WOW Word-Of-the-Week #424: Epicurean

September 19, 2012 by · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #424: Epicurean 

Epicurean – devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.

We had some of the best food on our Uniworld Rhône River Cruise in August. Half way through Chef Roger treated us to an Epicurean dinner. It consisted of tastes of three appetizers, soup, an entrée and dessert. I remember thinking, “I’ve heard this word but don’t really know what it means.” So I did some research and this is what I found on Wikipedia.

“Epicurus believed that pleasure is the greatest good. But the way to attain pleasure was to live modestly and to gain knowledge of the workings of the world and the limits of one’s desires. The philosophy originated by Epicurus in 307 BCE, flourished for seven centuries. It propounded an ethic of individual pleasure as the sole or chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one’s lifetime, yet doing so moderately in order to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence in such pleasure.

The emphasis was placed on pleasures of the mind rather than on physical pleasures. Therefore, according to Epicurus, with whom a person eats is of greater importance than what is eaten. Unnecessary and, especially, artificially produced desires were to be suppressed. Since learning, culture, and civilization as well as social and political involvements could give rise to desires that are difficult to satisfy and thus result in disturbing one’s peace of mind, they were discouraged.

Knowledge was sought only to rid oneself of religious fears and superstitions, the two primary fears to be eliminated being fear of the gods and of death. Viewing marriage and what attends it as a threat to one’s peace of mind, Epicurus lived a celibate life but did not impose this restriction on his followers.”

So this week my thought is to focus on the enjoyment of good food (in moderation) and comfort, knowing that who we share a meal with is more important than what is eaten. My dad is turning 94 on Sunday and we plan on taking him to Anthology to hear Count Basie’s Band. It’s is a supper club so we will be indulging lots of different pleasures! Have you ever had an Epicurean experience? What Epicurean experience could you offer your customers, guests, clients, members, family or friends?

Reader Responses

“Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!  Thank you for sharing!” – Linda

“Happiest of Birthdays to your dad!  I hope he enjoys the concert and have you all around him. What a wonderful gift you are giving him – have FUN!” – Mary

“Thank you so very much Susan for your WOW words. You are amazing!” – Lily

“Hmmm so thus the root of an “EPIC” party.” – John

“I have heard the word epicurean, but I never knew what it meant and never looked it up because I never used it. I enjoy a leisurely meal with friends and family. And I agree, the meal is incidental to the company, the conversation and the relaxation. I guess as I get older, I am interested in simpler things, like a nice meal, a great concert (like the Count Basie show), a sporting event or simply going to the park with my four-year-old daughter. As much as I enjoy the physical pleasures, it is the pleasures shared with others that make my relationships blossom that I seek out. Leisure is what our lives should be about every day. We don’t set enough time aside for those epicurean delights. Thanks for the word, Susan. Have a wonderful weekend.” – “Warrior” Joe

FUN-photos: Uniworld River Cruise 2012

September 13, 2012 by · Comments Off on FUN-photos: Uniworld River Cruise 2012 

We flew from Rome to Marseille where we were met at the airport and taken by van to Arles, France to board our Uniworld Rhône River Cruise. We got to walk in Vincent Van Gogh’s footsteps, saw Pont du Gard (a Wonder of the World) outside of Avignon & had a Châteauneuf-du-pape wine tasting,  then went on to Viviers, Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage, Lyon, Chalon sur Saône and Beaune, France. We ended the trip with a lunch and wine tasting at Chateau de Pommard which had some pretty incredible artwork on display. This was the first time we had ever cruised with them and it was a wonderful river experience. We’re planning on cruising with them again when we do Russia in 2014.

FUN-travel: Chalon sur Saône, France – End of Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

August 16, 2012 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Chalon sur Saône, France – End of Uniworld Rhône River Cruise 

Trip Day 33 – Cruise Day 8 – Sunday, August 12 – Chalon sur Saône, France – End of Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

Chateau de Pommard Art

What I LIKE

  • 12:15 flight to Madrid
  • transportation much more organized than our arrival
  • nice big bus

What I DON’T LIKE

  • 8 am depart
  • 105 minutes bus ride to airport

FF (FUN-fact) – We went through a total of 15 locks from Arles to Chalon sur Saône and the tallest one was 75 feet.

