Bari, Italy

For my first trip outside of France, I had the chance to take a week off in mid-January and lolligag in the southern city of Bari, Italy. I was invited by my good friend Hillary who had just passed the weekend with me in Paris. In Bari we stayed with Danielle, a friend from Hillary's mission. This 63-yeared widow was an excellent host, and never ceased feeding us, or doing our laundry, or driving us around. Baris was an excellent place for shopping, and gastronomy--we basically spent the week gorging on the food we were fed by our Italian friends, and spending our money on the tantalizing shopping opportunities. We also had the chance to visit Lecce for a day, a beautiful, more southern city.

Can you see me?

They just kept bringing out the plates! This is when the bloating began.

Hillary and Danielle!

This is horse meat. I ate it.

Escape from Paris

I had the opportunity to spend a week in Toulon, France, with a friend, Steve*, from Paris, that I actually didn't know too well. I am so glad that I took the opportunity. My time in Toulon is already one of my favorite experiences that I've had in France.

I took the TGV train from Paris to Toulon, arriving about 4 hours later, but the time passed by quickly. I love the TGV. It's like a giant, quiet airplane, with more space, a great view and a food bar--and less rules. 

In Toulon, I stayed at the home of my friend's mom and his stepdad for most of the trip--though later I was introduced to Steve's* real dad as well. Steve's stepdad and mom were some of the coolest people ever: world-travelers, open, kind, and physically fit. They definitely left an impact on me. I am more determined to become a world-traveller.

Each day we did something pleasant: one day a hike, the next a bike ride, a run, a stroll through an old medieval town...

Sweaters and beaches don't match.

For New Year's we went to a party in a friend of a friend's garage. There was a DJ and excellent music. The French kids were pretty friendly. At the countdown we set off some fireworks. We stayed at the party until 3am. 

French people start a meal with an appetizer like these (they're kind of gross sometimes).

The main course food.
 Foie Gras, aka, duck liver, is a French favorite. Apparently it's acceptable to eat 7-layer-chip dip straight-up by spoon.

Someone pranked the candy tray by putting garlic inside these banana marshmallow chews.
 I found out because I ate it.

 While staying with Steve's parents on both sides, got to experience some real home-cooking. From roasted sweet potatoes, to home-made panna cotta, to home-made fries (better than the restaurants!) I was a true guest. We had cheese, and maybe fruit at the end of every meal, then potentially topped off with a dessert. To some how thank Steve's parents, I prepared for them a traditional American breakfast. This was great because our breakfasts are very different from the french style: French people drink coffee for breakfast; the meal pretty much doesn't exist. Pancakes and waffles are considered a dessert here. 

Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, OJ, and Bananas.
With Canadian syrup too! (Hard to find in France).

The last day Steve and I drove to Saint Tropez, the town, and then visited a beach nearby.

Almost ugly enough to buy.

French people don't show their teeth usually in photos. This is me being French.

I made him smile with his teeth.

The beach at St Tropez.

The best part of the experience was making friends with a genuine French family.

(No Teeth)