Hi guys, hope you are all well... Just a heads up; Terese and I left for France this morning, and we're at the airport having a glass of Prosecco waiting to board our plane...
Regardless of how many times we do this, we're always so excited to head off on another adventure! It never gets old, and we hope with all our hearts and souls that it never does! They say if you love what you do, you'll never think of it as work!
This will likely be our last post on here for a while... From here on in, if we need to connect with you, it will likely be through our WhatsApp Group... if you're not sure what that is, just type "WhatsApp" into the search bar here on The Blog to find out how to join! (if you need to connect with us and you don't want to post to the group, consider sending Terese or I a private message through WhatsApp OR call us on WhatsApp...)
So perhaps knowing that you would be spending a few days in Paris, you became a fan of the TV series ‘Emily In Paris’... Well, look no further; below you can find all the iconic locations which appear throughout the series – restaurants, cafés, instagram-able areas and more. For a free self guided tour of 23 of Emily's most favorite Paris Hot Spots, Click Here
We're looking forward to seeing you in Provence soon! We hope you're all excited for your upcoming adventure, and we wish you safe travels! Soon you'll be noshing on Grilled Frog Legs & washing them down with Champagne! Vive La France!
We all tend to overpack... We worry about having all the right clothes... we of course want to take our favorites... we can get obsessed with travel gadgets... we think we must have our favorite shampoo... all our vitamins... and of course you gotta have a few purses and a bunch of shoes, right?
We one time had a couple show up with nothing but a small duffel bag between the two them... We thought they left their suitcases in the car and offered to help retrieve them... Turned out that wasn't the case; the one duffel bag was it... Everything for the both of them was in that one small bag! And we have to tell you, they were the happiest, most carefree couple we ever hosted! We never noticed how often they may have worn the same outfits... Why would we? And guess what; you could probably wear the same outfit all week and no one would notice... Or if they did, they probably wouldn't care one way or the other! Now we're not saying that the one small duffel bag concept is right for everyone, but it's certainly worth thinking about whether or not you can live without two massive suitcases filled to the brim with a whole closet full of clothes!
If you're interested in the concept of "Packing Less & Enjoying More" check out this short article on maximizing your travel outfits! Click Here
So as we're pretty sure you already know by now, we have two separate Tour Groups back-to-back this June on our Beautiful Villages of Provence Expeditions... There's 30 of you total! And while some of you are going into Paris beforehand, many of you are flying into Provence by way of Marseille to meet up with us up at our Villa in Venasque... and we know a few of you plan to spend a few days in Marseille before you come up to us! We've spent a fair amount of time in Marseille over the years as Terese worked for many years for Ponant, a luxury French Cruise company that is headquartered in Marseille! Marseille is indeed a big city, the second largest in France behind Paris! Watch this video to learn a few of things you may want to do in Marseille whether you're there for just a few hours or a few days!
As many of you are doing a few days in other destinations before meeting up with us in Provence, we thought we'd pass along this video... It's a pretty good primer for what to expect in Paris as well as most all of France... (one note: when she says there's little to no air conditioning in France, you should know that if your hotel told you they have air conditioning, they'll have it... But know that the concept of air conditioning throughout much of Europe is much different than in the US.. Typically their air conditioning is not to the standard we have come to expect in America... And if you happen to have some really hot days in France, it may not cool you quite as much as you expect here in the States... But to a French person, they're just thrilled to have some cooling...)
Hi guys, hope you are all well and getting excited for your upcoming French Adventure! Today we wanted to talk with you about: "Jet Lag".
Jet Lag is a real thing... and it affects everyone a little differently, but we can pretty much guarantee that the 6 hour time change will affect you! (France is 6 hours ahead of us). So if you're a night owl, and commonly up at midnight, that would be 6am in France!
The big issue with jet lag is that it can make you feel really tired, and that of course can interfere with your enjoyment of your vacation... There's lots of things you can do to minimize jet lag... First and most obviously, is to be healthy, well hydrated & well rested before you travel... this alone will help you adjust more easily to the time difference.
start changing your circadian rhythm today so you can start enjoying your vacation on Day One
Trust us on this; If you do nothing before you leave, you'll likely suffer the effects of jet lag for the first one to three days of your vacation. And that means you'll have to be really pushing yourself to wake-up, get going, keep up with your better prepared travel-mates and truly enjoy the day. The other thing that fatigue from jet lag can do is to lower your immunity and make you more susceptible to viruses like common colds, flu or even covid...
