NewsletterMarch 2004

What have I learned lately?

• There are only 27 restaurants in France with a three-star (highest possible) rating (See The Red Guide below).
• The French spent over 30 million euros on lottery tickets last year. There are more places to buy a lottery ticket in France than, boulangeries to buy bread.
• In 2003 more payments were made with a debt or credit card than with a check, a first in France.
• A C-Section for a cow costs 200 euros. I recently witnessed a C-Section at my brother in-law's farm and took photos (See C-Section below).
• Consumption of gasoline and diesel has decreased in the last few months. This is attributed to the new radars installed throughout France. It seems people really are driving slower in France!
• The new provisional licenses for all new drivers in France are now in effect, as of March 1st. This means all new drivers start with a six-point and not a twelve-point license. Any time a French driver is convicted of an infraction his or her license is deducted the appropriate number of points. Once all points are used, the driver must retake the driving exam, both the written and practical.

Up Coming French Events:

• It's the time for ritual France to shine; the 24th Salon international de l'Agriculture (International Agricultural Show) takes place from February 28th to March 7th. The show is held just outside Paris. For more info there is a site in English - International Agricultural Show.
• Bookworms are warned! The 24th Salon du Livre (Book Fair) 2004 will be held from March 19th to the 24th. For more info there is a site in English - Salon du Livre.

Red Guide

February not only brings lovers together it also brings stars: one, two or three to be exact to restaurants. Two Burgundy restaurants: l'Esperance in Saint-Pere-sous-Vezelay and la Cote Saint-Jacques in Joigny just received the coveted third star. Also a third restaurant in southwest France: Les Loges de l'Aubergade in Puymirol received the award. The third star is the Holy Grail of French cuisine and is bestowed by the Michelin Red Guide; know as Le Guide Rouge in France. Having never been to a one star restaurant, I can't say if the more expensive three stars are worth the additional euros. What I do know is in France food and its' preparation is a high art forum, leaving nothing to chance. Everything from the table setting, the lighting to the presentation of the food is thought through and studied. Yes, studied, in France students' study for years from an early age to become chefs, waiters and other restaurant workers.

C-section

If you visit a farm enough times as I have, you will see many different types of births, normal and difficult. You see different animals giving birth: cattle, sheep, dog… Still it can be quite remarkable to see a birth in person and C-section to boot. The pictures can be seen here and are not for the faint of heart.
The C-section did not take long; the cow was given a local anesthetic and then cut open. After removing the calf, the mother was stitched. The whole process took less than an hour and did not seem to bother either the cow or me!