After easing into Moroccan culture by passing several lazy days in the quiet
mountain town of Chefchaouen, I took a bus to the imperial city of Fes to
experience the intense atmosphere of a large Moroccan city.
My time in Chefchaouen had proved quite relaxing and I was not at all worried
to be travelling on my own again, despite not speaking Arabic or French (the
unofficial second language of Morocco is used in business, education and
government).
With Eddie’s linguistic skills no longer available, I was determined to make
do with my minimal collection of French and Arabic phrases.
The Liberation of Paris
May 10, 2014
—
Paris
On August 25, 1944, the German garrison surrendered the city of Paris to the
combined forces of the French Resistance, the Free French Army of Liberation,
and the 4th US Infantry division.
La Libération de Paris was not the end of the German occupation of France,
and is not a public holiday (jour férié) in France, but it just so happens
to commemorate the same date and location as my wedding.
Did I mention I was married?
Cinq jours en Bretagne
Oct 15, 2011
—
Paris
Brittany is one of six Celtic nations.
The other such nations (Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Mann, Scotland and Wales)
lie within the United Kingdom.
Brittany stands isolated in mainland Europe, a north-west arm of France that
projects out towards Cornwall like a drowning man reaching for help.
It is a country unto itself, and the French would have you believe that it is
a land of eternally dark skies and endless rain.
I’ve also heard it said many times that of those Bretons who live beyond its
borders, all wish to return one day to Brittany.