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Silent French Treasure
French Hospitality,like any other,comes in two flavors: Personal and commercial.You will experience beaucoup of the personal in your daily interactions with the friendly froggies.But the commerical variety is a matter of personal taste and choice.One you’ll make according to your definition of “luxury.”
Is it five star-antique furnished-sunken jaczucci-bedroom fireplace-three star restaurant-wi-fi-in-every-room?
A cozy five room country inn,decorated by the owner’s wife? With the owner behind the stove churnin’out the best local goodies on a patio with a killer view?
Something in between?
This is my friend Count Devogue’s definition:
“If luxury is to be measured in the thickness of the
carpets or the weight of the silver,then I think there are many places much more luxurious than ours. I think we have a very unique luxury–and that is to visit an historic place that was built by the family that is still living in it.”
OK-so whatever your definition,the Treasure of French commercial hospitality is not to be missed.
My definition,as you,dear reader have no doubt devined,is closer to “cozy country inn.” Here ,the commercial hospitality is decidedly personal.
And,along with the killer view,comes a very rare Treasure.One that’s impossible to find in a city,and difficult elsewhere. SILENCE.No cars,no trains,boats,planes,heavy machinery,barking dogs,or quarreling neighbours.
And it can’t be jus’ da “DA BG who’s into this silence thang. Because there is an association(not a “chain”) of French hotels,whose idea of luxury is to offer Silence onthe silver platter. They’re called: “Relais du Silence.” (“relais, pro-“row-lay”, basically translates as “country inn”)
One of my personal favs is the Hotel Maronne in the
exquisitely beautiful Cantal region.
Here,in a storybook location with no immediate neighbours(wide open space time)Alain Dekoek,and his wife serve up more silence than ya could ever use,plus great Madagascar influenced grub.(His wife’s homeland.)
Their email: maronne@cfi.15.fr
A few more “Relais du Silence” -(not yet visited by da BG):
1.hotelsmascasa@wanadoo.fr in Collioure,on the Med.,a stone’s throw from the Spanish border.
2.madieres@wanadoo.fr – near Montpellier.(my notes say“major castle with views.”)
3.hotel-le-rivage.jpb@wanadoo.fr Orleans,on the Loire.
Anything else I can help with?
THROW ME A BONE HERE , PEOPLE!
Deep French Life Questions – Part Two
If you haven’t already, reading PART ONE is advised.
I think there are two reasons for this inner dialogue. The first being a (let’s hope) subtle sense of guilt from doing what you like, and enjoying it. While others, next door, and around the World have less, much less or nothing.
The second is the genetic human desire to be more. To do more. Even/especially when the odds against are astronomical.That’s why “underdog triumphs” type movies are sure fire box office cash. They feed an elemental human desire.
Reality(that cold shower we all must take) tells us that poverty, disease, injustice, crooked politicans, dictators and serial killers have always been with us. And sadly, always will be.
Being human, we want to eliminate these negatives. But, precisely because we are human,inbued with logic and reason, we realize that’s a classic “Mission Impossible.”
What is possible, is to understand and act on the knowledge that whatever you do that has a positive impact, no matter how small, or seemingly insignificant, has made the darkness in the World, a little lighter.
Remember Mr. Armstrong’s words: “One small step for man – one giant step for mankind.”
I think Jackson Browne nailed it with:
“Somewhere in between the time you come and the time you go, there was a reason you were alive you’ll never know”
Bottom Line : Do your best. Don’t sweat the rest.”
Now it’s your turn, dear reader. What do you feel is your “Life Purpose?”
THROW ME A BONE HERE,PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
Deep French Life Questions – Part One
Whenever I’m wearing my introspective hat, reflecting on my reason for existance, my contribution to mankind, and, most importantly, of course, who gives a rat’s ass?, my musings inevitably circle those of two great philosophers: One English. The other American. They’ve never met. And they never will. But if they could, i think each would be fascinatated by the other.
From Impressionist Art Expert at Southebys’ Bruce Chatwin morphed into the greatest travel essayist of his time.All Chatwin’s work, and particularly his classic book -“What Am I Doing Here? set the standard by which all quality writing of the genre is judged.
Getting his show biz feet wet as a standup comedian, Steve Martin went from playing to three people at the troubabour club in Hollywood to larger and more appreciate audiences, TV, and eventually “The Big Screen.”
It’s his performance as “Nathan Johnson” in his movie “The Jerk” that I’m referencing here. In that celluoid classic, Nathan is obsessed with finding his “Life Purpose.” Which,to me, resonates completely with Chatwin’s “What Am I Doing Here? In essence – “What am I here TO DO?” “What is my Life Purpose?”
The obvious way to attempt answering that question is, of course, examining what you are doing/have done “here.” And, following on, who, if anyone, did it impact/influence? and with what result?
When I perform these mental gymnastics, I can modestly but accurately claim to have had a positive influence on the majority ‘o folks who’ve liked my music,film,book and/or blog posts.
But -is this TRULY my life purpose? Have I served mankind sufficiently in my own small way with what I’ve done/am doing? Or should I be documenting poverty and injustice, travelling the globe as a Magnum Photographer?
Applying my film expertise to exposing the mis-deeds(to put it mildly) of Multi-National Corporations? Guiding deprived inner city kids through the magic of photography and music?
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
