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Tour France: How to Kiss, French Style
Tour France: How to Kiss, French Style...
I know what you're thinking....You think this is about sex or making out or something really really inappropriate. But, it isn't. The national form of greeting people in France is "the kiss". The friendly sign off in letters and emails is the "kiss" ("bisous", and the less formal "biz").
Like the American handshake it has so many varieties and forms that it is essentially its own language. Remember, in handshakes there is the firm shake, the light grasp, the fist pump, the hand slap, even entire routines that indicate you are 'part of' a social group. See what I mean? If there wasn't such a nuanced meaning, then why on Earth would one of our own esteemed presidential candidates have had to explain his inability to 'shake' hands (Remember Bob Dole and his war injury)? So, maybe now, you are thinking that this is really a valid language, not just an affectation. (Even our current president does it...when in Rome (or Paris...as the saying goes.)
In France, the fact of a kiss, and then the number of kisses you give and receive at any one time indicates your level of friendship and your region. It has nothing to do with men and women or sexuality whatsoever.Here's how it goes..It is a "kiss" not a full body hug. In the U.S. if you are close enough to kiss, you are also hugging the person --whether it's your child or your partner or your mother. In France, it is just the "kiss" and a light hand on the shoulder or arm. It is not an embrace(unless you are an American whose daughter is super happy to be in Paris --then it better be the full embrace!)
If you "get a kiss" (peck on the cheek) in France, that is an indication you know each other. One cheek means you know each other. Two means you are good friends or close in some way. But, that's just in Paris. In Provence, two kisses, one on each cheek, means you know each other. Three means you are close. Four is atypical --unless you are in the very South or on the islands. Where four is the thing to do...Now, here's where it gets complicated.If you kiss once, but the other person thinks you are close, then you rebuffed someone. If you go in for the 2nd, or 3rd kiss, and the person you are greeting doesn't reciprocate, you have been told that the feeling isn't mutual and you are over reaching. Or, of course, you are greeting a Parisian, and think they are Provencal...Or you are geographically confused in some way.
As the holidays approach and we do more and more greeting, it's important to understand what these greetings signify. Like most things in life, practice makes perfect...So, come to France and kiss someone! Consider it your holiday sport...And you don't even need mistletoe!Bisous from Wendy at Bliss Travels!
5 Tips for Getting Lowest Airfares: Great Airfare Sales for the Holidays
5 Tips: How do you find the best airfares?
Here are some tips to share:1. Kayak.com --This is a great search engine if you know how to use it. Input your area airports (not just the single specific airport) and then use flexible dates. A matrix will appear and you can see exactly what your options are. For example, if you are leaving from New York City and going to Paris -make sure to input "New York -all airports". You may not want to go to Newark or JKF, but if the fare is $300 lower, you just might find you feel differently.2. Search nearby departure airports. In the NY area, we are not far from Philadelphia. That means that for minimal trouble you can fly from Philadelphia too. Sometimes the smaller (relatively speaking) airports cost significantly less. Almost all the flights from Philadelphia to Paris were $1000 roundtrip and they were NONSTOP!3. Search nearby destination airports the same way. If you are going to Paris, why not fly into Orly? It's small. Customs takes 5 minutes (really) and it's closer to Paris than Charles de Gaulle, so transport is cheaper. When I did this search I found a $900 flight from Newark to Orly. For $900 you can arrive in Paris Christmas morning and stay until the 30th --and the flight was a nonstop!4. Expand your definition of "nearby". European destinations are often very very close together... a train ride away. For example, I just searched Newark to Brussels. Why? Because a train ride of a little more than an hour is all that separates those two cities (and Brussels is quite beautiful over the holidays). The fare was $850 roundtrip for a nonstop. That is amazing. I do this for a living, and I haven't seen this fare level in several years!
5. Keep track of sales. When you see one airline go on sale, that means the others are likely to follow suit, maybe not that day....but soon.On this point, it's important to remember the immortal words of Bogart...
"If you don't get on that plane, you're gonna regret it...maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life."
So, take that trip! Wherever you decide to go! "We'll always have Paris...."
Tour Paris over the Holidays: 9 Special Things To Do!
TOUR PARIS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
9 SPECIAL THINGS TO DO AND SEE!
(and 1 extra!)
1. Tour Paris to see the decorations and trees. Each Arrondissement (neighborhood) puts up specially decorated trees in strategic locations. Get an idea of which arrondissement and which trees you'd like to see and go on a hunt for your favorites!
