Emily in France 🇫🇷 Home for the Holidays
Hello, New York!
Traveling at the holidays is never easy, but this year, it was particularly problematic, due to strikes that have struck Paris and seem to show no sign of abetting. I've spent the past few weeks walking everywhere (literally... everywhere) sometimes racking up 30,000 steps in one day alone. Luckily, I didn't have to walk to the airport, and after several days of travel, I've arrived in the place where I was almost born, Long Island, with my very first best friend: my dad.
Within moments, we got back into our routine. Neither of us is particularly fond of – or good at – small talk, so we launch straight into very deep conversations about anything from politics to economics to theology to the anatomy of a particularly good salad. We speak honestly, but also with an odd deference that comes from years of navigating a six-person household. Which, I think, is what led to the conversation that just transpired, as we sat side-by-side on the couch, me working, him reading.
Out of nowhere, he asked, "Are you light-dependent?" And after ruminating a moment on what he could possibly mean – philosophically? Physically? Chemically? – I asked:
"What's the actual question?"
A self-conscious smile. A laugh, because we understand each other. And then:
"Can I sit over there instead?"
Man, it's good to be home.
Where I'm Eating
I loved the corn at Cantina so much, I had to order seconds – and everything else was a delight, too. As always, you can find my ever-evolving list of my favorite Parisian restaurants here.
Where I'm Going
1. Long Island.
2. NYC.
3. Princeton.
What I'm Writing
1. While in Lyon last month, I visited a slightly more modern iteration of the bouchon and reviewed it on my blog, Tomato Kumato.
2. I delved into some typical French Christmas foods for Devour.
3. Driving through the Auvergne in November led me to discover some truly delicious local ingredients. I rounded up a few of my favorites for the Culture Trip.
What I'm Reading
I love fairy tales, especially modern ones. The Hazel Wood is an interesting, contemporary approach to the trope for young adults.
A bientôt !
Emily in France