Author: joypchef

This is the ship,my Grandmother Erzsebet, left Rakamaz, Hungary behind to set sail for a new life in America in 1913. 104 years ago.

She was 24 years old with 2 daughters 4 1/2 and 2. Her husband was already in America waiting for her to join him. She left behind her family for a better quality of life. She journeyed from Rakama to Fiume. Where she set sail from. Which is now Rijeka, Croatia. Croatia used to be apart of Hungary. The journey was 19 days and she was among 2900 other 3rd class passengers. When she arrived Ellis Island she had $3 to begin her new life.

Can you imagine the courage and bravery it took to leave behind everything and go somewhere you know nothing about? I never knew my grandmother, she passed 6 years before I was born but through this Hungarian pilgrimage I somehow feel close to her. God bless you Grandma.

In my traveling down time, I’ve decided to start a new Hobbie. I’m learning Hungarian embroidery.   It is a dying art as many just don’t have the time they used to. Many childrev were taught at a young age to sew. One woman was about 4 when her mother handed her a needle and thread.  When there was idle time you were sewing

The style is different from most. The “wrong” side should be as beautiful as the “right” side. Leaving no threads or knots. We will definitely not judge my first one. The colors are very bright and vivid. It was to bring joy and be happy as back in the day times were not always so happy.

When walking the streets and shops you see many table linens, aprons, dresses, shirts and even bridal gowns emblazes with their artwork. As one women stated it does take a long time but will be enjoyed by generations. Happy day to you. 

I came here with the impression that French people are mean to Americans. I’ve heard that expression a million times. They are getting a bad rap. All the people we’ve encountered have been so pleasant and nice. I love hearing them say bon jour, merci and bonsoir. The words roll out as if it’s a song.

It’s fun to watch European people and notice the differences of our American culture.

First of all you do not see everyone rushing. They sit and drink their coffee and eat their meals. It is not on the run. I am observing an elderly gentleman right now. He Sits down and orders a coffee, opens his newspaper greets people with a smile and bonjour. He is taking his time with the newspaper. Think of how your over all day would be if it weren’t spent running and rushing first thing in the morning. This sets the course for the day.

Before and after school at the same cafe it becomes filled with school children in their Navy blazers meeting school mates. They have a coffee or beer and a cigarette. Laugh and talk. NO PHONES are seen. They talk to each other. Yes, cigarettes are very common and socially accepted here.

The only phones you see are the American tourists taking pictures. Yes, that’s me. The pace is slower. Everyone’s voice is lower too. You don’t hear each conversation, they speak quietly and gently to each other. At the end when they leave and course there is the kiss on each cheek.

Another huge difference is the way they dress. Clean, crisp, colors muted not flashy. Their is pride in their attire. The men and boys mostly look nicer than the girls. Their hair is cut and styled sleek, jeans pressed, stylish shirts, scarves and always a nice shoe. The women also are muted. Their natural beauty is exposed not over done with loud, colorful makeup. Gentle colors accentuating their beauty. They adorn beautiful jackets, shawls and coats. They can wear a ripped up jean as if it came off a run way.

The point I’m making here is they still live with the common values of what is important in life. They value, friendships, conversations and food. It’s an important element in life. They are outside in the street cafes laughing before and after school/work. It a lesson to be learned. Slow down, enjoy the people around you. Sip and enjoy the coffee instead of chugging it i your car. Most importantly surround yourselves with people you love.

💞

Good Morning. I love writing in the morning. It is my quiet time that I can reflect on my previous day. I can absorb all that I’ve seen, eaten and experienced and it rejuvenates me for the day.

Yesterday, was quite the day. I did so much. Lisa and I took a drive though the vineyards of the Bourgogne region. Although, I love drinking wine there is so much admittedly I don’t know about fine wine. Our drive consisted of driving Route de Grand Cru which is basically road of great wines. It is a breathtaking drive along the finest vineyards of the world. This region feature the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape. It is the lighter grape than to the North. I am usually not a fan of Chardonnay but here it is light not heavy or oaky. It is light almost like a Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyards are situated into category such as cru which is best of the best and premier which is a step down. This is serious business here. We saw the workers tending and inspects the vines that are hundred of years old. They have these Star Wars like machine buggies that extend hands out like a giant transformers that spray the vines and drive right above them.

This region is the white burgandy area featuring the finest wine makers of the world. Including Puligny Montrachet, chassagne Montrochet, Pommard, Meursault, Pouilly Fuisse to name a few.

We also visited, toured and tasted the finest French Mustard at the Edmond Fallot factory. Produced in Burgandy since 1840 it is still stone ground like the original recipe. It was fabulous and they offer unique flavors like saffron, truffle, tarragon, cassis, and walnut. Funny a mustard tasting. How cool can that be? VERY… combinations are endless. Lisa and I were like this would be great with fish or ham or a dip!! It was hot like wasabi hot but left you pallet quickly unless you were cramming another flavor in your mouth. Lol. Lisa’s eyes were burning.

It was fun and unique. In some parts we laughed we thought we were in the Willy Wonka factory with colored lights flashing and going into unknown elevators not sure where it was taking you. Kindly at the end of the tour we received a lovely sample pack. Of course, we both left with shopping bags of our favorites. http://www.fallot.com.

Then I went to the Salvador Dali Museum and the Hospice de Beaune. Both fascinating which I will share more information later.

Of course we had a lovely lunch at a superb cafe and an amazing dinner and our own little happy hour consisting of pate, fromage, baguette and salami poivre.

Au Revoir, for now.

Bon jour.

You asked and I answered.  Thanks to Jill my website is up. This is the first test of Joyscooking.org  I have many followers that travel with me on my journeys. I love food and travel and so many friends apparently do too and live vicariously through my adventures.  I guess I am now a blogger.

I managed to stay up until midnight to avoid a jet lagged week. I was up at 6am as usual, so not to miss a thing. I saw the delivery truck pull up with the morning fruits, veggies and eggs for the cafe below our apartment. I love just watching how the world wakes up. I made a lovely Nespresso to start the day, quickly showered and took my morning walk as shop- keeps open their shops.

This is a lovely grape trellis I found walking through the court yard of the Salvatore Dali Museum.

I am off to start my first full day in Beaune and will check back later.  The sun is out.  ❤️💞❤️