And yet another problem is the
desire to have an easy journey - people like convenience,
and with low cost flights being about as exotic a proposition
as a number 10 bus, the romance of 'getting there' has long
been left in harbour.
Just a stones
throw from the French Riviera - the coastline popularised
by Victorian Britain, and now populated by the rich and famous,
this beautiful valley ticks every box when it comes to that
list of conflicting requirements. It's why we sold everything
we owned in the UK and literally bet our house on this venture.
The villages around here have little changed
in centuries, and the French will be one of the last European
communities to embrace the modern world in all its technoglorious
splendour. The internet and e-commerce mean nothing when
all you're concerned with is the next Boules tournament and
whether the baker's wife is having it away with Pierre from
next door.
The French are one of the most proud nations
and staunchly protective of their heritage, culture and
language. It's ingrained and will take more than Bill Gates
and MTV to alter
the course of mountain dwellers' lives. And quite rightly
too - their quality of life far exceeds most people I know,
and it's an attitude that all our guests would do well to
remind themselves of.
Had a stressful morning at work? Bin that sandwich
at the desk and take time to have a decent lunch in good
company - the world won't stop turning, and you'll have a
far happier and more productive afternoon and probably live
longer to boot. Of course it's easier said than done if your
lunch
options range from very poor to very expensive, but hey,
it's the idea that's right! |