7/28/2019 France....the love affair

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France, 2007Going deeper - culture, ethics, values, relationships

Monday, September 17 Lyon10:56 am

Although Sicily was an exploration, exciting and exotic, France is morefamiliar. There is an underlying creative tension as I delve deeper into this

culture. Its no longer possible to play the tourist role - too simple!

Expectations have changed, both personally within myself, and

professionally by those I am in a business relationship with. All that said,

the personal rewards and satisfaction are much more deep and enduring

than the brief love affair with Sicily. France is a long time love and she

unlocks her mysteries only as I am worthy and able to receive them.

Family Bobichon - says it all. Family is that wonderfully organic and fluid

organism we strive to define and develop throughout our lives. There is nomore powerful or influential institution on the Earth today. Conversely, there is no more fragile and

precious institution. Most of us have been profoundly impacted by our families, whether for good

or irreparable harm. My experiences with French families have proven this sacred institution is alive

and well here. Although the pressures to succeed and perform are excessive, the support, care and

nurture displayed by families here borders on overwhelming. Touch is not discouraged, as father

lovingly embraces daughter for lengthy periods. Mother affectionately kisses and embraces boys.

Friends embrace and kiss on the cheek often. Emotional health thrives in this atmos here!

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Tuesday, September 18 Lyon12:59 am

Paul Bocuse is perhaps the most recognize name in

french cuisine. With all his fame and name

recognition, Paul remains a

champion of the

working man. More

than anyone in history,

Paul has celebrated the

chef. Those once

relegated to darkened

kitchens now enjoy the

light of public acclaim.

Tonights dinner was a testimony to his unflagging

devotion to perfection and humanity, two oftenopposing forces. The wait staffwere sincere,

attentive, well mannered and perfectionistic.

Saturday, September 22 Lyon Airport8:53 am

Reviewing the past three weeks. 30 minutes to

boarding. Excited to return and anxious to process

what Ive experienced and learned. New world. New

markets. New opportunities. New friends.

Understanding that Ive experienced a huge amountof socialization in a short amount of time. Have met

dozens of new acquaintances and solidified many

ongoing relationships. Thanks to iPhone and

Macbook, am able to maintain contact much more

effectively. Instant messaging and email trumps old-

school postcards and the occasional phone call.

Have experienced the highs and lows, often as an

observer of local folks working out their issues.

Easier as a traveler to be detached from the personaldramas enacted by locals who have no departure

ticket. Feel privileged to have closer friends in Lyon

who are not afraid to share their lives. Jean Jacques,

Marie Cecile, Marie Christine, Gilles, Marilyn,

Quentin, Karin, Patrice to name a few. Locals seem

insulated from the occasional passersby, content.

You are the sunshine of my life!

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Saturday, September 22 Lyon Airport8:53 am

The last word on France: comfortable, secure, predictable... perhaps a little

too settled? In striking contrast is Sicily, whose islanders exhibit shades of

quiet economic desperation mixed with social, familial cohesion and

frequent random outbursts of passionate discourse. Both beautiful, if

uniformly flawed, proud and ancient peoples. Traveling solo has allowed a

more intimate view of the raw- and refined - edges of each society. Imdeeply grateful to those who confided in me, sharing hopes, dreams,

disappointments, doubts.

My desire to study their languages has increased dramatically, as the insulating layer of American

companionship is removed. I find myself wanting to be a better friend, father, follower of Christ as

personal motives are revealed through the gracious hospitality offered by others. Europe has a

bright future if she does not forget those not born into economic and social advantage. Opportunity

is the foundation of any prosperous society and only protected freedoms with loving affection will

unleash the true potential of each individual. America, take heart!