Greg, There's far fewer plain, chocolate, and almond croissants in my Michigan diet. In fact, none at all. Also, here in northern MI there's rarely a big dish of chocolate mousse sitting in front of me daring me not share one bit with Roo. Also, (shh, don't tell anyone!) I ate veal in France. Haven't seen that on any menu anywhere in the States for years. Both times it came with a delicious sauce and that's not something you find here in MI (except I have been known to do a little French cooking and whip up a tasty sauce in my own kitchen now and then.) I should mention the wonderful cheese, too, that I can get at Costco but it tastes so much better when eaten closer to the contented cows on the Normandy coast that produced the high fat milk from which it's made. My Euro stress-belly seems associated with the jet lag/time change. Also eating late--most restaurants want to wait until after 7:30 to open, whereas at home I like to eat at 6 or earlier now that I'm getting older. (I finally understand what Early Bird Specials are for. ) Another diff is the water. When out and about touristing quality bathrooms are never a sure thing, so I tend to drink less. And, then, of course, the wine. So much better and cheap in France, so one is tempted to have more than the amount one's stress belly prefers. I could go on but there's a bit of tarte tatin with my name on it I should go and eat. Thanks for checking in! Ellie