Where Do We Go From Here?
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Greetings!
I hope you had a good 4th of July weekend. Can you believe that we are more than halfway through the year and the summer? We don’t know what the rest of the year holds. This week has brought more uncertainty both in international and domestic travel. The E.U. has banned Americans from traveling to E.U. countries.
Because the U.S. has seen major spikes in the coronavirus, where do you travel within the U.S.? Goodness, it is exhausting keeping up with all things travel. Should you travel? If so, where, and when? Is flying safe? Restaurants are open, then they are closed. Beaches are open, then closed, then open again! What are the protocols for hotel stays? I understand the frustration and hesitation completely. I, too, would love to be traveling.
And we will!
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This week brings another holiday - Independence Day for France. July 14 is
La Fête Nationale (Bastille Day).
Technically the holiday marks the Fête de la Fédération of the July 14th 1790, which was a huge feast and event to celebrate the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in France. However, the holiday is usually seen as a celebration of the storming of the Bastille. After years of misrule by the Monarchy with increasing taxes and higher food prices, the French people had finally united in a popular uprising in an effort to take control of their own country, which helped usher in the French Revolution.
Typically, the celebration includes a military ceremony with parades, performances, and a spectacular fireworks show. This year, most of the public celebrations are canceled with the exceptions of the fireworks. Bastille Day is a day to enjoy the summer weather with family, friends, and celebrate France’s national holiday.
Did you know? After the storming of the Bastille, its main key was given to the Marquis de Lafayette who later gave it to George Washington.
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Armchair Travel
Paris, France
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"We will always have Paris" - Rick Blaine,
Casablanca.
Oh, how I do love Paris. After having to cancel this past April, we have rescheduled 2021 to celebrate a milestone birthday a year later! While it is not possible to visit today, let's think about the next time. Paris is always a good idea.
The Eiffel Tower
and the world’s most visited museum (
The Louvre
) have reopened to a limited number of visitors. While we are on the subject, I thought to focus a bit on Paris, and include the option of visiting some of France is a way you may not have considered in the past.
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Part of exploring a place is discovering the unique culture. From couture to cuisine, check out these restaurants, bars, and boutiques, to experience Paris like a local.
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Journey on a serene exploration of France's waterways on
Belmond Afloat’s
luxury river cruises. Discover a truly unique way of discovering France as you glide along the riverbanks on one of their seven barges. Customized itineraries range from truffle hunting, hot air ballooning, horse-riding, and discovering the secrets of the Grand Crus vineyards.
You are able to charter from from Couvrot to Epernay on The Marne, Tain L’Hermitage to Avignon on The Rhône, and Carcassonne to Béziers on the Canal du Midi.
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What's For Dinner?
Julia Child's Coq au Vin
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Julia Child's Coq au Vin is undeniably the best. This recipe sticks very much to the original, only minorly changing the ingredients and cooking method to bring it in line with the times.
While Coq au Vin might sound fancy, it is really just a simple French chicken stew that anyone can master.
Full Recipe
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Happy Hour - it is 5:00 pm somewhere!
Meyer Lemon French 75
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The French 75 was invented in a Parisian bar in 1915. Beloved by many American soldiers, the French 75 was later made popular when it appeared in Michael Curtiz’s
Casablanca.
To prepare: fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 ounce Gin and 1/2 ounce Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup. Shake well and strain into a Champagne glass and top with Champagne. Stir gently and serve
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Audiobooks
While you are home, perhaps relaxing in your back yard, by a pool or just wanting a "get away", l
istening to audiobooks
allows you to engage in a different way.
These
15 Audiobook Recommendations
will make you want to keep doing laundry, take the dog on an even longer walk, or tan until the sun goes down.
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How Audiobooks Have a Lasting Impact:
1. Improves pronunciation and fluency
2. Helps to improve time management
3. Builds Critical Listening skills
4. Improves focus and attention span
5. Improves memory
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Virtuoso Life Magazine
To continue to visualize and celebrate this beautifully diverse world, enjoy a complimentary special edition of our on-line version of July/August
Virtuoso Life Magazine. You will find their d
ream destinations to plan for – and stand-ins that will get you traveling now.
Read Virtuoso's Magazine here.
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We continue to monitor the global situation and to keep you as up-to-date as possible. We encourage everyone to continue to practice physical distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and staying informed.
We welcome your thoughts on our site and would love to share some of your favorite stories and travel experiences. We are here for you and look forward to planning your next dream journey.
We make it personal. We specialize in you!
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Stay safe! Be well!
Yours in Travel,
Lee
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”…
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305.443.5441
Contact us today to start exploring the world your way.
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