!

Salad with chicken gizzard and foie gras in Toulouse

Entrecôte with fries and salad… of course, the first course was a mozarella, pesto, and sundried tomato salad and the meal ended with chocolate mousse. Splurging for the first full day in Toulouse!

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