Uncorked My Year in Provence Studying Pétanque, Discovering Chagall, Drinking Pastis, and Mangling French

Will having smoke repeatedly blown in his face deter a foreigner from breaking in to French culture? Find out, as Paul Shore's evocative story telling, wry wit, and big heart, inspire and entertain you, as he tells the tale of how he gained acceptance inside a charming village in Provence. Uncorked celebrates the "uncorking" of a few tightly held traditions that are near and dear to hearts of the locals of the Cote d'Azur and Provence - being taught to play pEtanque (boules) under the clandestine cover of darkness; learning vernissage etiquette; drinking pastis before noon; navigating narrow village roads at top driving speed. Shore also "uncorks" personal awakenings about the value of following roads-less-travelled and making time to smell-the-roses, as we cultivate friendships and traditions. And, through exposure to the life of artist Marc Chagall, Shore reflects on the challenges that all newcomers face to gain acceptance in a foreign land. Shore's humorous and heart-felt accounts of his year living in Provence will touch and amuse, and evoke fond memories of travel to fascinating places --- and they might even trigger reflection on the importance of being afforded new chances in life. TREAT YOURSELF TODAY to some belly laughter and fond reminiscing about your own past travels Praise for Uncorked: Recently earned acclaim from the prestigious Next Generation Indie Book Awards, as a Finalist in the Travel Category. "Like a wry cross between Bill Bryson and Dave Bidini, Paul Shore's funny, self-deprecating and wholesome recounting of a year spent in Provence is one part travelogue, one part self-help guide, and one part memoir. Uncorked is just like a good French wine: light, delicious, and full of flavour." --- Grant Lawrence, CBC broadcaster and author of Adventures in Solitude "A computer geek in the South of France? What could go wrong? With remarkable storytelling skill, Shore brings to life a time and place where community, simplicity and a slower pace were revered -- a younger generation's A Year in Provence." --- Sarah Bancroft, writer of the blog A Year in Paris "Shore's light-hearted story takes you to a place where the simple joys in life are what matters. During my Man in Motion World Tour 30 years ago, I wish I could have slowed down as Paul did." --- Rick Hansen, founder and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation "Many dream of relocating to France at some time in their lives. Like Peter Mayle (A Year in Provence) before him, Paul Shore made the leap and found a cornucopia of delights in his new home." --- Stephen Hui, hiking writer and former Georgia Straight editor