On New Years eve day we stumbled upon an American military cemetery in Epinal, about 30 miles east of Vittel. Over 5000 Americans who died during WW2 are buried there. While Normandy is probably our most famous foreign military cemetery, it was still a provocative and profound facility for any visitor, not just American. It is hard to describe our feeling other than it felt like home for a short while as we were on American soil, proud to be an American. The grounds were immaculate and the employees who worked there are US employees, but are French. The crosses are cleaned everyday of any bird poop or other dirt that occurs, and are replaced if they become cracked or weathered. We went to the visitors center and was treated to a tour, just George and I, it was raining so they provided an umbrella for us, we felt like royalty.
This mosaic depicts the American and allied troops entering through the south of France and then traveling north-then onward into Germany. The whole mosaic was very large maybe 50' x 20' high.
A cute little vintage Renault we saw along the way. Reminded me of my brother Bob's old Volvo-PV 53 if I am not mistaken, but his was cooler.
Something that we didn't order but we were given at dinner a night ago, was suppose to be asparagus. This has happened before where we order something and get something else. Now this might not look good and when I first saw this in July it looked repulsive. It looks like fat that is wrapped around the jelled part but is actually thinly sliced turkey. I still don't know what you call this. So we ate it and it was good.
And last night we were invited to a New Years Eve party. It was very nice but somewhat different. We had appetizers earlier in the evening and then cheese fondue and salad around 11:00 PM. Champagne of course at midnight. And then fruit and cookies after that. The French know how to eat.
Well, aren't you adventurous? Can't say it looks appetizing...sounds like you are jumping right into life...already to a French party? Lucky you. Isn't it nice to experience the way other cultures celebrate? With the new foods you will have to stay in close contact to our e-mail champ Scott!!
ReplyDeleteWell Sue, Here's my question (as a concerned vegetarian!! who might one day be visiting France and WANT asparagus).....when you first got this dish in July, did you order asparagus then? I hate to mention this, but I think you are possibly butchering the French pronunciation of the word! I would DIE, absolutely DIE, if I had to eat that!!! We need to get this straightened out before I visit! Comprenez vous? Ha!!!!
ReplyDeleteLisa-In July we did not order asparagus, George ordered fettuccuni and got fries. I think you would be okay as a vegetarian, but I can not say for sure. But really, by the time you get here, we should have this whole thing figured out.
ReplyDeleteSue---Ohhhh!!! Wouldn't it have been funny if George had ordered fettucini in the summer and had gotten this same platter that you got when you ordered asparagus?? This would make a great comedy skit. An American couple goes to France, and every time they try to order something, trying out their newly acquired French language skills, they get this yucky looking platter!!!! Be good, girl! Can't wait to hear about the next grocery store excursion. We LOVE the stories.
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