Musings

Some things always come to mind when I'm here- most are questions that I'll probably never have an answer to!

Why is the sky such a beautiful blue, it always appears so rich & deep (even more so in the South of France of course) & makes the white clouds look whiter & softer. Really enhances pictures and is why the artists loved France, I know, but what makes it that way?

How do they manage their traffic without killing and maiming each other constantly? There are no lane markers, they drive very fast and then stop on a dime. In the circle around the Arc de Triomphe, they drive 7 lanes deep and go from outer to inner without signaling or causing a huge pile up-always amazing to watch.

What do the police do all the time? They are always driving around with their sirens and blue flashing lights, but I've never seen them giving a ticket or arresting anyone or, basically, doing anything but driving around with their sirens and flashing blue lights.

Are French women born knowing how to tie a scarf? They always look so chic and not like the scarf was an after thought, the way one usually looks on me. Some of the men also seem to have that scarf tieing gene.

Ever since my first visit in 1968, I've wondered if there is someone on the payroll somewhere who's only job is to event new ways to flush a toilet. Whoever that person is, they're still there as there are still numerous different flushers.

What is the rate of lung cancer? So many still smoke, although they no longer can inside. It seems like they must have a high rate or, does their otherwise healthy lifestyle counteract it. They do so many things right in regard to health- walk all the time, climb stairs (lots of stairs) eat fresh food, basically eat 3 meals a day with no in between snacking, drink lots of wine & spend a lot of time outside in the sun & fresh air (they do love their parcs and green spaces, no matter how small).