We're in the business of "showing you a great time" and that can be a little difficult to do if you're jet-lagged 6 hours... What we always suggest to our guests, is that to get the very most value out of your substantial travel investment, start getting a good night's sleep at least a week before you depart. And since you're traveling East thru six time zones, you'll want to consider getting used to going to bed a little earlier each night for a week and getting up a little earlier each day and immediately exposing yourself to bright light to slowly adjust your "circadian rhythm".
If you normally go to bed at 11pm and get up at 6am, consider going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night for 7 days, and getting up 30 minutes earlier each day. This will slowly adjust your circadian rhythm forward by almost 3.5 hours... And that alone will cut the effects of jet lag in half. Drink 20% more water than normal to get hydrated, and reduce caffeine after 10am so you can get to sleep earlier at night. (caffeine stays in your system at least 12 - 18 hours). When you get up in the morning expose yourself to bright light as early as possible, and in the evenings, slowly reduce your exposure to light. (even light from your computer or cellphone). These ideas aren't just theories, they're structured science that's been well proven for decades. We've learned to do this so we can hit the ground running when we get to France!
If you're into this, we suggest downloading the "Timeshifter" app on your phone. It's by far the #1 Jet Leg app and it's seriously easy to use... It's FREE for your your first roundtrip, so why not try it out... Just go to your App Store, download Timeshifter, and put in your flight info... It sends you automatic notifications (for just 3 days before you departure) about when to go to bed, when to wake up, how much sunlight, and how much caffeine to get to "shift your circadian rhythm" to your new destination. Here's the best part - It works! Check out this gal's testimonial below... and download it today! We've been using it for years... It's easy, it's fun & it's FREE! It definitely works for us!
Someone has reached out to ask about hair dryers & bathroom amenities at the Villa, so here you go;
Rubber ducky, you're the one... you make bath time so much fun...
So of course, you're welcome to bring your own bath products if you have favorites... but in your bedrooms and your private bathrooms at the Villa we will have the following amenities in place for you; Shampoos & French Milled bar soaps, as well as kleenex, toilet tissue, air freshener, bath towels, hand towels, bidet towels, pool towels, a bathroom nightlight, and a European voltage hairdryer (note for the ladies: (we don't provide conditioner; so if you need that, you'll want to consider bringing it along).
While the hairdryer we place in your room is European, if you have other electric devices that you might be bringing with you, remember that you'll likely need at least an adaptor if it's dual voltage... or a converter if it is not... If you're bringing any heating devices like a curling iron, flat iron or hair curlers, your much better off with an inexpensive dual voltage model, than buying a converter... Converters are heavy & expensive, and don't work very well with high-amperage devices, they often just burn out... (to understand the difference between an adaptor and a converter, click here ). For an inexpensive dual voltage curling iron delivered to your house in 2 days with free Prime shipping click here
Also someone has asked about bed linens: Do we need to bring bed linens like we have for various vacation house rentals? And the answer is of course no, there will be very nice fresh linens on your bed when you arrive... But you need to understand: the Villa is not a hotel; the same linens (bed, bath & pool) will be in your room for the full week... We advise to hang them nicely to keep them clean.
if you're looking for a pharmacy in France, look for the Green Cross... (ps: someone's always looking for distilled water for their CPAP machine; this is where you'll find it - ask for "eau distillee"
One thing you may notice missing is wash cloths... Wash cloths are not at all common in Europe, and you probably won't find them in your hotels (unless your hotel caters specifically to Americans), and you likely won't find them at The Villa. It's just a cultural thing... If a wash cloth is critical to you, we suggest you throw one in your suitcase and bring it with you.
Another reminder to help lighten your suitcase: The Villa has a wonderful spacious laundry room and we make it complimentary and available for you to use at your leisure as often as you prefer. We have two modern European Style Washing machines & a Dryer and we'll have the laundry room fully stocked for you with complimentary laundry soaps, stain removers, fabric softeners, an iron, and ironing board and drying racks. We will also have a basic first aid kit at the Villa.
this is what happens when you go to kindergarten at Disneyworld,
As we all get ready to hope on planes to cross the pond, we always think it's important to touch on some general cultural differences you'll encounter in France... While the United States and Europe share a history rooted in Western ideals, cultural nuances paint distinct portraits on either side of the Atlantic. Individualism reigns supreme in the American psyche, with a strong work ethic and a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. Here in the US, the emphasis is on achievement, and informality is often the order of the day.
