Le Jour de Merci Donnant (Thanksgiving)

Bonjour tout le monde!
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday.  It was one that most American students miss when they are abroad.  When I was in Paris, as a student,  we celebrated Thanksgiving at the home of one of our professors.  We had goose instead of turkey, but the sentiment was there.  Maybe that is why Thanksgiving is an important holiday, and I always save room at the table for anyone who is in need of a family.
However, Art Buchwald, wrote this explanation of Thanksgiving as explained to the French.  I always chuckle when I read it, so here is my Thanksgiving present to you!
Le Jour de Merci Donnant

Chaque Jour en France

Every Day in France - a very cute video that talks statistics about France in a 24 hour period.  In French, but well worth viewing.
Chaque Jour en France

Les magasins du quartier

One of the things I love about France is how you always shop for food at the different markets. It's the custom. In just a few blocks there is a butcher, baker, a place to buy vegetables, a deli - for pork products, and the fishmonger.  I love the fact that you make a connection with these people, who then help you with your purchases and even give you recipes!  When I lived in Paris, we frequented the vegetable stall right across the street from our building.  There, I found out about blood oranges, and also had some of the greatest fruit.  The vendor was very nice, and would always help us pick out the best stuff.  In fact, my fondest dream is to spend a month in the South of France, in a small village, where I will be able to meet the various shopkeepers and buy fresh ingredients to make wonderful meals.  One day I will get there...
So,this article about the loss of the poissonnerie makes me just a little sad.  Just as it says in the article, it is like a member of the family has been lost.  Therefore, I say that we all go to Paris, live in apartments, and live a little bit of a different life, one in which connections are made on each side of the counter, and it takes you 20 minutes to get out of the store.
Names of the different stores: la boulangerie (bakery). la boucherie (butcher shop), la charcuterie (deli, pork products, salads), la patisserie (pastry shop), le marchand de fruit et legumes (fruit and vegetable vendor), la poissonnerie (fish shop).

The 1st of November - la Toussaint!

Bonjour tout le monde!
Today is November 1, which is la Toussaint in France.  It is the day that celebrates all the saints who don't have his or her own day.  This is also the day where we celebrate those who have passed on  - in France, the French visit the cemetery, clean up the family plot and go to mass.  School kids get the week off, and others will have the day off also.  But today is Thursday, so  many will "faire le pont", literally use Friday as a bridge to the weekend.
For those of you who read French, here is an explanation from the coolest website www.1jour1actu.com, which explains current events to young school age French kids.
Alors, Happy Toussaint!