What's the best part about raising a family in the European Union?
I can't speak for all of the European Union but I can say what I love about raising my children in France! Number one is rather personal, but would have to be the fact that we are surrounded by my husband's large and very united family! 5 siblings that are all married with 4-5 children each equals lots of cousins and big family parties! They are all so good and loving! A wonderful support system for our family, and our children being the youngest, they have a fantastic set of older cousins who are a great example for them. Aside from this personal note, I would also note the following: gorgeous landscapes, decadent culinary possibilities, rich culture and history, a deeply embedded vacation culture (lots of vacation for school children and employees alike!) and strong social programs that allow our family to have a decent life in spite of a very high cost of living.
What's a great destination for a family vacation in Europe?
Dordogne is a fabulous spot for a family vacation. There is something for everyone! From cliffside breathtakingly gorgeous castles and prehistoric caves for the culturally and historically inclined to fun canoe rides down the Dordogne river for the entire family to enjoy! We actually did this vacation with the entire family clan, meaning the grandparents, siblings with spouses and their children: a group of over 30 people on vacation together! We found a comfy little mountain resort where we rented small villas for each individual family. The resort had a large swimming pool and miniature golf, so we would alternate between one day of cultural visits and one day of rest and relaxation and fun for the kiddos. And of course, there is the food. This region is famous for foie gras. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I personally live and breath for foie gras!
What's the biggest misconception people have about raising a family in the European Union?
Before I moved to France, so many friends asked if it was really true that water is expensive in France! It took me a while to understand they were joking!!! Or were they? Some would insinuate that's why French people don't shower much and why they love fancy perfume! Now having lived in France for nearly 7 years, I can say that French people conserve water as if it were very, very expensive!! But I believe it has more to do with water conservation and sharing resources with the rest of the world than on pinching pennies! On a side note, French people do shower daily (at least in my family, they do!)
