Fun facts about France

Sept. 16, 2008

I have been without access to the Internet for almost a week and it has been killing me because I have so much to share. To start I offer a few fun facts about France:

Driving through the southern countryside, one frequently happens upon straight stretches of road with perfect rows of trees lining each side. These trees were not just planted for their aesthetic appeal. According to my learned 17-year-old cousin Guy, the trees were planted by Napoleon so his soldiers could march in the shade. Thoughtful guy, that Napoleon.

Now, however, the French government has outlawed the continued planting of these trees and has even ordered many of the trees chopped down. The reason is to prevent motorists with epilepsy from having seizures as they drive through the dappled shade.

Another fun fact comes from several fellow travellers in Paris. They say traditionally the French work 35 hours or less per week. Up until recent changes were enforced by President Nicolas Sarkozy, it was illegal for employers to ask their employees to work more than 35 hours per week.

Also, workers get two hour lunch breaks and the entire month of August off. People here live at a more leisurely pace. Each of their meals is a celebration of the food and company.

Three weeks into this trip, I have yet to find a café where I can order a coffee-to-go.