Inside the Travel Lab

So why am I starting French Fridays? Because I’m planning on writing about France and publishing posts on a Friday? Cunning. But there’s more to it than that.

The hexagon’s southwest corner brandishes a particularly rich menu: foie gras, duck breast, Roquefort cheese….all dishes to be eaten in moderation, one might think.

Not necessarily.

People scrambled to safety, crying “the end of the world is nigh!”
Oh, alright, that was me. An apocalyptic drama was unfolding, and I wanted to fit in.

Huddled on the battlements of Le Château de Foix, I finally realise why this area of France specialises in such hearty food:

I admire this southern European habit of reading, writing or chatting (those voices in my head make for surprisingly good conversation.)

Without a doubt, Wild Swans influenced my travels more than any other book. Detailed, intense and unflinching, it tells the story of girls with bound feet, Mao’s revolution and the famines and doctrines…

“I’m sorry,” said the dark-eyed receptionist. “We’re full. You find place, you must take it.” He sucked air through his teeth and shook his head. “Otherwise your only hope is Roses.”

All in a weekend…