In the Final Hour: Lessons from the French

Everyone takes away different things from their time abroad – new friends, new habits, and a certain revival of the spirit. Below are a few things I learned from the French…

Breakfast does not have to consist of eggs, bacon, and grits with pancakes on the side. Tea, juice, fruit, and toast work just fine (and have less fat)

Open air is good for the soul. I love how there are these HUGE public parks in Paris, full of beautiful grass, waterfalls, flowers, play areas, and basically just beautiful places to spend an afternoon with friends. Makes life more enjoyable



Parc Monceau

America is actually pretty bomb. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently. From our music to our movies to our culture, everyone loves us no matter how hard they try not to. Revel in it.

Living by a body of water, no matter how large or small, will give you a sense of freedom and youthfulness that I now deem indispensable.



Seine River

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – the key is to search for what suits your eye and never let it go.

Nothing beats fresh produce. Nothing.

Believe it or not, walking does make a difference. The French smoke, party all night, eat tons of carbs and sugar, and drink alcohol at nearly every meal, but they have a longer lifespan. Why, you ask? Because they walk every friggin where. I was disturbed by it at first, but I now find myself finding excuses to walk an extra mile or so. What better way to enjoy life than by observing it all around you?

There really is no need to yell out in public places. Keep your friends close by and there’ll never be a need to shout.

Love is a beautiful and powerful thing and should be flaunted. Granted, I got a little sick of all the PDA (public displays of affection), but after awhile I realized that the French know something we Americans obviously can’t get a grasp on – how to love.

When all else fails, blame the president – it’s in the job description.

The other reason the French live longer? 8 week vacations – they’re a must.

Sweets are good. REALLY good.



Amorino's - the best gelato

Travel! Whether it’s to a nearby city or a faraway country, open your eyes and hearts to something new. The Earth is full of so much that we’d be fools not to reach out and grasp every bit of it.

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