We've all experienced the feelings of transformation or enlightenment while we've traveled on vacations... We're forced to see far off lands and cultures thru new eyes... We're now under 5 months till we meet up in Provence! We urge you, on this upcoming adventure to France, to get the very most out of it, by deciding before you go to heighten these experiences by being open to everything around you...
 |
The Roses |
But beyond the foods & wines, there's still tons of possibilities to nurture your soul by sincere interaction with the local people... Take the time to realize that even interaction with someone like the Customs officials or the attendant at the rental car facility, offers opportunities to bond as citizens of the world... I'll never forget talking to a man at an outdoor farmers market in Cambodia and asking him "how are you today?" His reply to me was "I am truly blessed..." It opened a short, very enjoyable conversation, but more importantly, things he said to me that day were very moving from an international perspective, and he made an indelible mark on my soul, and it helped me to grow spiritually...
Always remember that you truly are an ambassador of your country when you travel... The people that you meet and interact with definitely project their feelings about you onto the USA as a whole... And this, this is where you have a chance to really make a difference in how the world sees the United States... Whether you give a coin to a street musician, or a sincere compliment to a waiter or a chef, you have these few moments to truly nurture your soul... to learn something... to convey something... and perhaps, if you're lucky enough, to create a bond, if only for a few minutes... or if you're assertive enough, a friendship that will last forever! We have many guests that have been on our trips that keep in touch regularly with some of our local friends we've introduced them to... With social media these days it's so easy to create these international relationships.
These super special experiential moments come only to those who take the time to look for them... So by all means, - pause, take a breath, and take the time to look for them! Our Tours are very different... They're specifically designed to deeply immerse you into the magic of the local culture... And because of our extremely small groups, you'll have lots of these opportunities... Know that the Provençal people are very, very friendly... Start a conversation... ask polite questions... give compliments... ask for advice... Show them pictures of your children, and ask to see theirs! Ask a waiter to recommend something new, something unlike what you'd normally try... How's the pigeon today? You'll have the rest of your life to have a Reuben Sandwich... So today, maybe try the rabbit or the snails! Ask for a picture: and when they agree to take your picture, explain that you want a selfie together with them... watch their reaction as they are caught off guard that you want a photo with them! Smile... look them in the eye and sincerely thank them for their help... And if you can form that magic bond like so many of our guests have done, it will pay dividends for the rest of your life!
Communication only ever truly happens if the person on the receiving end understands exactly what you are trying to convey... And to this end, we urge you to carry a phrase book, or become proficient with the translator app on your phone... even if it seems awkward... the other person will sincerely appreciate your trying... but more importantly, the act itself conveys amazing compassion and respect...
In our business, we get to hear people's "bad vacation stories" all the time... And it's so easy for people to be cynical these days... Commit to making this your best vacation ever! Recognize that this is a special time in your life... And that you're on a very special trip, and that you've earned this... Enjoy every minute of it, embrace the diversity of different cultures... truly open your heart and watch the magic just happen! We work hard to nurture this in our guests, and so we're the lucky ones, we get to see it happen all the time! It's truly magical...
La Vie en Rose
“Quand il me prend dans ses bras
Il me parle tout bas
Je vois la vie en rose
Il me dit des mots d'amour
Des mots de tous les jours
Et ça me fait quelque chose
Il est entré dans mon cœur
Une part de bonheur”
