I recommend making the move. You will soon see other differences in American vs. French life. Some things that made sense suddenly don't anymore, such as having different laws in each state (the equivalent in France would be departments.) I am embarrassed to admit that my husband and I are both lawyers and we never questioned it. It is also refreshing not having to worry about being shot during a traffic kerfuffle here. Bordeaux is lovely, BTW. I recommend eating at Lil'Home if you haven't already done so.
Great story. It's always so refreshing to read the American perspective - to start appreciating what we take for granted. I'm an European expat living in France, I'd never thought to praise their public transit - but agreed, compared to the US it is generally better. Regarding the TGV speed train network, one should know that they are heavily crtiticized: often either late, or overbooked, or on strike. But most importantly, the general concept is poor. Except largest towns like Paris or Toulouse, the TGV trains required new station design, and those new stations have been placed outside cities, designed almost like airports, in areas where access is difficult and parking is exclusively paid and expensive (especially if you need to leave your car for a few days). Many French people think this investment was a waste of money and I do think that, too. But for a traveller who moves between bigger metropolies, that does not matter. Keep us updated!
Let’s see, here in Vegas we have Hugh Hefner Drive, Robin Leach street and a few others named by members of the Rat Pack. Speaks exactly to what is valued here.
I lived in Paris for 6 months some years ago and aside from visiting Mont Saint-Michel, the other memorable trip was to Bordeaux. Had the best duck meal in my life! The Winter sunsets cast such beautiful light over the country side. Wish I was there now. Enjoy!
After living in Prague and Japan, I can wholeheartedly agree with you on the subject of public transportation in the US. To put it mildly, it sucks here. But that’s almost entirely because it’s massively underfunded, both nationally and locally. Being back in my hometown of Atlanta and enduring the depressing horror show that is Marta just makes me miss living abroad even more.
I had a graphic to add but it would appear that I can’t post images. However if you google “trains in the US vs Europe” it’s quite the eye opener.
There is a Via Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac Alley in San Francisco, but these are exceptions and I largely agree with you about how artists are treated in the US vs Europe. I lived in Slovenia for a few years, and they venerate their poets, something unimaginable in US.
I am in the opposite situation of you. I live in The Netherlands but have been visiting California the last several weeks. The sticker shock in restaurants is, well, shocking. It’s not just the tipping, it’s also the tax. Every country I’ve been to in the EU has tax included in the price (of everything, not just food). What you see is what you pay. It’s called transparency and the US could use a big dose of it.
I was in Paris in September and could throw some names at you for some great food. Yes, I know eating well in France is not difficult but it always helps to have some tips. Let me know if you are interested.
Your recent show at the Bottlerocket Social Hall in Pittsburgh was fantastic. Rather than streets like France, Pittsburgh names bridges after luminaries. It is unfortunate that you didn’t get a chance to see the so-called Three Sisters bridges. They are named after a writer (Rachel Carson), an artist (Andy Warhol) and a baseball hero & humanitarian (Roberto Clemente) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sisters_(Pittsburgh).
I just came here to say that in the Chicago suburbs where I live, there is an enormous subdivision about 1 mile from me where all of the streets are named after American poets and authors. For example: Mark Twain, Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Jack London, James Michener, Emily Dickinson, James Fenimore Cooper, Carl Sandburg, Luisa May Alcott. I will refrain from listing them all, but just wanted to let you know there’s a slice of hipness in Illinois.
Our first house in Baton Rouge was in a little area where the streets were named after Greek poets - Homer, Cato, Virgil, Pliny and we were on Ovid St.
Hi, Flannery O' Connor's hometown was not Savannah, but the unlovely Milledgeville, now most noted for a derelict state mental hospital that's become a magnet for ghouls to skulk around its wretched halls and rooms. "Cheap holidays on other people's misery," in the words of Mr. Johnny Rotten.
At least Savannah does honor Johnny Mercer, an American songwriter of many standards: you'll recognize them immediately. His family plot in Bonaventure cites lyrics on not only his grave, but also those of his relatives. Johnny Mercer Blvd. is a main drag.
I didn’t know they had electric trams in Bordeaux. That sounds nice and possibly more accessible to disabled people than I expected France to be.
Also good point about the naming of streets after intellectuals and artists. Why not a Bell Hooks Boulevard instead of Mitch McConnell Plaza?
Edit: I should look these things up. There totally is a bell hooks Way in Hopkinsville where she is from and I should remember she wouldn’t capitalize her own name because she is humble. Sometimes the intellectuals do get a win.
I really enjoy your writing, and am relieved to see you aren't taking a month hiatus. Just make sure you try to try to take some time to enjoy it too. We'll be fine.
If you have any time, I suggest you visit a few nearby places: Bergerac, Monbazillac, Sarlat, & if you can get a reservation Lascaux, the place with the cave paintings. (Be sure to look for an English language tour if you need to!)
Anyway, I love the chance to live vicariously through your vacation posts
I recommend making the move. You will soon see other differences in American vs. French life. Some things that made sense suddenly don't anymore, such as having different laws in each state (the equivalent in France would be departments.) I am embarrassed to admit that my husband and I are both lawyers and we never questioned it. It is also refreshing not having to worry about being shot during a traffic kerfuffle here. Bordeaux is lovely, BTW. I recommend eating at Lil'Home if you haven't already done so.
