Greetings From Paris

[Pierre]

The cuisine France is famous for was originally brought from Italy when a French King married an Italian. I wish I could remember which one. It escapes me just now. Was it Catherine di Medici?

Yes it was Catherine around whom the myth is spun. No, she did not introduce Italian (Tuscan) cuisine to the French. Just another myth. Less perjorative than most.

 

Surprisingly, cooking historians consider it the mother of French cuisine. It all began with the arrival in France of Catherine di Medici's Florentine cooks. She married Henry II on October 20, 1533. A girl of 14, she was accompanied by an army of dressmakers, hairdressers, perfumerers, dancing instructors, cooks and pastry makers. It is said that the latter revolutionized the art of gastronomy, teaching generations of French cooks. Flattering, but far from the truth.

http://tinyurl.com/2cjvjq

[ferguzzi]

I have to say, it sounds like amyth to me. For instance, there is a distinct lack of pasta in french cooking. they are both fabulous though,which is about the only thing I reckon they have in common!

Japanese cooking's great too. Can't say there's much italian influence there...I mean, I know Marco Polo got around, but seriously!

[Guzzirider]

I've planned kind of "Tour de Europe" with my friend, Dennis, around the first week of May.

Like Ballabiobertie did last September.

 

au revoir mon ami...

 

I've done at least one European tour every year since I bought my V11 in 2004, and also managed to squeeze in a tour of Ireland.

 

Here is my brief summary of the the countries we have travelled in:

 

France- great empty quiet N roads, especially in rural parts. Great food and wine, nice campsites and CALVADOS! Most natives very friendly, especially if you make an effort to speak some French and engage with them. I like their slow pace of life.

 

Germany- an underrated country. Lots of scenic empty hilly forest roads, great Gasthaus's (Inns) serving excellent beer and nice food. A very hospitable people, many of whom speak good English. My German vocabulary is limited to ordering food or booking accomodation, but you always get a good reaction if you try a few words.

 

Switzerland- very charming, especially the Germanic parts like Luzern. Stunning scenery, pretty medieval towns (never been bombed!) and some awesome mountain roads. Does seem to rain a lot though!

 

Italy- a mad country! Everyone seems to drive like they are in Formula 1- even old ladies in Fiat Pandas! Tailgating one inch from the bumper of the car in front at 100mph, and weaving to try and intimidate the driver in front is a common sight! Riding in Milan was particularly crazy! Friendly people (especially if you are on a Guzzi!) and fantastic food. My favourite roads are in the Sud Tyrol / Dolomites although there are many parts I have yet to explore.

 

Belgium- again underrated. Some great roads in the Ardennes, and some excellent beers, although we always seem to get soaked when we ride through it.

 

Austria- understandably similar to Germany and with some great mountain passes.

 

Netherlands- full of pot smoking, hard porn obsessed uitsmijter eating motorcycle website creators. Just kidding boys! I love the Netherlands- its a bit crowded but there are some charming rides along the dykes if you get away from the traffic. Nearly everyone under the age of 60 speaks great English. I always seem to get very drunk there.

 

Spain- I have only ridden in the North in the Catalan region so have much yet to see, but great seafood restaurants and light wines- effing hot too. I don't speak a word of Spanish but Helen is quite good so we got by.

 

Luxembourg- full of French and Belgians queuing for fuel on a Sunday!

 

Ireland- where do I start? Great scenery, most people are friendly, although some are a little mad (ok by a little mad I mean totally bonkers!), especially in rural parts. Roads are bumpy as f*** in the Republic and its not uncommon to find a rock or a tree in your path as you ride round a bend. Best to chill out and enjoy a slow ride, rather than charge around like a nutter. Dublin is traffic hell, especially in rush hour. I have never spent a sober night in Ireland. Some strange people living in the Holywood area.

 

Guy