The Wandering Foodie

A slight nudge on my feet awakened me. The flight attendant motioned – “time to wake up, we’re in the final approach.”

I quickly complied, putting on my sneakers and then leaning forward to look out the window. The fresh Mediterranean waters glistened beneath us as the plane slowly descended to the runway. But, it wasn’t until I stepped off the jetway that it hit me. One deep breath – the scent of the water, the Mediterranean, the Cote d’ Azur, the scent of Southern France. I had arrived.

It is my second time in France and already I seem to be acting like a local. France is perhaps one of the easiest and most delightful countries to travel in. Don’t believe me? Shall I tell you and show you just how easy? Some key tips you ask? Alright then.

For starters, ditch the hotel – expensive things in the Riviera – and go with an Airbnb, a nice one, situated just a few blocks from the sea. The owner greets you, has beer waiting in the fridge and offers a few suggestions for shopping and dining nearby. Take a nap – it’s alright, you have all day and night to explore.

Awake late at night, French time, and take a walk down your street. Check out all the shops, bars and restaurants. Ah yes, hungry, aren’t you? There, see that restaurant, the one with the red awning? Yes, the one with the French folks drinking and laughing, that’s it. Always follow the locals. Go on, go right in and greet the waiter. Take a table, any one, it’s empty and quiet inside. A mix of French tunes and Motown throwbacks serenade you as you choose your seat. Don’t overthink the menu – order the pizza, the first one you see. Ask for the house wine, no matter what it is – don’t ask, trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Take your time, enjoy the delicious pie, one solid huge piece of savory goodness dripping with favor. Pour on some olive oil and slice in. Yes, your tastebuds will go into momentary shock, yes, you will wonder if you can finish it all, yes, you get black charcoal dust from the wood fired oven on your hands. Trust me, you will finish and not regret it. When he asks if you’d like something else, wisely decline. Pay your bill and say ” Merci, Au revoir!”

What’s that, you want to head back to the house now? Nonsense! Take the air and stroll a couple blocks to the promenade des anglais and walk along the edge of the sea, listening to the waves crash and staring at the lights along the coast line.

That’s how you spend your first night in the French Riviera. You see, simple. Relax, stay present in the moment, enjoy the journey, be daring, be spontaneous.

Bon voyage!