tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50719338290671436422024-03-14T13:48:42.782+01:00Francophile TravelsTravel in small-town France. Discover the hidden gems of the French countryside. Travel in Southern France. Places to see- cities, towns, and villages. Each place has its own distinct reason why you will fall in love with it, from curving stone pathways, to intricate passageways lined with flowering vines. See France the local way, the lesser-known France. Already been to Paris and want to see more of France? Not sure where to start? Here is a look into some of the top finds in rural France.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-2947356500217506082010-04-09T17:33:00.000+02:002010-05-07T23:20:44.185+02:00Saying Goodbye- Paris<div style="text-align: center;">The Seine was beautiful and the sun was shining on our last day<br />in Paris and last day in France altogether.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1fT-HOhUNE_vKCJ6FY8o4-8llfA_jd_B8-BKmHQKIRZQz3HARY6qxWlpGMVJOsffHC1kh58sa3mXkVwAjkf8F8HRMOFFBLljkpTbS9MF81PF635WnrWENqD6omLP6aVN8MzNmNLL3Eg/s800/20100323_laseine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067551854709074" border="0" />The little island in the middle is a longtime favorite for picnics and sunny days.<br /><br /></div><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 726px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYpOweJh9OxLVk4ZtRCI6kape1sG3BmCOzFkDrZUlHsIdAQqEhzlbJHW1EwPI1Djgmpp3f7Kd-x32oiiOePnj8jl3WIedfDQ6XcSeY4w6Dyd8jlIhUimxGIo27OcS0kEsKB1l1ebxotM/s800/20100323_triangle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067712756985938" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoO3kXVbGYAuqlA83-SVTs4XaIwimHa1H52Br5eYeAkLVhfBsLF_dCoW4mpY2UWLRCwbqlVeaUJlB49NEVHXy0XWVrmncFwg9Q23pofw5hPYX3JjAFyOHOU0qdzzwyXSuZNHTul0mYnk/s800/20100323_walkin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067728408450626" border="0" />The bustling street alongside the Seine is lined with bird, dog, and plant stores, and the noises and smells of chirping canaries and budding flowers are unmistakable.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafUJqs5haTb3VEAQY34hQeUL-czTdSazArWQFSoBco0cjRX6IT_qa5KQ8pdyKRibnX_lf3Nyd8oTXitBwuo8rtVTWPz1RuG1otmGdTvWI9w5yRYNxGEqvrONOgfwPZ6cdE8oLeT4JQ-I/s800/20100323_cathedral2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067404962275698" border="0" />The church at Les Invalides rises over the surrounding buildings.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 489px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYBtVtY7Zh9jVpeG3UkNnVIEzXAVkMnyRn-W5SjangJ-L8tMGiV7-1LkhX52ckvjpGWCYaCd79PDT6Aimb_W_reYlZQQ3xm1qeWkZ4EnRekXFbi_DlhAH-2-QCCCqn0HvFkRLNA6bNmc/s800/20100323_cathedral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067393761937826" border="0" />Church at day and night.<br />Voila.<br /><br />Our first très important stop before leaving- one of our all-time favorites-<br />Place des Vosges, home to the Victor Hugo museum. Imagine this as your view<br />when you pull back your curtains in the morning!<br /><br /></div><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnYsalQ8L5qzk77LW8smusHRzI9DifVpEBMbbz6Ns0C_D2nFUQnTxT6uRFd-JMZ8rJuKYLhhAusJlxZEQoA3004_GAXx9uzbUaFp356vzEp39OPR3I9ZGPBHHK87UQziYMtUhcUylxR8/s800/20100324_kidschill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467072690027767538" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx0fdNVbrVj6YR-pvg085UT7cBKShhNszEnTlEt0Fk5C-dLQko6TY7JC5pZLEmd26nK6YGVE3HBfUcJsQwxJQeout7gdUYKEFVX_cf8l-bTkwtHYPSAX1oO2zGbJwAQh_VTXnO70Kce4/s800/20100324_voges.