Are We French Yet? Keith Val Adventures In Provence

Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of Provence, France? Well, Keith Val, an adventurous traveler, did just that! Join him on his remarkable journey as he discovers the secrets and wonders of this captivating region.

Provence, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has always been a favorite destination for travelers seeking a truly unique experience. Nestled in the southeastern part of France, this region boasts charming villages, stunning lavender fields, rolling vineyards, and an abundance of history.

Keith Val, a self-proclaimed Francophile, had always been drawn to the allure of Provence. His desire to immerse himself in the local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and explore the hidden gems of this renowned region led him to embark on a life-changing adventure.

Are We French Yet? Keith & Val's Adventures in Provence

by Keith Van Sickle(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10988 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	74 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.17 x 8 inches

FREE

Discovering the Joie de Vivre in Provence

As Keith Val arrived in Provence, he was immediately captivated by the region's beauty. The vibrant colors, the sweet scent of lavender in the air, and the warmth of the locals made him feel as if he had entered a fairytale.

His first stop was the charming village of Gordes, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Luberon Valley. The winding streets, stone houses, and breathtaking views offered a perfect to the wonders of Provence. Keith Val couldn't resist exploring every nook and cranny, indulging his senses with the sights and sounds of the village.

Next, he ventured to the famous lavender fields of Valensole. As he stood amidst the endless rows of purple flowers, Keith Val felt a sense of tranquility wash over him. The vibrant colors, combined with the sweet aroma, created a sensory experience unlike any other. It was a sight he would never forget.

Keith Val's journey through Provence also included visits to the historic towns of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. The majestic Palais des Papes in Avignon, once the residence of the Pope, left him in awe of the region's rich history. Aix-en-Provence, on the other hand, charmed him with its elegant architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life.

The Culinary Delights of Provence

No trip to Provence is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Keith Val eagerly embraced the opportunity to savor the culinary delights of this gastronomic paradise.

He dined at traditional Provencal restaurants, where he enjoyed the flavors of ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and daube. The fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and locally sourced ingredients elevated each dish to a whole new level. Keith Val couldn't resist asking for second helpings!

Exploring the local markets became one of Keith Val's favorite pastimes. The vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists filled him with a sense of excitement. He relished in the opportunity to sample locally made cheese, chocolates, and wines, discovering new flavors at every turn.

Living Like a Local

Throughout his adventures in Provence, Keith Val sought to truly immerse himself in the local culture. He found himself enchanted by the relaxed pace of life, the emphasis on quality over quantity, and the genuine warmth of the people.

He spent afternoons sipping coffee at quaint cafes, engaging in conversations with locals, and absorbing the laid-back ambiance of provincial life. He even had the opportunity to participate in traditional French cooking classes, learning the art of making the perfect baguette and mastering the techniques of classic French cuisine.

Keith Val's determination to live like a local led him to rent a charming countryside cottage. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, he woke up to the sound of chirping birds and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. This authentic experience allowed him to truly appreciate the magic and tranquility of Provence.

Bringing a Piece of Provence Home

As Keith Val's adventure in Provence came to an end, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The memories, the experiences, and the friendships he had made would forever hold a special place in his heart.

But Keith Val wasn't leaving empty-handed. Determined to bring a piece of Provence home with him, he carefully packed bottles of exquisite local wine and jars of fragrant lavender. As he sat on the plane, he couldn't help but smile, knowing that these simple souvenirs would transport him back to the enchanting world of Provence with just a sip or a whiff.

Are We French Yet? Keith Val's Answer

So, after his incredible adventures in Provence, did Keith Val truly become French? While he may not have acquired French citizenship, Keith Val undoubtedly embraced the spirit of Provence.

He embraced the art de vivre, the joy of living each moment to the fullest. He embraced the simple pleasures of life: the taste of a perfectly baked baguette, the sound of laughter echoing through the streets, and the beauty of a sunset over the lavender fields.

Keith Val may not be French by nationality, but in his heart, he will forever be a part of the magic that is Provence. And perhaps, his story will inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty that lies in immersing oneself in a new culture.

Are We French Yet? Keith & Val's Adventures in Provence

by Keith Van Sickle(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10988 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	74 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.17 x 8 inches

FREE

Can Two Americans Really Become French?

Val and Keith turned their lives upside down when they quit their jobs to begin a part-time life in Provence. But they wondered: Can we fit in? And maybe become French ourselves?

Follow their adventures as they slowly unlock the mysteries of France…
- Is it true that French people are like coconuts?
- Can you learn to argue like a French person?
- What books have changed French lives?
- Most important of all, how do you keep your soup from exploding?

There’s more to becoming French than just learning the language. If you want the inside scoop on la belle France, you won’t want to miss this delightful book!

From the Book

Vive La France!
The first clue that this was not going to be a simple apéritif was when we walked into the house and saw that it was full of people. I think word had gotten out that there were Americans coming over who sort of spoke French and everyone wanted to see this oddity, kind of like a three-headed cat. Or maybe they’d been watching old American movies and thought we would show up with cowboy hats and six shooters and do tricks with our lassoes.

Oops
Every driver was being pulled over and told to blow into a breathalyzer, which meant Val because she was the one driving. “I’m nervous,” she said, “because I’m feeling the wine a little bit. Here, check my hand!” It was cold and clammy. “What if they put me in handcuffs and haul me off to jail? Will you know how to bail me out?” I didn’t think I would but this was definitely not the time to point that out.

Bulls Go For A Swim
“The bull has escaped!” Val and I looked up to see a thousand pounds of anger barreling down the street right at us. We ran to safety as the bull thundered past, followed by French cowboys on horseback.

It’s All About The Tongue
The first time we had a class with Geneviève, she pulled a book off a shelf and asked us to each read a few paragraphs to test our pronunciation. I knew we were in trouble as soon as Val started. As she spoke, Geneviève began jotting notes on a pad of paper. After a few sentences she started grinning. Then she started giggling. When it was my turn she put down her pen and started laughing out loud and wiping her eyes.

Out of Gas
Between guests and food and exercise and reading and living a French life, our days are full. And then once in a while something unexpected comes along that takes even more time. Like the day the country ran out of gasoline.