Two things

First, (thanks Kirsten) an article on grocery shopping, bags, and France. And New York.

Next, (with a shout out to Kristin's mom) an article from the AP bureau chief in Vienna that discusses how it can feel for an American to live abroad - and the notion of Obama as a global president. I can relate to what Kristin says about the feeling of not knowing what to do about non-Americans having this reinvigorated sense of Obama/US pride.

Interesting to note, too, on this Armistice Day that celebrates (not officially in Switzerland) the end of the first world war, that when engaged in conversation with some Europeans, they still feel particularly indebted to the US for our involvement in the world wars. As one Swiss put it, we owe it to the US to forgive you for the Bush Administration.