Social Networking in France

Sometimes you have to breakaway and disconnect to get back to the core of what “it” is all about. Not only is it okay to do so, it’s necessary! I’m tagging along with the BradfordLawton team on a trip to Uzes, France. Lounging around in this beautiful B & B, I realized that a lack of wifi on my iPhone has actually been a blessing. Instead of formulating my next Facebook message or using social media apps on my phone to disconnect from the people around me, I am forced to look up. And look around. And appreciate the people and connections that are right in front of me. In fact, my phone was lost all day yesterday and… dare I say I did not miss it?! I am having too much fun connecting authentically, genuinely, and in real-time! I believe it’s these real world experiences that we all crave and try to imitate through digital communications. These experiences heighten our understanding of communication in universal way, across language barriers, cultural differences, etc., to uncover the one thing that makes good food, good wine, beautiful scenery, and everything else in life bland if it’s not a part of the equation. And that’s the people.

So, here’s a few shots of the beautiful people I have connected with, so far, during my trip to France…

This is Philippe & Marie, who are a charming couple! They live in an old train station in Uzes that they converted into a beautiful house, and they have been married for seven years… since they got remarried! Yes, that’s right. They were married, divorced, and then remarried! They have two grown daughters.

This is Marta & Ana Karin.

Oh, what a character Ana Karin is! She’s a model out of Paris, she owns and runs this B & B, takes care of two children, she makes croissants (not from a silver tube!), breads, and jams from scratch. Oh… and she makes the bowls and coffee mugs we use every morning, which are beautiful!

Despite a lack of wifi (or possibly thanks to a lack of wifi!) I have had the pleasure of meeting some new friends who I am a huge fan of, getting back to the roots of what it means to be social. Social networking in France.

Just for fun, here are some more shots from our adventures so far. Enjoy!