Many people are led to believe that the French motto is « Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité ».
I believed it myself for a long time. But I was wrong.
In reality, unbeknownst to many (and going back to 1936), the French motto actually is: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, Congés Payés (paid leave).
And you have Leon Blum and The Popular Front to thank for that.
Even Republicans, sworn enemies of Socialism have no qualms about taking advantage of Leon’s kindness.
Hypocrites!
Every year, rain or shine, the word “vacation” will pop up in a conversation and get everybody in a tizzy.
We should go there and do that! Fine.
But people have widely different ideas of what a vacation is.
When in doubt, I consult Siri, my devoted assistant. When queried, she said in her mellifluous voice: “Vacation, leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure”.
Thank you doll. You are the best!
She is! I can always rely on her.
All right then, a vacation is a time to relax, to recharge one’s battery, most of the time in some sunny, exotic place.
Some people are happy to go to a resort and decompress for a week or two.
For others, a vacation cannot be anything else but a marathon akin to “Survivors” or the “Amazing Race”.
Every minute of the trip has got to be filled with excitement bordering on insane fear.
Bungee jumping, skydiving, high lining, rock climbing, hot air balloon rides…
Resting is for sissies. It is anathema to true vacation aficionados.
To me, a vacation is “an extended period of restful recreation”.
I don’t have to fill every minute of my time with daredevil stunts or shopping safaris. P & P (Pétanque and Pastis) and ogling lightly clad wenches is plenty stimulating for me.
No shop until I drop either.
Americans are real amateurs when it comes to vacations. They check with the State Department before venturing out of Ohio.
When talking to French friends, I am sometimes surprised to hear “in our last trip to St Helena Island, Nunavut or Ittoqqortoormiit …”
Because those crazy bastards will go anywhere; the more remote and exotic the better. Never mind hot spots. We are French; we cannot be bothered by your stupid tribal conflicts.
Very often though, they will end up chained in some dark dungeon and beg the French government to get them out.
And the French government will oblige and pay a hefty ransom to scumbags (and be severely criticized for it) to get them back.
To each his own of course, but if you are planning to visit seven countries in 2 days, count me out.
Old stones, underground caves and culinary delights yes, non-stop adrenaline kicks NIET!
Camarero, one more mojito, por favor!
Alain
https://youtu.be/Nf9gh5Of45s
I remember that picture!!!