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467069869984233122" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 405px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9I-evIRQmDi7Ggeo-n2hTJt_x7uzGvrHu4PD8faoDpruesrGIKLzsDOLTRUL4j0FEVdCxs6rN7837K00BbiRROueOVjxjSDxJm3fjuRfGWklJRnGARxVdBhq1gtMYMeqTGTZWoqzEXM/s800/20100324_streetvoges.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467069860285500562" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVDfGIsar8AclMP_LuikwKzlCEljA97sjqg6vCoyJtfOctyeYvajnf0aTShjTLKL4L90Avn2cszMKiiStHdBebFhRflYxvZvzwsw9dDLAzwR8HHd2N0L4k18Q1lkESuoMVU9xVtXwkzY/s800/20100324_sandbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467069855587803954" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our next stop was Père Lachaise, the largest cemetery within the city limits and home<br />to the graves of the likes of Edith Piaf, Isadora Duncan and Balzac.<br /><br />The cemetery is on a hill, with stone paths leading you like a maze past grave after grave,<br />some teeming with flowers and other cracked and forgotten. Tourists come from all around,<br />but also Parisians come just to take an afternoon stroll in the quiet, slightly haunting,<br />but stunningly beautiful atmosphere.<br /><br /></div><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBZPWB-4yWQ8SyWS5W8-SyDG4hFiyda617sUOI5C0X6rfQZ2IpYgGkOZ9zxuB4ooKa6BvKzlJOHthWggA6x2u_ZEtdoKjGfNqHqsQIKAuPy6oh5EoJ-tlPAafGsbFf-74BfsjRmnRT4k/s800/20100324_roadfork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068782700988322" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 564px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46mrmOHtmrxOoA4lSFQmIEj-zOtZzeVMlnV76WmZWp9DcXlW3ah0eKGJyDT4T_GeYQWe0kXI6EmdAexiOV2mNhBRt_6X5PKmekFs1Sdqx5cZ6kIJBh9e3WNfbmOFmNFAhh8lM0Cy-6Og/s800/20100324_sadrose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068796890599458" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 529px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE2ObCCIhXA5tHnD66ejq7TSodw2tEI84r9WXLzmCA549MJ4stTwnGu49ePTbvcVmj5r79uC-ZKrPspiswivZF8buGSqTt42-CrzFXWY84EV1xXSyFk71kep9rHMG9z9ghLm98F_1jms/s800/20100324_ghosts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068608922699682" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVWSiVNvU5Jdo7vkV4x0cdJLUg3ydHuZn6F07s5A_efkD6zJBbRfi3Zf-QOvsPLkRWRo394DFsrsFSs9i-xnCrrXOb_DMhKGwcMi8iMj0MwwNuSo8SCgGQg5nsXh8w1xg-0Gu4KKK3X4/s800/20100324_edith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068606408458978" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 416px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAB_r3zZwTCMDW4kwInNHSN_bgprPPZ0-_HaE5iXI6sbVcwZqcuKEuKuJUWPMQRs51hm3HZ6xsm-RjUp4GikeWaB11tJfMCfqTgA51Nl_Ezz1pMICzbFFtNbkBpyfX0g-Dv1Z3XJacTI/s800/20100324_broken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068575322627250" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50eEW4TpKoEbXu412DLrFlRJj6Bcsv0kpQZWOtwYJNFOmrt8rEdr-IREWz7XJ6chjpnWDiKQyKUl6hDED2cJ_kzkB_Y8ltGx0OV9DYtCvNzIKBD5A7CEF8YhsovHaPlR-cshf67kD2lk/s800/20100324_driedroses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068585769427570" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 415px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskuNX4I5e3lmXKCAcCD5nJLtoR_knXx3KvmreH2gh4LlKoBuv3ufXemHleS2h7_P7QzoXNjLm7IVZvZHFXqUM3AgiYcoGaDhlZf7xCDA_tMi3swXPctZ9EBo7y9EgKfdVo51xgRkrRiY/s800/20100324_pathway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068762127957602" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 