Spending time abroad can transform your life
It was spring when I first set foot on the picturesque French Riviera. Driving along the winding coastal roads, I could not help but be mesmerized by the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Each of the pretty towns had an artistic flair to them; so much so that I felt like I was wandering through a living painting, complete with picturesque scenes, fragrant gardens, and animated society. It is no wonder that artists and authors such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon, Edith Wharton, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir flocked to this region for inspiration.
In 1924, American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald moved to the French Riviera with his family to focus on his writing. He had been struggling to get anything done at his home in Long Island, New York, with so many distractions and the hefty cost of living. His sojourn in the south of France proved to be fruitful, as it was there that he wrote “The Great Gatsby,” which was widely acclaimed to be one of the best American novels of the 20th century.
Meanwhile, US journalist and novelist Ernest Hemingway was among the many foreigners who lived in Paris during the 1920s. Hemingway was introduced to the French capital’s illustrious literary and artistic circles by his mentor, Sherwood Anderson. He quickly developed strong friendships with Gertrude Stein, Sylvia Beach and James Joyce, and was even acquainted with painters Joan Miro and Picasso. These friendships would play a pivotal role in elevating Hemingway’s craft as a writer, paving the way for him to publish two seminal works, “In Our Time” and “The Sun Also Rises.” In 1964, his sumptuous Paris memoir, “A Moveable Feast,” was published.
Living abroad to seek or renew inspiration is not a new concept. In fact, during the 17th and 18th centuries, many young aristocrats would spend a few years touring several European cities as an essential part of their education in the arts. Several famous writers and artists have credited living abroad with helping their creative flow, saying it allowed them to build a unique repertoire of experiences.
In today’s globalized world, it is important that people are groomed to be global citizens who can connect with others in an intelligent, cultured, and sensitive manner. Living abroad gives people the opportunity to immerse themselves in a number of unique and unforgettable experiences.
Travelers can enroll in a language school to understand the nuances of the local language. Many countries are also culturally rich, with renowned museums and art galleries that captivate curious minds. One can also begin to understand the interconnected histories of different countries at various periods in history and the value of diplomacy in maintaining peace and prosperity. Bookshops and libraries hold within them the finest of thoughts, knowledge, and stories to illuminate the intellect. Furthermore, people can enjoy unforgettable nature experiences, such as hiking in Switzerland, swimming in Lake Como or strolling through a lavender field in Provence. But, perhaps most importantly, we can meet fascinating individuals from all walks of life and make lifelong friendships. The sum of all these experiences is enough to improve one’s well-being and allow one to revel in beautiful memories.
One of the immediate rewards of living abroad is savoring the local cuisine. I can’t think of a more suitable story in this regard than that of American chef and TV personality Julia Child. Having lived with her diplomat husband in Paris, Marseille and Provence, Child was certainly romanced by the French cuisine. She fondly recalled being smitten by her first French meal at La Couronne restaurant in the city of Rouen, describing the menu of oysters and sole fillets as “an opening up of the soul and spirit.” Entranced by the food culture in Paris, she enrolled in the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school for a yearlong program under the tutelage of master chef Max Bugnard.
Soon after graduating, she teamed up with friends Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle to amass a collection of classic French recipes aimed at the American market. The two volumes of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” were published in 1961 and 1970, to great acclaim. They landed Child her own television show titled “The French Chef.” She has been credited with bringing the art of French cuisine and an appreciation for cooking to American households.
Luminaries, both old and new, have unlocked the secrets to finding inspiration. They are found in being receptive to the beauty of the world and allowing the flow of ideas to shape the timeless masterpieces lying dormant within us. We should heed the words of the scholar and explorer Ibn Battuta, who once said: “Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Published in Arab News.
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