Why does it always feel like the days before vacation are the most hectic? Brenda and her brother come tomorrow and then we go to Paris. I am so excited for this little departure. I’m ready to relax, laugh, shop in real stores, and savor wonderful French food.

I had lunch with my French colleague today, and after lunch we walked around the path behind our building. It’s a great walk for the middle of the day, going through farmland, the forest and crossing over streams. We talked about the French appreciation for food. She explained how she only eats food that really tastes good. And she always stops before it’s too much so she can appreciate it. Such an easy way to approach the things we eat, yet I don’t know anyone who eats like that…

But before we head to Paris on Thursday, we’ll make the most of what’s supposed to be a gorgeous day in Frankfurt tomorrow afternoon. Gorgeous weather can only mean one thing: attending the wine festival at the Old Opera is mandatory. It features wine from the Rheingau area, which is the wine region near Wiesbaden.

Hurry up, tomorrow! I’m waiting!