Vincent Pinard - Sancerre 1999

[Puccino]

Ha! Your comment on contact solution certainly hits home! After spending 2 months here in Paris, my wife went back home to the States to coordinate with our movers and she stocked up on all those items which are "tres cher" here in Paris, or that we couldn't get. Contact lens solution, good deoderant, peanut butter, pancake syrup, ibuprofen and a host of others.
I have learned the art of appearing Parisian (as you mention): Look straight ahead, never smile, stand your ground when walking down the sidewalk so that others (please read as tourists) have to alter their course, and ALWAYS say bonjour/bonsoir when entering a store/restuarant and merci au revoir when leaving.
Traveling in the south of France, however, might as well be a world away from Paris. There, the people go out of their way to be friendly towards you, always smile and will help you unconditionally.
Ah...the baguettes and fromage...will certainly miss these.
Hopefully you'll have more opportunities to return and explore more areas! Bon chance!
Puccino