Reflections from France

             By around 6 that morning on the 6 May 2005, the four of us were all ready at the airport – ready to say bonjour to the land of red, white and blue. There was Raymond, the mind behind the trip who also served as our travel guide extraordinaire; Audrey, a professional photographer in the making and also Raymond’s girlfriend; Adeline, soon to be an expert on driving a la Parisian; and myself, a writer who delights in the finer things of life. 

             First stop: Paris - the City of Light. The French capital was in my recollection different from the last time I visited it. This time round, I could see banners campaigning for France to be the 2012 Olympic venue. I was also able to experience the city less as a tourist and more as a writer-observer. This was as I had visited most of the “touristy” places like the Eiffel Tower and the Arch de Triumphe the last time round. Much of how I remembered Paris during this trip was by simply wandering where my tired feet could travel, before settling down near some picturesque site to enjoy a simple picnic. I especially enjoyed the time when I sipped cappuccino and read the afternoon away at the “Orchard Road” of Paris - the Champs Elysees. Another memorable experience was the half-day biking adventure in the Bois de Boulogne, a beautiful park in western Paris.

Champs Elysees

Montmarie

                        It was soon time to move on. So began our adventure on wheels, during which we would embark on a journey that would take us east, to the wine towns near the German border, before heading down south towards the gorgeous Alps and scenic Provence, and finally back to Paris for our flight home.

             I recall driving through the French countryside as a sight to behold in itself – with the dazzling yellow fields of canola superimposed against a background of blue skies and white clouds. Then there were the gentle cows and horses, grazing hungrily in their pastures of fresh green grass. Of course with Raymond and Adeline taking turns to steer the wheel, I had all the time in the world to simply sit back and take in the sights, as my dear friends skilfully navigated their way through a countryside that seemed to have escaped the touches of modernity, except for the occasional drive-by petrol kiosks and convenience stores such as supermarkets and eateries.

The Car	"Railroad Girl" Adeline
Fields of Yellow

             We arrived in Strasbourg on 11 May, and were immediately put at ease by the medieval cityscape of timber-framed buildings lodged on the cobblestone streets of yesteryear. Indeed the half-day cycling adventure in the city allowed me to appreciate it in a special light. Adeline and I were able to explore the nooks and crannies of the city – the canals and waterways, as well as Petite France with its unmistakably traditional charm. What also stood out was the bridge of friendship that connects Strasbourg to Kehl in Germany. The bridge itself was to me a symbol of the close relationship between France and Germany, two countries that had been torn apart by the enmity of war over the centuries, but are now joined by such close ties. It conveyed to me that nothing on this earth lasts forever and despite centuries of distrust, one is still able to change to accommodate another. That is the changing nature of life.

             13 May – arrival at Colmar, the wine capital of Alsace. Given that I’ve spent 2/1/2 weeks in France, it’s unlikely that I’ll visit the country in the near future – there’re still so many other places I’ve yet to visit in the world, and I’ll definitely travel to those locations before I consider a return to France. I will, however, make an exception if it’s to visit Colmar again. To say my visit there was a highlight of the entire trip is an understatement. That’s as we were really taken care of by my friends Steffy and David, and in Colmar I really felt the cosiness of a French home with all the warmth of French hospitality. It was truly amazing that I chanced upon Steffy on ICQ more than a year ago; but for us to actually meet in person and for her and David to welcome us so warmly – that was really a blessing. That’s why I will remember Colmar for its vibrant streets laced with old-world charm, not forgetting the memorable visit through the Alsatian Route de Vin (wine route) touring towns such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim. I will also remember the misty visit to Chateau Haut-Koenigsbourg, the medieval castle perched on top of an Alsatian plain. However, what I will reminisce about most will be the time I spent with Steffy and David, treasured moments spent playing with Thomas their son and Ulyssee their dog, and conversations enjoyed over delicious three-course meals and visits to the Alsatian countryside. And that’s why I if I ever return to France, it’ll be to visit Steffy and David once again.

Dinner in Kehl, Germany	Franco-German Friendship
Wonderful Friends	Just the 4 of us

             We were rather sad when the time came for us to depart. But all good things must come to an end, and we were off to the south and by the 17 May, we had arrived at Chamonix in the French Alps. It was halfway up the slopes of Aiguille du Midi, some 2,300 metres above sea-level, that I experienced another highpoint on the trip. I thoroughly enjoyed trekking through knee-deep snow, although it was difficult to travel far without the appropriate attire. But the feeling of walking through a blanket of white, with only the ice-capped mountains for company, was truly a moment to remember. And the subsequent cup of expresso, enjoyed with the fresh mountain breeze blowing in our faces, was another instance I will treasure. Our only regret then was that we had not thought of paragliding down the mountain, which would have completed the entire experience.

             It was time to head further south for the warmer regions. By 19 May, we had arrived in Provence, a magical place renown for its vibrant scenery that inspired artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cezanne. In Avignon, the famous city in which nine popes resided during the 14^th Century, we were able to witness the amalgamation of history and culture as we caught a glimpse of what life was like in those Early Modern days. In Arles, where van Gogh spent much of his painting life, I was presented with the opportunity to walk where the great artist walked, and to sit at the site where he worked on his paintings. In addition to the famous cities, we also managed to travel to historical sites like the Pont du Gard, a bridge that has stood the test of time - one that was built in 19BC to facilitate the transport of water within the Roman Empire. Another noteworthy location was Le Baux de Provence, a charming village rich in historical lore. There, I was enthralled simply as I wandered through the streets of yesteryear, absorbed by the intricacies of the stone-bricked houses and the cobble-stone roads that meandered throughout the village.

Looking to the Mountains	In the Snow
Bridge in Avignon	Master of the Cote de Nuit wines

             Our trip in France had come to an end. And as we returned our rented car at the airport and boarded the plane that would take us home, we knew our memories of France would last for many years to come.

 
Aur revoir dear France,

Sweet land I’ve grown to love.

I cherish your fine cheeses

And bottle your rich wines.

Aye, when travel beckons yet again

Return I shall to pastures green.