2, Oysters and champagne by the riverbank. Every holiday season, on the lower level embankment of the Seine River, by the Eiffel Tower, there are Champagne and Oyster vendors...check them out. What an experience to sip Champagne by the riverside, feast on oysters (or some other gourmet treat) and to do so all in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Even better --wait til it's glittering at night!3. Pastry and hot chocolate tastings. Take an afternoon stroll and taste the famously rich hot chocolate of various famous and lesser known hot chocolate vendors. Angelina's is of course the most well known --They are famous for having both white and dark hot chocolate. I think this pairs just perfectly with their famous Mont Blanc pastry. That chestnut and meringue confection is not too rich to pair with their thick hot chocolate --yet it holds its own. Or, if you have the chance, purchase the "mix" offered by Pierre Herme to take home to make. What a treat! 
4. Christmas markets. Visit the Christmas markets. Each of them are different. Some have more foods/wines. Some have more gifts and some specialize in art or antiques. All have warm spiced wine and gourmet goodies and gifts. We like to find the special artisan vendors who have come to Paris from the countryside. They carry high quality and unique products. Hint: Many vendors in street markets, the Christmas ones included, will occupy the same space year after year --so once you find someone you love, you are likely to find them easily the next time!
5. Skating in Paris...in front of City Hall (where Rodin sculpted) or even in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. Need we say more?
6. Notre Dame for Christmas mass. Even if you are not Catholic, this is certainly an interesting experience.7. Christmas dinner --Culinary treats abound in Paris over the holidays. Whether your tastes run to casual cafes and a glass of red wine, or something more whimsical or even something traditionally formal.....The gastronomic treats are endless. Truffles, scallops, roast pheasant, veal and duck, special cheeses infused with truffle or aged for many months until tiny bits of crystal appear --adding texture and punch --bouches de Noel, and other traditional desserts--in fact, there are 13 traditional desserts for Christmas. Our last few Christmas lunches and dinners in Paris included Champagne, foie gras, oysters, scallops, truffles, roast leg of lamb, truffle stuffed chicken breast, specialty breads, homemade desserts and fabulous wines from Burgundy and Chateauneuf du Pape...I'm stuffed just writing about these feasts. Make sure you don't miss out on any of these wonderful treats!
The gastronomic treats are endless. Truffles, scallops, roast pheasant, veal and duck, special cheeses infused with truffle or aged for many months until tiny bits of crystal appear --adding texture and punch --bouches de Noel, and other traditional desserts--in fact, there are 13 traditional desserts for Christmas. Our last few Christmas lunches and dinners in Paris included Champagne, foie gras, oysters, scallops, truffles, roast leg of lamb, truffle stuffed chicken breast, specialty breads, homemade desserts and fabulous wines from Burgundy and Chateauneuf du Pape...Remember, this is red wine season --if such a season exists. Too hot for many reds in the summer, and white's just won't warm you up or stand up to that hearty winter fare! So, your best reds will be now!I'm stuffed just writing about these feasts. Make sure you don't miss out on any of these wonderful treats!
8. Concerts. Whether it's Gregorian chants, or classical concerts, there are wonderful concerts held in the area churches and museums. Imagine listening to chanting in a Medieval building, or a choral group in a 1000 year old church. Check into it!9. Museums....That's right. Visit the museums. What a great time of year to walk the city and come in to warm up (though last year it was about 55 degrees in mid December) while looking at world class art. We specifically take our clients through several of the smaller museums. Spending the day weaving in and out of these museums, mixed with the Christmas lights, and the early sunset, really makes for a magical adventure.
If you have any ideas of your own to share, or if we can answer any questions, contact us at wendy@blisstravels.com
5 Reasons Why July 10-20 Are the Best Summer Weeks in Provence!
The best time to go to Provence. People always ask me that. The answer --well, apart from "anytime" --might not surprise you. For summer time, the best time is July 10-20. And here are my top reasons:1. Bastille Day in Provence! Paris is Paris. And Bastille Day is quite an event. But, in Provence, in certain towns and small cities, they have the running of the bulls through the streets. Imagine sitting at a cafe, having a rose, or coffee, and watching the French cowboys herd bulls through the Medieval streets. The boys and young men jump the barrier and chase the bull trying to hold onto his tail. And there are bull fights (the kind where the bull is not hurt.)
2. Fireworks over a castle or ancient fort. When the night sky lights up a castle and then the fireworks pop up over that, that might even be better than the Eiffel Tower. (This is a hard choice to make!)
3. It's prime festival season. There are wine festivals, village fetes and all manner of special celebrations. Even a melon festival! That means there are parades, special markets, special tastings and lit up village squares where you dance the night away!
4. The best beach weather! The Mediterranean is great in July. The weather is great. The excitement level is wonderful. The sky is blue. And there are street shows to watch almost every evening -as you have your dinner outside looking at the sparkling sea.
5. Lavender. Need I say more? You are assured of lavender all July --and first half of August (depending upon the weather that season. And you are assured of lavender related festivals and special events!
Of course, we love Provence almost all year round! It's Bliss!
