Travel Day

Today's the day!!!!  In a few hours we will be on our way, and it's hard to believe it's already here.  I think it's safe to say we are all excited.

We will be arriving in Paris around 12:30 local time provided everything is on schedule.  After picking up our baggage and rental vehicle we will be headed towards Rouen with one or two stops along the way.  I should have our first update posted by the end of the day tomorrow.

Our Approximate Trip Route - We Will Be Travelling Counter-Clockwise From Paris, Back To Paris

 
During our time in France we hope to connect with some of the locals, to get a better feeling of what living in France is like.  I am hopeful that they won't turn up their noses at my rusty French, as we found them to be very kind last time we were there.

In preparation, to get a better feel for the political and social climate I Googled "France Issues", and "French News" and came up with the following info:

• Human rights
• France has issues with systemic racism, religious discrimination, and violence against women and girls. The country also has issues with police abuse, excessive use of force, and restrictions on protests.
• Climate change
• France is one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the EU, and the High Council for the Climate says the country is not reducing emissions fast enough to meet its 2030 targets.
• Poverty and inequality
• The cost-of-living crisis has a major impact on the most vulnerable in France. A September 2022 survey found that 65% of respondents knew someone experiencing poverty, and 45% had difficulty paying for transportation.
• Immigration
• France has passed controversial laws that restrict immigration, nationality, and asylum.
• Mass surveillance
• France has passed laws that allow law enforcement to use mass video surveillance technology.

Current Headlines:

• Struggling captain Mbappe left off France squad roster for Nations League double-header
• Algeria silent after civil war book wins top French award
• Trial begins over beheading of teacher who showed images of Prophet Muhammad cartoon

Sheesh!! Maybe I should have Googled "Top 20 Best Things To See And Do In France"! Sounds like things are just as chaotic in France as the rest of the world... No matter, our plan is to try and focus on some of the good things: food, scenery, history, culture, and a little R&R.

I've got a few last chores to do before we start heading to the airport, so that's it for now. Next post from Rouen, France!!!!!