There is no question, France is a must visit place for foodies and market lovers. Nutmeg, as you already know is market crazy. She finds that there is something completely engaging about the sights and sounds of a market. In particular, Nutmeg loves the literal buzz of the commercial activity resulting from the connection of buyers to vendors, who are in many cases the actual producers. Southern France is a critical food production area for the country, with a slightly milder climate, the growing season is long and literally “fruitful”.
Tags: Food info in France, Markets in Provence, Provencal Food, Provence Travel, Travel in France
Eight military jets performing loops with tricolor smoke over the highway can be distracting. These jets are the Patrouille de France, the French equivalent of the Canadian Snowbirds. Through an affiliation with the Canadian Air Force, Ginger was able to get an introduction to l’Armée de l’Air (the French Air Force). Ginger was ecstatic when he learned of the opportunity to visit with this prestigious team.
The French Air Force was formed in 1909; it is currently the fourth largest air force in NATO with over 865 aircraft. Within l’Armée de l’Air there are two demonstration teams, who are ambassadors of the skies for the nation. The two teams are: the Équipe de Voltige; the World and European Aerobatic Champions, and the Patrouille de France. Both teams practice out of the 701 Air Base in Salon de Provence, which is also home to l’Ecole de l’Air (primary officers training school). This French defense facility predates World War II. Base Aérienne 701 is home to a French military pilot’s first flight training which begins with non-powered gliders, and then moves to propeller driven aircraft.
Tags: Air Shows, Patrouille de France, Planes, Provence, Salon de Provence
Olive groves are found in abundance in Provence, as the climate is similar to other growing areas around the Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Israel, Syria, Italy etc..). Records confirm that olives have been produced in several middle east countries since prehistoric times. By 2000 BC, there are references to a form of olive press and oil exports, from what is now Syria. In ancient Greece, there are indications of the oil being used as both a food, and for grooming purposes. The olive leaf throughout history, has symbolized abundance, glory and at times peace. Through the ages the oil, has been considered sacred, it was used to anoint royalty, bless athletes in ancient Greece, fuel the eternal flame in the original Olympic games and even found in Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Tags: Facts about Olives, French Food, Markets in Provence, Provencal Food, Provence Travel, Travel in France
Jade is a lovely pure bread black Labrador; her full registered name is Ogden’s Princess Jade. She is of hunting stock through her family linage. However, Jade was never trained as a hunting dog. The closest she came to participating in the action, was her one and only trip to Saskatchewan, duck hunting with Chili several years ago. Jade was really keen, she did not even mind the quick airplane ride in a dog kennel. She was happy to see the other dogs and even happier to greet their owners. However, when the first gunshot sounded Jade quickly retreated under the trailer-home, until everyone came back from the sporting activity. Jade had quickly decided that not only did she dislike the sound of the guns, she was not sure about swimming in cold water, lying quietly and chasing dead birds.
Needless to say, Jade has never been invited back to the annual hunt.
Jade is clearly not a Truffle Dog either. She does have keen sense of smell and can find bits of discarded food in the oddest places. However, she does not have a discerning nose and that is what is required for black (or white) truffle hunting. Truffles are a prize gourmand food in Europe and with increasing popularity and production levels on other continents.
Tags: Provencal Food, Provence Travel, Travel in France, Truffle Dogs, Truffles in France