565px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4J4GdlFSLKy_HxRcFdLkJTRC6LnJRJVgSOhS8DXX0aHtgl7QIaBkh7Uk6BlHZrR2ojQ5H5q_aIws6ZIOEjUDreruPM50hBjGzgth4Lkn1xNMCpPBqPsaB4JRCnwbt4ByqyOxH2cxgPc/s800/20100324_crosses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068581014279842" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 619px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF6udDqJ3waUtx4c_3sZBIGHxYiO2jtj9mkfy-PDeYVdH_1c0jxBX4FtvOPnm6uGjJAyeJG8ze49RZ4bXk6UD28_zZ7aNdRpwLzhzpsBNqNRBgUqCsx86g9nbf-XfOe0g0CJ9BhRdswA/s800/20100324_redcoat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068774021583410" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 415px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfx_jncQ8uY8obQO1cMScZ-Mc0C6GWWbilQf8bM9QjWFs4abvDwDR4ExVXyG0zEbm_lnBFmKiAAsBQfAB0m-Gwi4ZamJxXbFQaYxBrDRAIBfg85ByNssh2NWDiGPuT9vND2k2yaVHnB8/s800/20100324_pinktree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467068768495618002" border="0" /><br /><br />The last few photos are from the Luxembourg gardens, one of the best in Paris.<br />It is a place to congregate with friends, walk hand in hand, read, relax, play tennis and<br />watch the giddy children sailing their tiny sailboats on the pond.<br /></div><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 413px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sji0USDKVHEtcGs2hiDMOy-UEwftBCyxbsjjcXusTMLwvmblRmcb1UdLNyzij2UocfWY_indc9Kw4IH8lgO2FZHCZEkWA26fgJb-zYPmu1Ow4UTFoAA2mw1kjjgu0QAg2loU8-A00vY/s800/20100323_luxrelax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067561659102626" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 436px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJyOqftfcWhYtEYqeDh50ARI87Ylx2WizTCkpFHJysb9ptEXH27j1LTEPE8bcD4wesCZfIcyL0wdampDz8s7TfMY-wwPQkRqlHmW1AAr3L575BnPw_iX_6K-7z-omqjN2ZrIsazumhNU/s800/20100323_yellowcrown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067734466452210" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtvxqbVA78_uJk534FJlPkI843deQlh86ytJPh1qzHad95sfEhI6LbWHBCN3UljAucRuJhy5lSHB51tCCXa-l7eeidcLaIDMgtCKEuN6-m6FGY0laP0A-SQYAUNuEm9N5dNtNOTVPeSg/s800/20100323_duckboy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067412640476562" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 473px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIP29YqK1DKsafaK4fNLXFknA-YxT9y1HaujcWaHOOWZR-4F5p0gvVURa8VDsUEEOOYV0bS4nP4IqMkaVA74myFwgktkq-3tjJLVa_QfO0LnaTrxmdac_RZg4uvioRzEMcH9fmoxCgts/s800/20100323_treeshadow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067702799620226" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2y9YIH69ANLpYzea_V-ciXsHK5MDOw5iHo2_Vgnar2WXZD2PcB15OUf842UKtUf8FomMOTc3mY4rf9X_W-ZeddFEj-taolryAHj8PSVTfWneBGdW1BEhSaXx8BgKnvQR5DX4atvVWLA/s800/20100323_oldlady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067565762376546" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7X0TlTOjiMJACnBHimUlfclU-9Jq8903_AWxblxGmzsnREKiRzJxuQYsKDL7KzfbhuJcHWcj4OKAQGP73I9LTIJK52QAKmOmLHWjCS4NIpydTce-vgRzgNM7lOfOMvbOTFTVmC_-RJA/s800/20100323_love.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067555061110114" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 425px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgM8y9WrsPG-J7fW25cMqxer-wuScRldd1CjXO0vtkDVtf0xiJXuZ9dBibllIO5hNtqaCffuZcoC7BoZqGp0R0GSaovy1pRVJ4GoOgB5tGNmPG_N0Ew4lDXQoEz9RYYv_LjN9AciS3Bs/s800/20100323_orangelady.