Tag: Wine

Looking for a Place to Retire?

Published on by Brigitte NiocheLeave a comment

Why Is Stuttgart, Germany, the Least Stressful City in the World?

Elise Taylor

Stuttgart, Germany.
Stuttgart, Germany.

Photo: Alamy

Despite not appearing in any part of Eat, Pray, Love, Stuttgart, Germany—a small city sandwiched between Munich and Paris—is the least stressful metropolis on earth, according to a new study.How exactly did Stuttgart, which is home to not one, not two, but three luxury car companies, claim that top spot? Plenty of green spaces, good mental health, and strong family purchasing power (or, the amount of goods or services that money can buy. TL;Didn’t take Econ 101 in college—the economy is good.)However, we’d like to nominate one other factor that wasn’t included in the official chart: wine. Stuttgart’s smack dab in the middle of Germany’s wine district and even has a bunch of vineyards within city limits. That means wine, good wine, all the time.

Because, dear friends, guess what makes up for meh weather, Stuttgart’s worst-scoring category? Lots of wine to forget you’re in a cold, dark winter that’s like one of those medieval crusher things, but for your soul. And what’s the tradeoff for a place with mediocre-at-best public transportation (Stuttgart’s second worst?) More wine. But also, beer! Because turns out, they’ve got a lot of those too!

But there must be something else in the German water–or, erm, economic and social planning—because three German cities made the list: Hanover, Munich, and Hamburg (somehow, we think being the location of Prince George’s utterly adorable helicopter ride has something to do with it.

Germany’s got the strongest economy in Europe at the moment, so that no doubt boosts some of these towns up in the rankings. After all, when business is strong, there’s more money to buy wine with!

And Never Forget – A Smile Changes Everything!  – with or without wine

ALONE BUT NOT LONELY

Published on by Brigitte Nioche2 Comments

alone but not lonely - Brigitte Nioche

When I first lost my husband it was a difficult time. I felt lonely. I felt left behind. Daily life was not fun anymore and the worst thing was to go to a restaurant. Sitting alone and seeing mostly couples around me made me wonder if the world really moves in sets of twos?

But with the passing years things changed. Now when I sit in a restaurant and look closer at couples – older and younger – who I envied before  – I see something else.  Some look like they wished they were somewhere else. Some don’t say a word to each other all through their meal. Some are on their cell phones, and sometimes both are. But if only one is busy on the phone their partner looks increasingly displeased.

Observing this I feel relieved and grateful that I can just enjoy my glass of wine, and  going even step further I remember my blessings:

  • I don’t have to cook everyday
  • I can come home late or later – or not at all
  • I can buy that expensive handbag without having to justify my purchase
  • I can stay up as late as I want
  • I don’t have to wash socks
  • I can travel anywhere I feel like going
  • I am free to do what I want- when I want

These are just a few of my reason, but I am sure every single woman reading this and enjoying her freedom has her own list. Would it be too much to ask to share it with us? Grateful if you could leave a comment!

And never forget – A Smile changes everything!

Brigitte

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RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY- WHAT HAPPENED TO IT?

Published on by Brigitte Nioche3 Comments

Before arriving at my place for dinner, my friend Jasmine went to the liquor store across the street from where I live to buy a bottle of wine.

At the cash register the man asked for $15.07 – an odd amount I know but New York tax can do that. She put $20 on the counter and picking it up he said,

“Do you have 7 cents?”

“No, I am sorry I don’t” my friend answered

“That’s strange” he replied looking at her

“Why is that?” she inquired

“Because old ladies always have pennies”

Jasmine gasped and after restraining herself from slapping him, she said,

“Don’t YOU  worry – one day you will be old too! And you are not far away from it.” (she guessed he was about 50.)

Believe me we really needed that bottle of wine to drown and forget his disrespectful  words.

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything

Brigitte