Yep we’re back from a fabulous week in La France, chilling out in a variety of Parisian cafes, brasseries, gardens and Seine-side benches – bliss!

One thing really struck me about the Parisian culture: they are wonderfully social people.  They have a great way of splitting up the day: nice long lingering breakfast in the local neighbourhood boulangerie, fresh coffee and croissants.  Then nice long lingering lunch with friends from work, a few courses, a glass of wine, a short shot of coffee.  Then nice long lingering dinner avec famille, carafe of wine, much fine food, often in the open air under the stars in little sidestreet brasseries and restaurants.  All split up with nice long lingering breaks in coffee shops and creperies throughout the day.

It’s not that they work less hard than us (I don’t think) – they just seem to enjoy life so much more – spending the day eating, chatting, laughing, prioritising good food and good company over the demands of a To Do list.  Maybe I’m looking at them through rose-tinted specs – but it was a very admirable and enjoyable pace of life to taste for a week!

And it’s helped to come home to the beautiful, wonderful, social space of Dock Cafe with a new perspective: it’s very Parisian! – in the cafe we try to have that same space and time for good company, good food, good coffee, and space to enjoy life away from the rat race.  Will we have to change the motto – ‘La Vie Dans Le Quartier Titanique’…?!

It’s good to be back!