Today, Dijon is adorned with lights and bright decorations. The Christmas market continues to bring excitement in the air. As I walk through the streets a giant Ferris wheel at the place de la Republic, the ice-skating rink at the place de la Liberation, and manger scenes around town welcoming the birth of Christ added to my enthusiasm for the season. Walking around with friends, I have enjoyed warm wine concoctions, churros and other Christmas delights. Yet, this time of celebration is also a time of nostalgic and heartfelt goodbyes. I am leaving Dijon today at the height of the Christmas season. This gives me a chance to pause and reminisce the past few years.
As a citizen of a country where everything moves at the speed of light…my experience in France was a prismatic adjustment. Business endeavors could be at times exasperating and yet, I fell in love with Dijon, glorious Burgundy and France. In my two hours lunch, I learned not to talk about business but instead make lasting friendships while learning to recognize the beauty of the local gastronomy and wine culture. I have learned to smell the roses while walking through a park on my way to work and truly appreciate all the seasons. The French are also worth getting to know. Their wit, remarkable style, friendship and humor have made my experience memorable. In addition, the country from north to south, east to west is simply delightful and is splendidly paired with a fascinating history and literature. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful countries I have had the pleasure to live.
I chose to share in this blog a superb video done by Elimitage (it can also be seen at Vimeo). I believe it was done to promote Dijon and the development of “Cite de la Gastronomie”, which will be a whole complex dedicated to Burgundy’s gastronomy and its finest wines. I cannot wait until this project becomes a reality because it will be an incredible place. The video moves me because it shows all of the atmosphere and sights that made me fall in love with this city and region, including the song at the end, “Dijon,” interpreted by Yves Jamait. Dijon, Burgundy and France are now permanently set in my heart and in my opinion that is a most perfect Christmas gift!

Joyeux Noël et meilleurs vœux à vous et à vos proches ! Aller de l’avant et faites de 2015 une année encore meilleure!

Merry Christmas and a Joyous 2015!