Man Cannot Live on Croissants Alone, But My Kids Will

Les musees passes arrived today.  I booked our car to the airport.  I set up the mail hold.  I am starting on packing lists.  Yet, I still pause.  France, hmmm.

It's not that I don't want to go to France.  I fell in love with France nearly 30 years ago when I first visited the country.  I majored in French.  I can read and speak French -- at least enough to get by, I hope.  My husband lived in France for three years when he was a kid.  It should be a great adventure to return with his own family, right?  And, besides, what's not to love about great food, great wine, beautiful art and architecture, and the rich history and sense of place?   Well, it's the kids, really.

Our kids have grown up listening to stories about when my husband lived in France.  They have heard stories about their dad and uncles being forced to go the Loire Valley with guests for "punishment."  They have heard stories about their uncle who, at the age of 5, told his parents that he did not like three things in Fwance -- museums, churches, or chateaux.  "But that's what we are going to see," I want to scream.  "Stop, re-telling that story!"

 France, hmmm.

And then, there's the whole food thing.  Let me think about the foods my kids don't like.  Well, there's anything with a sauce, most vegetables, anything other than chicken, steak and some types of fish, most cheese . . . Now, let me think about the foods my kids love.  There's bread, french fries, croissants, ham, and eggs.

Wait a minute, omelettes, frites, croissants, and baguettes.  It might just work, especially if we include dessert.  And, there are lots of places to go for dessert in Paris, like:  La Patisserie Des Reves, www.lapatisseriedesreves.com, which is down the street from where we are staying, and Pierre Herme, www.pierreherme.com, which is not too far a walk from where we are staying, and . . . 

I think I might be onto something.