Thanks to a Julia Child Independent Scholar grant that I won from the International Association of Culinary Professionals, a few years ago I spent a month in France researching a topic close to my heart: the culinary impact of European colonialism on modern food habits. The Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris intimidated me, its stainless steel and glass exterior, aloof librarians, and endless escalators a daily challenge.
But I persevered and eventually parlayed that research into the beginnings of a new book, focusing on the women who went out to the colonies, their lives a metaphor for the policies and practices implemented by stern men in suits ruling from Europe’s great capitol cities.
The photograph also reflects a lot about my life and many of the challenges I’ve faced along the way and triumphed over.
Photo 101 challenge, day 20, last day – I want to thank all regular readers of “Gherkins & Tomatoes” for their patience this past month as I’ve taken a fruitful break from my usual sorts of posts.
© 2014 C. Bertelsen