I Heart Rick Steves

When it comes to guide books, I've always been a Lonely Planet girl. So I was a bit alarmed when my dad starting talking about this Rick Steves fellow prior to our trip. He spoke of him in such high regard that I started to feel as though I was going to be the third wheel. However, after using his guidebook I take it all back. Rick is thoughtful and realistic. His directions are spot on and he offers practical and economical advice. With Rick's help, my father was able to plan the perfect French adventure. And I have to admit that it was nice leaving everything up to the men for a change!

I'd like to fill you in on a few of the other places that we stayed in France. After leaving Paris we went to a small port town called Honfleur. Honfleur is picturesque to say the least. We were lucky (and by lucky I mean thanks Rick!) enough to land there during the weekend where they have a street market that overtakes the town. I was excited to shop until I realized that cheap French flea market stuff is very similar to cheap American flea market stuff. But I did pick up a few scarves that became a staple of my wardrobe for the remainder of the tip.

Next we headed west and stayed in a working farm house. This was hands down my favorite spot of the trip. Our hosts were warm and welcoming and although we couldn't speak the same language we got along just fine with smiles and giggles. The other guests of the house included a Canadian family and a retired couple from Iowa. We all shared the bond of Rick Steves.

We spent a lot of time talking to the couple from Iowa. At one point we were talking about how great our hosts were and how trusting and wonderful it was for them to open their home to us. I made some comment about how that would never happen in America. The husband corrected me and said that if they came to his town everyone would be very accommodating and would love to host them. I believed him. It's funny how easy it is to give small town America a hard time. Especially during election years where they are painted as ignorant, gun-toting, right-wing conservatives. The fact of the matter is these stereotypical, small town, Marine Corp vet, farmers spend their free time traveling the world and showing gratitude and kindness to everyone they come across. We may not share the same political values but we certianly share the same human values. And chances are they execute them more consistently than I. It hurt a bit to fall off my high horse but it was a necessary reminder. I'm not sure if I can attribute this lesson to Rick as well...but I will anyways - thanks Rick!