Monthly Archives: August 2012

Autumn 2012: The Early Days

Posted on August 31, 2012 by loren24250

Well, if that was Tourist Season 2012, we’ve had it. It’s done. Over. Kaput. This past week pretty much marked the end of the horde of tourists (from the U.K., the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain and very occasionally, the far-away … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycling in the Dordogne, Flora and fauna, Life in southwest France, Markets in France, Restaurants in the Dordogne, Tourist attractions, Travels in and out of France, Weather in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

More (tasty) choices

Posted on August 29, 2012 by loren24250

Is variety the spice of life? Well, maybe not the only spice, but there’s no question that we do want to enjoy some variety in many aspects of our lives, like when we’re out shopping — or when we’re dining … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and fauna, French food, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in France, Restaurants in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The best duck confit so far

Posted on August 25, 2012 by loren24250

We’ve had some very good confit de canard in French restaurants, and some surprisingly poor versions of the dish — even here in the duck-rich Dordogne. But today we prepared   duck confit for Saturday lunch at home, and it may … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in France, Restaurants in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Duck Whopper — Alpha stage

Posted on August 24, 2012 by loren24250

Ever on the lookout for tasty, juicy hamburgers — and always willing to help reduce the Greater Daglan Area’s chronic duck surplus — my wife and I recently decided to try a friend’s suggestion to incorporate duck breast into our … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, Life in southwest France | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Fête faves — Gold medal

Posted on August 22, 2012 by loren24250

If you’ve been reading any of my posts about the Fête de Daglan — that wacky, four-day extravaganza of concerts, amusement-park rides and games, parades, and bike races — you’ll know that my No. 1 complaint is the noise that … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in the Dordogne, Tourist attractions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fête faves — Silver medal

Posted on August 21, 2012 by loren24250

Who doesn’t love a parade? Well, to be honest, I don’t particularly. Most of the time, I find them a touch corny, and somewhat boring. But when the participants are as enthusiastic as the people of the Greater Daglan Area … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in southwest France, Tourist attractions | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Fête faves — Bronze medal

Posted on August 20, 2012 by loren24250

Today is (phew!) the last of the four-day madness called the Fête de Daglan — which is French for “Daglan’s Celebration of Fun, Childish Amusements, and Above All, Noise!” You think I jest? As I sit here at my computer, … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in southwest France, Tourist attractions | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Driving while intoxicated? Not here!

Posted on August 13, 2012 by loren24250

Perhaps you’ve read about France’s new law that requires drivers to carry at least two single-use breathalyzers in their vehicles — the goal being to reduce fatalities caused by impaired driving. In other words, people driving in France are being … Continue reading →

Posted in French government and politics, Travels in and out of France | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The apricot two-step

Posted on August 6, 2012 by loren24250

Here’s your dilemma: It’s summer, and you’ve just been given a whole bunch of fresh fruit. Let’s say apricots, for example. Alternately, you’ve been to a local market and bought a basket of them, on a bit of a whim. … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, Life in southwest France | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments