I seem to spend a lot of time in France. Of course I care deeply about my currant country, but in Italy right now.. there is an atmosphere of.., well it is difficult to define. Some might call it almost a police state depending upon where you call home. Carabineri (police) sit in at least one roundabout in every town, especially on sunny days, stopping people arbitrarily. There are stories of raids and resulting suicides, justice undone. Add to that austerity that results in high employment, factory closings, store closings, rioting and hunger and at this moment pervasive feelings of sadness. No one smiles anymore and everywhere you see thoughtful or outright worried expressions on harried faces. It is not the Italy I know, even in the North, normally one of the richest regions, where unemployment has become especially high!
There are just moments when one must leave it all behind to preserve sanity. So when I get in my car and drive over the Alps, and I cross that border into France, I escape, instantly feeling my tension wash away.

There is sense of freedom in France that I don't feel here in Italy right now. A sense of optimism exists around me as I drive through the various small cities and towns along the way. Streets and stores are packed with people in city centers and I see bags and boxes, people are actually buying things. From the outside it is difficult to even believe that there is a crisis. (Crisis? What crisis?)
Also the system in France in general seems more familiar to me, more American almost, than that of Italy. I bet the French would hate that I say that, ha! Scooters zip by, hot boxes strapped to the back containing Sushi or pizzas, delivery for hungry apartment dwellers. Supermarkets are big and plentifully full of stuff from around the world, versus the 2 or 3 brand options I get in Italy. Fast food can be ordered by computer and is..., fast, there's even a Kentucky Fried Chicken! I don't eat it but I miss having the choice of not to eat it!
The internet seems speedier and technology more available. In general.., France is progressive, more and more rewarding of innovation than the Italian system is for now.
So I am always really happy and excited to go see my sister and my nieces who has lived in Avignon for 23 years, and let go of some of the heavy feeling of living in Italy, seriously though, any excuse is reason enough!
If you know Avignon at all you've heard that it has the Palais Des Papes where the popes hung out. There is the bridge and the castle of course and the walls that surround and enclose it. My sister lives within the castle walls of this Medieval village. The city is very romantic, very Phantom of The Opera-ish. I love it and have to stand at her big picture windows gazing out over the rooftops while singing all the songs from the musical..
I didn't say she was happy to see me..
This is a photo of her living room, the windows are behind me. I think even her living room is one of romance!