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067700239283026" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6qDa2ojnH_RNF7wK1V_YB7_c-ycDeW_tVbMmI4kJ6vyPlyU_890YMjNxPXkiPkIfSaFM37eWSI7uu9s-XSqJFUBMNjyPwCEKYCuZ_Q6LKNjpSE3JFAT5E9PJ4l2W4Jpl8yCI562clqg/s800/20100323_kidsplay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067540472703170" border="0" /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFxSyGW1_2Kgw_0UflroFaTucKBl4z4jtlVwryH5id-r-EfG9AswMgLFon9U7w4gRjCYaoyUjsNSumfC8PwOE9GpYIG5Ghj2pU4bKufrZx7-hpPG8w4iuVXlM0LLbTOGy88mCcZRBb9s/s800/20100323_babybutts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067392026808322" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 716px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu8PT7GOJazM2UNLXOQrXEIlw7UJ6_AhSlO4s47kCNIvZMEIBw9F7Pcnl69L6D_Ph-erkwoKcr752jN7d8afiQzUvmPXpYchF5tzqQv7xaFQmChT2qJwrpLwBGxa0-u_BpxbvyX_Uy6Y/s800/20100323_eiffel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467067421732478930" border="0" /><br />What a perfect sendoff from a lovely little corner of the world.<br />Merci beaucoup et a bientôt.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-84037049449496987072010-04-04T00:52:00.000+02:002010-04-19T19:17:55.767+02:00Traso In The Mountains<div style="text-align: center;">Like most good, great, wonderful things, our time in Italy is coming to a close.<br />The little mountain village where we have been staying is called Traso, just outside of Genoa.<br />It is tucked up along a rather steep slope, with a terrific view of the valley and villages below.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPk82uyHR8ZLXqrlZH9Dx9dV_U7o1pfkgm8GhPN4xt6VymIj9kpOVD6Nopye7JqfVgmIWf1zNfbkWDqqv0qM7QRlC7IyzwjMTTyUCbpgLFihova-EVWT6RWVDEgflF7VrBfwrDZt3-A8/s800/20100316_traso.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461674262383037986" border="0" />All of the houses in Traso must follow a very strict color code of pastels,<br />and the shutters can only be painted either green or brown.<br />Some may find it frustrating, but it creates an aesthetically cohesive feel to the area.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkkmIUB6Nz0qzbGuoa_UABzxo_ftl1jYvyNSkamsmuomEJd89CIqba00Sh5Lc7iwClonFpLG2k3fjloO0XDAM30q-XHvnk290FLhhYgrcIFsWwqxBjP6x7HVFDLV_JKjMlBF8mDUI-qI/s800/20100320_yellowhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461674262796345298" border="0" />HANNAH this one is for you. I know we'd been looking for property in France,<br />but this building is <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> too good to pass up. What d'ya think, eh??<br />Put in a nice hot tub on the top, what could be better?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 529px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOytl9frHedokalgCbitFETsqlH4xSxFMv5kSVio0lbpqQh6jJeCbqT40xxB-teosO4FxBODyyfraDqYPlM4USFii39wulBoXn99fRQmV37wwd5cQz3yf0WTxBRGl7wh1Prq964qUsI3M/s800/20100316_tinywhite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461674248733516690" border="0" />Since Traso is already about half way up the mountain side, a hike to the top seemed<br />within reason. The path up was sprinkled with spring treasures like these<br />tiny, delicate daisies. And out of nowhere appeared a green, green garden<br />patch smack in the middle of the brown and dormant earth.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCbP2_bFDD5dipw0vOhgFcM-yZqHiJiuEKEs1ghEGO7e-qjWPklQJ1BeLbQknsSYXRwGHziY0uI-oVC_VRy_dI29_OGwnhpjKPvQ4Y9ztgtXgCw3_EOvqfHatiCx1hGxFsF8Qi09NiJ8/s800/20100316_almost.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461673629962074274" border="0" />Almost there ladies, just a little farther.