Christmas Delight and Learning about French Travel in 2016

 Hey Yall!  How is it going?  How has your weekend been so far?   I had a head start putting up our Christmas tree since the next two weekends we will be busy.  Check it out below and let me know what you think because we got a new Christmas tree and holiday decor.  I'm trying to get fancier since the girls are now getting older.  No more kiddie trees.

Some of you may have noticed on my Instagram and Facebook this past Friday that I posted a few pictures of an event I attended about France.




Several weeks back I received an invite to attend Atout France Press Luncheon to learn about what's new with France travel in 2016 and meet their partners Air France, Rail Europe, Martinique, Midi-Pyrénées, and Normandy.  I was quite shocked to get this invite since my only travels I show on my blog is in the United States. Looks like it's time to start blogging about overseas trips.





You all know what had happened in Paris with the terrorist attacks.  I was unsure if the luncheon would still go on as scheduled.  Also, I was unsure if I should even attend the event because to be honest; I'm nervous to travel to France at the moment.  But I still wanted to learn about France since I never took a trip there.  I never even traveled out of the country.  Will France be the first stamp on my passport?  Hmm....we shall see!





The luncheon was at the Four Seasons in Atlanta and boy was it a luxurious hotel; that place makes me want to have a stay-cation there!

The room the event was in, all the tables were set up nicely, and people who were doing the event were so welcoming with their adorable French accent, bonjour!





I arrived 30 minutes early, so I had a head start with networking.

When you think of France, I bet the first place that pops into your mind is Paris.  France has so many other places to travel to, and also they're all family friendly.

A location that caught my interest was Martinique, a French Caribbean island that is nestled in the heart of the Lesser Antilles between Dominica to the north and St. Lucia. Martinique lies 1,965 miles from New York, 1,470 miles from Miami, 425 miles from San Juan, and 4,261 miles from Paris.   Y'all know how I love going to the beach, and Martinique is the perfect place to lay out in the sun while drinking island drinks.
 

Marion, Communications Director of France, greeted us and also spoke about the tragic event that happened in Paris over a week ago.  Right now, it is too soon to answer questions about the terrorism that accord but she did mention that security there has tightened but borders are not closed and everything resumed back to normal a couple of days later.  Marion also said she is very grateful for the American people to be so compassionate and helpful.  The terrorist will not bring the French people down, all it did was make them stronger.





Listening to this made me realize, these terrorist acts can happen anywhere, but we can not live in fear because that is what the terrorist wants.  We need to go about our everyday lives but still be mindful of our surroundings.

Marion showed us three different videos of places in France and a way to travel while there.  She showed my new favorite place Martinique, Normandy a place with beautiful medieval structures, and Rail Europe a railway that travels to many different cities and countries, also two kids travel for free with a paying adult.

Our lunch was so delightful, one of the best fine dining cuisines I've ever eaten!  My fish Bronzino was so light it seemed like it melted in my mouth.  At first looking at my dish I thought my fish was raw, and it would start moving on my plate but it was an excellent choice instead of choosing steak.

My chocolate silk pie was also fantastic too, and I don't even like chocolate pies or cakes.  Compliments to the chef!





I'm glad I didn't miss out on this event, France is such a beautiful and romantic place.  Maybe next year I'll be catching a flight to France (fingers and toes crossed).

Have you traveled to France before?  If so, where?

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