As you could read from my last post I’ve taken some time off from work and have retreated myself to the country of wine, cheese and a lot of quietness – that is… unless you are staying in one of the bigger cities of course. Have a wild guess… I will wait. Yes. That’s right, France! Ma Cherie. I will be staying in the south of France for the next 1.5 weeks with my parents.

I think every person who lives in London (or at least. So I’d like to think), loves the idea of escaping the city every now and then. And trust me. This escape was long overdue. I say long overdue, but in reality I did go to Paris early February for a couple of days. However, that is basically trading one city for another. I have to say, if I would’ve been fluent in French I would 100% move to the city of love.

You see, even though Paris and London are both two very big cities and known by people all over the world. There is quite a big difference. I think the major difference, surprise surprise, are the people. While the Brits – or should I say the Londoners – live in a constant mode of “Go Go Go” the French tend to literally “C’est La Vie”. And you know what. This was quite refreshing.

Now don’t get me wrong, I still have a lot of love for London and the UK in general. The people who know me are aware that the end goal eventually, is to live in the British countryside (ideally a little cottage. A girl can dream right?), with my chickens, maybe a miniature goat and my weekly, or daily baking sessions. But basically to sort of tune down a notch. And to be quite honest with you, the feeling of tuning down a little notch is the feeling I got when I was strolling around the streets of Paris with my travel companion – not me trying to subtly soft-launch the man I’m dating lol.

So, whilst I’m writing this with a little red wine on my right and a little French cheese, of which the name completely escaped me on my left, I’m seriously contemplating whether the idea of living in Paris is just a whim. Or… if I would actually benefit from it. Benefit how you may ask. Well…yes I wish I had the answer. Although again, the way of living in France is different. I feel like people here actually live. Whether they enjoy life that is obviously another question. Although, when me and my travel companion were enjoying a some food in this very nice place in Paris, we did see a lot of French people at 2pm enjoying their day, which included loads of wine and a light bite to soak up all the wine of course.

However, it’s rather funny. I remember when my sister and I went to London on one of our yearly sister trips. I will never forget that she said something along the lines of: “people in London, whether they are walking, or commuting just look a little miserable. Like they don’t enjoy life”. And you know what? I agree. I never really thought of it like this. But over the last year or so – which disclaimer, is also my 8^th year of living in the city. Ohh how time flies – I have noticed this too. There is practically no escaping it. People genuinely look sad.

Whereas, Paris on the other hand, people looked happy, less of the “Go Go Go” mentality and more the “let’s have a coffee, or wine whatever works best, and talk about it”. Rather than the coffee to go and the occasional pint after office hours. And me being a little Down to Earth Dutchie is very much attracted to this kind of lifestyle.

Whether moving to the countryside is actually feasible at the moment is another story. One we like to keep short and where the answer is simply no.For now of course. Just think of the 5 year plan little Roo! Rereading this doesn’t only make me sounds like a little Boomer Betsy, but also like someone who’s having a full blown conversation with herself. Alas, will moving to Paris solve any of the “Allez Allez Allez!” mentality and make room for more of the “That’s life” mentality I don’t know and I guess we won’t find out anytime soon.

For now, I’m enjoying the time I get to spend with my parents here in the south. A little glass of wine. Too much cheese. Croissants galore. My little book and some very much needed calm and quietness. Away from all the London madness. Away from all the sad and slightly miserable faces. And focus mainly on me. With of course, the occasional wonder of “what if…”. But hey, let’s leave that for what it is, just a little wonder.

Salut!