<br />The villages in the distance shrank to colorful specks across the valley as we gained elevation.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Z_pR1_-WtefWYn51zJssA4_XS_m4nCpVmwJBaFN1mO75zu2YbYC-gicOo-5a2SM2bSp9ZC0l-jLLJANqiPEXgCcYPtCz91ypDQat1FNaxQGGcjZtd68Ii5qFmD0A4TGkXSPrxORJYE/s800/20100316_madeit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461673640663862402" border="0" />Well, we made it, what <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">now</span>?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9dHk3CfarDwnuOeeMrqeKQ9HwX80lUEgP5-OI2Pp-vFbK6FuNUWQaUipl-5a-OB0cMUyZsEJ0MGlz7Req5pAqtVFN0m1OVox-merIcJo6wbTYElziOKC4v2014YTAVQT-_ow7RXPTCk/s800/20100316_purple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461673645218429938" border="0" />More treasures. Crocuses, which are native to the area, sprang up in every direction,<br />opening their petals to the sun.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgs8PSSW2uwLsY35aRzu2b2eYTG53Bzbm2HMbYNQP4dc0-AOgP5jD1ePOKY7dV66D1xflO5sVdas8rQ3Qy9PDnuLQHLYyAUl1JZr1vYZZz98lpkUIJYhykgv_VGAc61EsFJF9FmTdND0/s800/20100316_tippytop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461674251105770770" border="0" />On top of the world in the fresh air and sunshine.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy181GeZDa7vdR4ajuR3X7FFiiSR3PKwMXR1Ex-sr-M7yqNWwUdGQSMOzRNYMvtT2HbRzRdll4NEUWf4nLDoJ21MIz1N1n5bTy-kxELHLXSslZBo6nOW_WJTmGyM5qSfhw5-347FleNE/s800/20100316_southwest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461673649306258162" border="0" />Looking to the southeast, the sloping ridges seem to go on forever, silent and treeless.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 402px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWBuS8-DfgP5LsMj9NZUAJ_0DuhcWhJa8JCyrTNsBWDVvhvGO7gABdQHUmO9N6HGYhQxhWp4Wj7bnDngK274nhKHnSdDwYTYtyG92okuokMSkEnEIRBCn0KH-l9z0NbV5mNMfEJdu1ao/s800/20100316_corsica.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461673636280899634" border="0" />If the weather had been just a little bit clearer we could have seen the island of<br />Corsica to the southwest in the distance. Nonetheless, we could not have asked for a more beautiful sendoff from this incredible country.<br /><br />Until next time Italia.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-63460145627932352852010-03-30T00:50:00.000+02:002010-04-16T02:11:29.823+02:00Bella Boccadasse<div style="text-align: center;">With a sizable bowl of pasta resting in our stomachs, we strolled along the seaside path between downtown Genova and the old fisherman's neighborhood Boccadasse to the east.<br /></div><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt9hYQRvrDDxiJnANpnLfyuquqlu6BWVX14Qg1NVPhK8xZ6pxTOQ_c50F47yUFBg6zX-An_T-r6vptmANzjmXol1mbu7XOG_vpH-oST4Jy-xizr-3-4VoonwKLog8JHHzZMZXGV_-cyA/s800/20100314_bay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510673653880290" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 517px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KFXa15q6MlCl02WPe-cdFkQTtYrdDqPyWjR3nHJg9prKWJ3b5vOCA6JgyKgfHs0tl6gMSvvw8V2y41bz9wbSjMWn9iocOFRbyv2unt8K9ubsfI4XTCuGEN1XlCahmxhdRjWdFrTBkLk/s800/20100314_beachin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510677253012290" border="0" />At the center of the buildings lies the main attraction- a tiny beach all of pebbles.<br />While that may seem uncomfortable even if you brought a blanket,<br />many of these sun-lovers are laying out on the bare rock- sleeping, kissing and chatting.