European cultures, on the other hand, tend to prioritize a slower pace of life and a stronger social safety net. Leisure time and vacations are seen as essential, and there's a greater emphasis on community and collective well-being. Communication styles can also differ, with Europeans sometimes favoring a more indirect and nuanced approach compared to the American preference for directness.
It's important to remember that Europe is a tapestry of cultures, with distinct flavors in every nation. The reserved formality of Germans contrasts with the passionate exuberance of Italians. The laid-back approach to time in Spain might surprise visitors accustomed to American punctuality.
Steeped in history and romance, French culture cherishes art de vivre (the art of living). Parisians linger over coffee and croissants, while evenings hum with lively conversation. Museums brim with masterpieces, and charming villages boast ancient architecture. Food is an art form, with fresh ingredients and leisurely meals. Fashion is a national pastime, with a focus on elegance and effortless chic. French culture prioritizes intellectual discourse, valuing debate and critical thinking.
Understanding these cultural differences is key to navigating social interactions and fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experience. Whether it's clinking glasses during a leisurely European dinner or grabbing a quick bite on the go in the US, both cultures offer unique perspectives on life.
While Provence doesn't have a culture entirely exclusive to itself, it does boast a unique blend of regional traditions and influences. Here's a few things that set it apart:
Lingering Echoes of Provençal: Though largely replaced by French, the Provençal language (a dialect of Occitan) whispers in the region's soul.
Fêtes and Festivals: Vibrant celebrations erupt throughout the year, from bullfighting-inspired events in the Camargue to joyous harvest festivals.
Sun-Kissed Cuisine: Fresh, local ingredients reign supreme. Think olive oil, fragrant herbs, and delicious seafood, all reflecting the region's Mediterranean climate.
Architectural Tapestry: Roman ruins stand alongside medieval villages and grand Renaissance structures, showcasing a rich architectural history.
Things you may notice about the subtle differences between our US culture and the French culture:
Pace of Life: Americans tend to be fast-paced and career-driven. The French, on the other hand, prioritize leisure time and long lunches. Work-life balance is a bigger concept in France, with shops often closing for extended lunch breaks. (Where you're likely to first notice this is in a restaurant; it may take longer to get seated, and it may be a while before a waiter shows up to take your order..)
Food and Meals: Food is a cornerstone of French culture. Meals are savored, often featuring multiple courses, served over a much longer time, and of course, an emphasis on local ingredients. Breakfast is light, while lunch is the main event. Dinners are often lighter than lunch. In contrast, Americans prioritize speed and convenience,with meals often eaten on-the-go. (at our Villa, Breakfast is plentiful with both hot & cold offerings, and lots of fresh fruits & melons... But dinner is still the main event)
Directness: Americans tend to be more direct in communication, often valuing positive affirmations. The French may come across as more critical, but this can be a normal part of their intellectual discourse. Understanding these communication styles can prevent misunderstandings. (be careful not to assume, as many American do, that the French are rude ~ their communication style is just inherently different from ours)
Social Hierarchy: Like most European countries, France retains a more formal social structure. Titles, standing and proper greetings are important... American culture is generally more informal, with a focus on equality.
Vacation Time: French workers are legally entitled to more vacation days than Americans. This reflects the French emphasis on leisure and spending time with family. ( you'll see that our Chefs sometimes bring their children with them, and sometimes they even help serve... and if you've not seen it before, you'll likely see French people bring their dogs into restaurants with them, and the waiter often brings the dog a bowl of food)
Homes, Hotels & Apartments: Amenities that we take for granted in the US, like air conditioning are much more rare in France... These types of things are considered more of a luxury. Often times you'll find that they'll have air conditioning, but it won't work as effectively as what we think of as an American standard. You'll often also see this with things like plumbing, refrigeration, heating etc... especially anything that uses electricity or any type of fuel. (Electricity and most all fuels like gasoline, natural gas, diesel fuel, fuel oil, etc are 3 to 5 times more expensive in most of Europe)
Public Space: Public spaces in France can be seen as an extension of social life, with people lingering in cafes and parks.Americans often view public spaces more for transactions or quick errands. (you'll sometimes see the French linger at a cafe table for 2 hours over an espresso & a croissant)
Remember, these are generalizations. Both cultures are diverse, and individual experiences may vary. However, being aware of and understanding these differences can help bridge the gap and foster appreciation for the unique aspects of French culture.
