Friday, February 25, 2011

Running Part 2

Last in the three part series.  If you want the full sequence, you can go here.






























Sunday, February 20, 2011

Lasts

When you know you are leaving you are shrouded in lasts.

Last crepe.

Last time at the office.

Last time out with your friends.

Difficulty is distracting the portion of consciousness that insists upon, at minimum, a small awareness of this fact. Further, the commotion of seeing people and doing things before you go hinders the process of diversion.

The days rapidly expire when you are constantly trying to do something just one more (last) time. The more occupied, the less you realize seconds, minutes, and hours counting down. Out of nowhere the clock strikes midnight.

Time up.  Pencils down.  Turn in your exam.

But better to enjoy the moment than notice the mere fact it is passing. Simply put, the last few weeks were spectacular. Words of gratitude are not enough for those that made them this way.


I will miss you all my friends, and I miss you because the times were good.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Picky Eating

French culture prides itself with culinary skill.  The deliciousness found within the country warrants the pride taken.  If you like food you should come here.

Unless you are picky.

French cuisine is particular.  Ingredients common to the land of the Gauls are used often.  These would include famous items like ducks and snails.  Also included, are the more rare pates and livers and kidneys.  Parts not so common over the Atlantic.  Not to say you cannot find food common to you.  It will be more difficult, probabilistically touristic, and very often mediocre.

Sorry for the blurry photo.
There are also preparation differences.  Meat is served red and many times to the point where a good veterinarian can revive it.  Better restaurants will use many different garnishes.  Birds are served whole.






Fish are served whole.










You may not even have choice.  More pricey, fancy, and tastier restaurants tend to have limited menus or one fixed menu.  That is it.  You don’t like it, you can go hungry.

And worse, you do not like it, you are missing out.

Food allergies or dietary restrictions pose other problems.  Cannot eat shellfish for fear of asphyxiation:  Good luck.  Won’t eat pork: you are missing out.

But if you are able to eat anything, and will eat anything, you will be rewarded with something creative and delectible.