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObjoi0FslRtwbP1Im6smTUQYcRYlHrGr9Q5qnpNJzRQebMyKE8vCuEdtWVmo1IlcXXGA85y-coP9A2SpbgbZATPfsHQzG518QNS8Ajpzbi1tlnkH1rs-HrLsEUThRVtoQzvp1YQU3CEM/s800/20100314_sunsleep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510922314902786" border="0" />This man was fast asleep, and he was by NO means the only one...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 408px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zTio3pdcqbQGM6wPn6p_nzyZK5y0DtUDhHG3RFZb0Lh5Go06TT8MWaf_y-gfceunPZPosOqMbBAJyHHeg3_ePhNlnU7T43jGSSZOhPvBSCCUYRawrXNUT4GPDEVH9Pv2owz_7s80nlk/s800/20100314_advertising.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460516540227349410" border="0" />I guess now you can't even sit on the beach without being bombarded by advertising.<br />And it's impossible NOT to notice an entirely lit-up barge drifting casually by.<br /></div><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wh5jlLjrFkzufleEyz6KbTj-jus_6Ro4S9WX0lgv8pSMk8xmqCRy2GndbY4O1N4Bwv8jf0BGO1W_UGtlsDrFotBdFlQ0CZxhRJpzH5j192-Q4T9psvSfYGwseHaRSWH0skZ3i8dOWbw/s800/20100314_couple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510683525902354" border="0" /><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 740px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9PLyqnH2cHdZj9hYElwarJjNmh-pVL0sYzo7ojM516h9epDmk9ifROCL5rP4Lj2qXfWgohSMutFTGoRGd0t4TG6XFSLrRG8Eb4yFykfQXvqUTFJYwtoKzF4AGJGU9caRvTYC133HTSE/s800/20100314_doorwindow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510688087330450" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlp7ZSl8JZpIEuHJyX7qYhNvBrONYsYiPQDkpaXvWDzh_XbSNYp_DKVNJzJRdljQs4_Kt0x8ifWgYgVnbWycS6h5dbb5AbXH2AZgyaJpt6IAylSzGEAc-Fd7R5CmirCsInPleXXgatuvk/s800/20100314_bikegang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460512816669382722" border="0" />The local biker gang of Boccadasse made an appearance on their home turf...<br />What ensued??? Bumper-bikes galore.<br /></div><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 418px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll5SKB9pKKf4CxwHLZVy-vaYCvcn1B7G7W4shDkt9QoG-i5GIjPGOjDYp0KT_he6W6e3IlVIhRChCeh7VSQhteuDyP1csgrEDwPaMcI9KGeEW33b8Gdti5-znhH4jXzJjyYZATNqOW1o/s800/20100314_sunning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510694905238306" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MaNMLwWw7PgqxuZ2EZSrSw-Qa05el7VN8T99cVzUw2kEcWVJRjMQglT5WbDLzgCdpPLlVyDp7DEovxeOQAFinKvy-qNsL5rdK2y-ZWTbnY8IGylXIotzNhprn7H3kRaNQcoS6ZgGMPI/s800/20100314_sunwatching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460510926989516226" border="0" />Watching as the sun starts to fade over the bay.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 381px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJCuLHsNRXfqTuiSL6liqKNbsaB06O2aq6blwKxQu2Hv-V7AX24epCpGx3YEz-rA-wNtu45iegdzBQVJd2tfYnHMMkgkskc8SMjwhNV2EVV6_9JIZ5nxXLQ9ACqBmlPoVLJxJfFuXpDE/s800/20100314_sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460512863238032770" border="0" /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The car pulled up at home just in time for a lovely valley sunset. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span id="result_box" class="short_text"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" title="good night italy">Buona notte Italia</span></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-85041648794524973002010-03-23T22:35:00.014+01:002010-03-27T18:58:52.893+01:00Come to Camogli<div style="text-align: center;">After many long but wonderful months in France, it was time to head over to the Italian Riviera, say hello, and indulge in the wonders of Italian cuisine-- a.k.a. gnocchi con pesto(a Genovese specialty) every single day please.