Uniworld Cruise Recap – They claim to be the Regent’s 7 Seas of river cruises. The food was off the charts! (better than 7 Seas) Every morning the fresh fruit changed and the spread, of which we didn’t partake, was excellent. We did make a sandwich for our usual midmorning snack. Lunch always had an array of fresh vegetables on the salad bar with a soup and several hot main & side dishes . Dinner always had 4 appetizer options, 2 soups, 4 entrees & 4 desserts. In addition, they offered a low carb, low fat menu. Service was just as good as the food! Uniworld wins a Gold Medal in our Travel Olympics!

Avignon

What we LIKED

Tournon

  • free internet
  • tour briefings for next day each night before dinner
  • free wine, beer & soft drinks @ lunch & dinner

What we DIDN’T LIKE

  • the room was too small – 151 sq ft
  • it wasn’t all inclusive
  • we don’t like feeling “nickeled & dimed”
  • you’re charged for drinks in the bar/lounge (where the entertainment is)
  • couldn’t book a 2014 cruise so not able to get on board extra discount

 

FUN-travel: Chalon sur Saône to Beaune, France – Day 7 – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

August 16, 2012 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Chalon sur Saône to Beaune, France – Day 7 – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise 

Trip Day 32 – Cruise Day 7 – Saturday, August 10 – Chalon sur Saône to Beaune, France – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

Beaune

What I LIKE

Colorful Glazed Tiles

  • drive to Beaune is through countryside
  • lots of vineyards
  • in the heart of the Burgundy region
  • 9:30 – arrive Beaune
  • 1st stop – Hospices de Beaune – 14th century hospital
  • fabulous glazed tile roofs
  • 2nd stop – Saturday Farmers market in full swing
  • colorful displays wind through the streets
  • selling everything you can imagine
  • lots of colorful hanging baskets of mixed flowers
  • lots of colorful mixed flowers
  • really cute town with cobbled streets
  • 12 noon – drive to Chateau de Pommard for lunch & wine tasting
  • 4 pm back on ship
  • another wonderful dinner!

What I DON’T LIKE

Chateau de Pommard Art

  • unable to get to Beaune by river
  • have to take 45 minute bus ride
  • the wine tasting was overpriced
  • the food was mediocre at best

FF (FUN-fact) – The Burgundy region only grows chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.

FUN-travel: Lyon, France – Day 6 – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

August 15, 2012 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Lyon, France – Day 6 – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise 

Trip Day 31 – Cruise Day 6 – Friday, August 9 – Lyon, France – Uniworld Rhône River Cruise

St. Jean Old Quarter

Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière

Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière

What I LIKE

  • usual morning of hot French press coffee
  • fruit
  • sandwich to go for mid-morning snack
  • 9 am depart on bus
  • pass 2000 year old Roman ruins
  • then 2 Roman theatres still used today
  • 1st stop – top of hill & panoramic views
  • 2nd stop – Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière – Lyon’s hallmark basilica
  • 3rd stop – ride funicular down to St. Jean old quarter – the medieval district
  • 4th stop – after strolling through narrow streets & maze of alleyways enter les traboules (historic secret hidden passageways)
  • city sits on both Rhône & Saône rivers
  • even though it’s the  3rd largest city it doesn’t feel that way
  • 5th stop – Belllecour in new town
  • walk down pedestrian only street for shopping
  • 30 minute walk back to ship
  • 12:30 lunch
  • 2 pm – 45 min bike ride on path along river

What I DON’T LIKE

Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière from Old Quarter

  • some stores close @ 12:30
  • don’t re-open until 4 pm

FF (FUN-fact) – Silk weaving was the main occupation in Lyon in the 14th century.

More FF – Many inventors were born Lyon and the things they invented were the: electronic telegraph, sewing machine, textile loom, cinematography and the hot air balloon.

 


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