5 Tips on How to Have it All: The Best of Being Home for the Holidays & Getting Away!
The big debate is whether to stay home for the holidays or whether to get away. You might want a homey "white Christmas" with your special dinner, relaxation, and family, friends and gifts. You may also want to get away and just take a break from it all --you know, a vacation! So, how can you have it all?1. Go Away just before the holidays, and return home a couple days before your "family" celebration! Why not? You can get away, relax, shop in a new and exciting environment (buying truly unique gifts for your loved ones.) You can pamper yourself a bit before the (joyful) work of hosting your family, cooking the meals and cleaning up the holiday messes.2. Bring your favorite aspects of your "at home" celebration with you when you go abroad for the holidays. That's right. Bring some of your gifts or that homemade special treat. Or plan that favorite meal. Why not bring your empty stockings and have them filled while you're away on your relaxing vacation! In other words, bring a little bit of "home" with you --just don't bring the oven or the dishes!
3. Seek out some of your holiday favorites in your new destination. Do you love love love Chestnuts at Christmas time? Fine. Enjoy them locally prepared while you're away. Do you always have hot chocolate on Christmas morning, or roast goose or 7 fishes or a special dessert on your holiday? Great! See how the locals prepare it. (I can only speak to France, but the French do all of these things extremely well. So no worries for us!)
4. Enrich your memories and experiences. Do you always take a walk? Sleep in? Go to mass? Do it somewhere else. You'll forever say "remember that year we went to Christmas mass or took our walk...in that special vacation destination. Trust me. In the years to come, you won't be saying --"gosh, I wish we hadn't taken that Christmas morning walk along the Seine in 2011. Our neighborhood is so nice." Nor will you say, "I'm so sorry we missed our local mass. Notre Dame wasn't really all it's cracked up to be." You'll be reminiscing about how lovely it was back then, and those memories will bring a smile to your face!
5. Develop new traditions while you're abroad that you can incorporate into your future holiday celebrations. We all love our favorites. Grandma's cookies. The roast beef or turkey dinner. But, sometimes it puts a little zing in the holidays to add something new to the mix. Maybe, while you're away, you'll find something new you love to do, eat, drink, see....(I sure hope so). Then, next year, you can engage in that activity at home. I have a friend who brought me some very special tea and cakes from Europe one year. Now, we make or buy those same items each year around the holidays. Not only is it a good memory, it's a new and special treat. 
6. Enjoy the company of others. Go with a group and/or bring a loved one, or a friend, or two. It doesn't have to be as expensive as you think. You can get cozy and share a room (since you probably won't spend much time in it anyway, or you can live it up and do something super luxe.) You can enjoy your time with the people you travel with (even kids, who everyone worries won't travel well, do, in fact, enjoy new locations. They're interested and entertained and just as happy as you are. I know. Really. We do it all the time.) You can even travel alone and make new friends. Our experience from our small group trips is that people truly enjoy each other's company and often remain friends and keep in touch.
Paris Hotel Rooms and Holiday Travel Planning!
We are planning our Holiday Paris Getaways.
We are always asked about the Paris hotel rooms. It's really hard to tell "what you are getting", especially when you are dealing with different cultures and different cultural expectations. People tell us nightmare stories about the room with the bath down the hall or the beautiful room --that was 40 minutes, and a subway ride-- from anything they wanted to see.So, to help people out, we wanted to post some photos of actual rooms we use, and to describe what people will see when they turn the key in the door of their room!We use only centrally located lodging --we prefer the Left Bank, in the 6th Arrondissement or the Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement for people traveling with us. The hotels are always boutique. The hotels are always 3 or more stars. We describe them on our website at www.blisstravels.com under each trip description. The hotels or Inns are always located in great locations within walking distance to the major sites and great restaurants and cafes. They are always charming and feel Parisian. The "luxury" ones have additional amenities, such as designer products, larger rooms, super luxe baths, and ultra gourmet breakfasts --sometimes even cool jazz bars or other hang out spots!So, that all sounds good, but the real question is "what do we consider charming, boutique lodging in Paris"? Some of the below. These are what we call "standard" rooms in the 3 star hotels we use. So, if you're coming to Paris over the holidays with us on one of our Paris Getaways (http://www.blisstravels.com/parisgetaways.html#ParisTrip ) this is what you can expect for "standard lodging". theds
Our Inns in Provence are equally charming and even a bit more spacious and luxurious than our standard rooms...If you are booking our "luxury" lodging, then that includes larger rooms, Bose sound systems, robes, large, all marble bath rooms with special showers/tubs (rainforest showers, and the like), along with sitting areas in each room and many other special amenities, including "over the top" quality breakfasts each morning.I hope this helps for those of you who have asked! Write or call if you'd like more info! You can also watch one of our client video slide shows on our homepage www.blisstravels.comwendy@Blisstravels.com or 609 462 6213