Next summer I am going to France...?

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R B

I LOVE France! I think you COULD love it too....however! The French family knows you are part of a class. They have volunteered to take you. They will undoubtedly want to show you the most of French culture and food. For you to come with such a restrictive (yes, it really is when it is not their choice) diet, it potentially could create conflict. So, how do you remedy this without giving up your awesome opportunity?

First talk with your French teacher. Be very honest and don't let it pass off. Ask him/her exactly how this should be dealt with and when you can come to an understanding. If you have foods that you cannot eat, you could make a list of that and explain to the hostess how your diet "works". I know I would be happy if I had a guest tell me exactly what they could/could not eat. (This is not the same as I do not like....) If they know ahead of time they could not only be aware of it, but accommodate you. The French are gastronomic geniuses....they did not get that way by never learning/trying/doing new things! I am absolutely positive there are French people who are vegetarian....I would not put the politics into it, as that is not the purpose of your stay. So, go to your teacher. Find out what he/she thinks of your dilemma.

Second begin your list. Keep it as short and simple as you can. You do not necessarily have to compromise your principles, but short and sweet is probably the best. I would also make a list of things you are going to avoid in French. If you are out, KNOWING instead of asking will make you fit in instead of stand out. There are things on a menu that you can eat....make sure you know instead of asking for the vegetarian stuff. Be the classy kid!

Third have some of your own food....take a supply of power bars, nuts, protein sources that do not require refrigeration. Be prepared. If you want this trip to be the adventure of France instead of all about you, the vegetarian, be prepared.

Fourth check out France. Be prepared with what you will see and do and don't focus totally on the food. The bread is better than any you will ever eat anywhere else, and you can eat it with jams. Coffee is common, so there you have breakfast. Fruits....the chateaus, Paris, the Sein, the wine, the people, Normandy, the Champagne Region, the Pont du Gare....this is an adventure you do not want to miss!

Good luck, and focus on the positive and how to make it happen.

Rillifane

Frankly, France is not the best place for a vegan.

If you are a strict vegan and eat no meat, fish, eggs or dairy there will be almost nothing from a normal French kitchen that you can eat. Short of bringing your own food I cannot think of anyway you could eat with an ordinary French family.

If you are an Ovo-lacto vegetarian then things get somewhat easier. The French are very adept with egg and cheese dishes and any normal cook will have minimal difficulty cooking for you.

However, think about this. A very learned and pious friend of mine, a Rabbi and devout conservative Jew, often ate at my table. I avoided obvious things like serving him pork chops but I was well aware that for a wide variety of reasons my food did not conform to Jewish dietary laws. I asked him if this bothered him. He said "I am instructed to observe many laws concerning food but I am also bound to the duties of a guest. I trust that I will be forgiven if I must break the first to honor the second."

With respect, you should ask yourself if your determination to not alter "your beliefs" is really a matter of principle or more a matter of being self centered and self important.

lifo

just tell them that you're and ovo-lacto vegetarian, that's all ! but maye you can precise that they don't need to prepare something special for you and that you will pick out in your plates what is ok with your beliefs or not. explain them why you're a vegan and why you don't want to make mistake with your beliefs. they will probably understand you. anyway, when you go abroad, it's always a shame not to be abble to taste all the good food, if I was you I would tried a few things even if it's meat.

nicole

I guess you can let them know before hand..but honestly you will have a hard time because most europeans are meat eaters. I have german and french friends and meat is important. maybe they can make dishes that don't have meat directly in them.

zakinsfbay

You probably should not go. You have no right to put your host in the position of offending you. They don't really like Americans anyway. This is just one more nail in the coffin. The French cherish food and would just not get your finicky behavior.

Rob

You are going to France (home of the quitters) and your a vegetarian...........hmmmm....i think youre gay.

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