Great story. It's always so refreshing to read the American perspective - to start appreciating what we take for granted. I'm an European expat living in France, I'd never thought to praise their public transit - but agreed, compared to the US it is generally better. Regarding the TGV speed train network, one should know that they are heavily crtiticized: often either late, or overbooked, or on strike. But most importantly, the general concept is poor. Except largest towns like Paris or Toulouse, the TGV trains required new station design, and those new stations have been placed outside cities, designed almost like airports, in areas where access is difficult and parking is exclusively paid and expensive (especially if you need to leave your car for a few days). Many French people think this investment was a waste of money and I do think that, too. But for a traveller who moves between bigger metropolies, that does not matter. Keep us updated!
Let’s see, here in Vegas we have Hugh Hefner Drive, Robin Leach street and a few others named by members of the Rat Pack. Speaks exactly to what is valued here.
I lived in Paris for 6 months some years ago and aside from visiting Mont Saint-Michel, the other memorable trip was to Bordeaux. Had the best duck meal in my life! The Winter sunsets cast such beautiful light over the country side. Wish I was there now. Enjoy!
After living in Prague and Japan, I can wholeheartedly agree with you on the subject of public transportation in the US. To put it mildly, it sucks here. But that’s almost entirely because it’s massively underfunded, both nationally and locally. Being back in my hometown of Atlanta and enduring the depressing horror show that is Marta just makes me miss living abroad even more.
I had a graphic to add but it would appear that I can’t post images. However if you google “trains in the US vs Europe” it’s quite the eye opener.
Great to hear the real “skinny” on France; I thought the French despised Americans and loved to tell us so!
The Judy Blume rest area in NJ would like to say hi!
I think there might have been a Howard Stern rest area at some point, as well.
There is a Via Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac Alley in San Francisco, but these are exceptions and I largely agree with you about how artists are treated in the US vs Europe. I lived in Slovenia for a few years, and they venerate their poets, something unimaginable in US.
I am in the opposite situation of you. I live in The Netherlands but have been visiting California the last several weeks. The sticker shock in restaurants is, well, shocking. It’s not just the tipping, it’s also the tax. Every country I’ve been to in the EU has tax included in the price (of everything, not just food). What you see is what you pay. It’s called transparency and the US could use a big dose of it.
I was in Paris in September and could throw some names at you for some great food. Yes, I know eating well in France is not difficult but it always helps to have some tips. Let me know if you are interested.
Your recent show at the Bottlerocket Social Hall in Pittsburgh was fantastic. Rather than streets like France, Pittsburgh names bridges after luminaries. It is unfortunate that you didn’t get a chance to see the so-called Three Sisters bridges. They are named after a writer (Rachel Carson), an artist (Andy Warhol) and a baseball hero & humanitarian (Roberto Clemente) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sisters_(Pittsburgh).
I just came here to say that in the Chicago suburbs where I live, there is an enormous subdivision about 1 mile from me where all of the streets are named after American poets and authors. For example: Mark Twain, Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Jack London, James Michener, Emily Dickinson, James Fenimore Cooper, Carl Sandburg, Luisa May Alcott. I will refrain from listing them all, but just wanted to let you know there’s a slice of hipness in Illinois.
Our first house in Baton Rouge was in a little area where the streets were named after Greek poets - Homer, Cato, Virgil, Pliny and we were on Ovid St.
That's very cool. (Not to be pedantic, but except for Homer, they were all Romans.)
Hi, Flannery O' Connor's hometown was not Savannah, but the unlovely Milledgeville, now most noted for a derelict state mental hospital that's become a magnet for ghouls to skulk around its wretched halls and rooms. "Cheap holidays on other people's misery," in the words of Mr. Johnny Rotten.
At least Savannah does honor Johnny Mercer, an American songwriter of many standards: you'll recognize them immediately. His family plot in Bonaventure cites lyrics on not only his grave, but also those of his relatives. Johnny Mercer Blvd. is a main drag.
I didn’t know they had electric trams in Bordeaux. That sounds nice and possibly more accessible to disabled people than I expected France to be.
Also good point about the naming of streets after intellectuals and artists. Why not a Bell Hooks Boulevard instead of Mitch McConnell Plaza?
Edit: I should look these things up. There totally is a bell hooks Way in Hopkinsville where she is from and I should remember she wouldn’t capitalize her own name because she is humble. Sometimes the intellectuals do get a win.
I'll be honest but I did see a blind dude in a wheelchair, though, so maybe?
Love France, love Paris - our visit there in September was magical. Enjoy!
I really enjoy your writing, and am relieved to see you aren't taking a month hiatus. Just make sure you try to try to take some time to enjoy it too. We'll be fine.
If you have any time, I suggest you visit a few nearby places: Bergerac, Monbazillac, Sarlat, & if you can get a reservation Lascaux, the place with the cave paintings. (Be sure to look for an English language tour if you need to!)
Anyway, I love the chance to live vicariously through your vacation posts
I prefer a little snoot with my soup! Lol
Yankovic!