France

I've stated, in the past, that London was my favorite city of all the cities I've ever visited. That was before I'd had the pleasure to acquaint myself with Paris. Knowing that Paris is one of the world's foremost cities, I'm prepared to go as far as to say that I'd be surprised if any city ever topped Paris on my new list of favorite cities. It's the wide sidewalks, the metro, the public art, the museums, the people, the food, and the wine. Most importantly, I felt that the Parisians have a much more profound understanding of what it means to live a good life.

Take the three photos of shops from the Ile St. Louis pictured below. These aren't showcases at Disney World's EPCOT or shops within a large grocery mega-store pretending an old-world charm. These are working shops that serve the actual community. They don't require that you jump in a car and drive fifteen miles, which is what many Americans do without a second thought. They're not only the past, they're the future, and they're better.

Cheese & Wine Shop	Meat Shop	Duck & Pheasant

Let's hope that the Administration change this country will experience in 2008 affords us a opportunity to honestly evaluate our lifestyle.