San Francisco Holidays A La Francaise

Tucked into the library in the neoclassical gone modern building that houses the San Francisco Alliance Francaise, we greeted several hundred visitors for the annual Foire de Noel, or Christmas Fair.  This was the first of two weekends in San Francisco where we will sell our wares to people in a buying mood and giving spirit.

It is always fun to listen to someone's reminiscing of happy times spent in Provence, where these table linens originate. One can often find them being sold in the farmers markets there on the streets as well as at small home decor boutiques.  This past weekend, our wistful clientele included many young people learning French and hoping to visit France sometime in the future.   Just across from us was Pascale, who makes handmade chocolates, Jean- Paul, who sells discount travel packages, Morgane, who sold handmade skin soaps and another  lady, whose name escapes me, making jewelry.   A French festival would not be complete without food and the lovely smells from the warm buffet wafted up into les etages, the upper floors, where we were. The hot mulled wine that was walked through to us later added a nice finish to the afternoon.  We hope to be there next year too. 

I want to compliment the Alliance Francaise of San Francisco for its art work exhibitions.  The oils and etchings on display on the walls added a nice touch of glam.  Years ago I spent about a year at the Alliance Francaise in Paris in classes.  Our classrooms there were bare bones, sans distinction, by comparison. Joyeuses Fetes a tous.