<br /><br />The sun was shining, the air was warm and all the flowers were beginning to bloom.<br />We parked the car in Camogli- a small, colorful city right on the coast near Genoa. Rising up on either side of the city are vertical rock faces adorned with more small towns scattered about.<br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIlPHB1z2J6CphOKhsYroEqm00pld7sAtYWgNbLPpaXUrtgdkKRsFB4a36PZlgLgOGtUJc_8camyLNe_Ntdh6zYWD1aBBkJd7cVTUoEdNmdGrLCYP-W7nM5dUJIg6t4jejb-UUINQFTE/s800/20100315_rockface.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452320191339307058" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ieJOUN8RNrcDrZWy2XNhhkGbfMrcO4dtvrCPzhjPpl333foNh3gxZn655SaF5k852xnnY712kH2-k4R5hRALitMTdSKfSUfg237OpdLRs2g8tiZKIc2D-pCdXvnxhTgvm6b9zeEF7PQ/s800/20100315_recco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452320187150369570" border="0" />The little town waaayyyyy up there is called San Rocco, where we finally made it after scrambling up the mountainside from Camogli- out of breath, sweaty but happy. Time for an aperitif.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 538px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQOy6tssSiVZGbhnK5ui46J6udWsQszSMdctF09ss1LNUKl6x6NJDwBWq4wfU737-OTfPPUDzgR033K-imXseli0PwBVaRdSD506q1PLZW4zvgWU-vhLmtTjGfeK7ZV7ieWKERao9mKo/s800/20100315_cats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452320178779619506" border="0" />Along the way we found numerous treasures- clothes on the line, always, cats in the<br />walkway and flower pots teeming with beautiful displays.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PtqQ90cdCvITYgcFeiinAr1uAg_jVsDJDcnAv5AKMhoUXxnyBF_iwBd0vTY44lBHaslaoFm6BmORKQKhyphenhyphenUZ1_dmqF1i-brVntyjI2Ei_dCX8Q_kB51zFeQ-Xn-Y3MZBYdYdMXH9pFy4/s800/20100315_shittyhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452326404699296322" border="0" />And while some of the buildings were more run down than others,<br />they still retained a certain quality and charm.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x-qCFsWOmfB28klHxhMpXEPWnh9vbDYJ-uVL1zosIzhI-VLsNZ2jFkdb_xQtNDechiBEsMEMiwSd9mXcU5dSbsFj3hP88JBKHj6Pq2nl7fu-qkPhbVBpOJohGy83bChUuco2KF94vNg/s800/20100315_terraces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452326414661458514" border="0" />Every mountain face was covered with terraces from top to bottom, full of olive trees and gardens. Talk about learning to maximize land use- they have the process down here and not only does it work well, but it creates a beautiful landscape.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIUw0gZyozHAodCGxzbnV0AWaKRpWuzBdzc7JMRq2DaIuECyM7uHhl4OgKwIeg-sQPYLkuBt9mQ09ud9Bh6nCA50sLQ5Jb8F6RVX2wg8VRh7Z9ol54au-JUjDpEZ5LEIEhi21iuGRoq0/s800/20100315_restaurant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452326402832163330" border="0" />Whether you are in France or Italy, there is a never-ending supply of vibrantly colorful houses lining the Mediterranean. The yellow building houses a restaurant at the top with a prime view.<br />Guests can see the Camogli port down to the right and open water all around.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 555px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4ATFPN8s2_p4yTFi_8zQuHw2g5gMtV50qN-CtmA2MYg4xR3fq2HpYGmPrAizg4P0DTMB3j4tQd0EKI-l1_Frt4tcMYnfHVboqhCKGx1HT5isaoN99E-dU9RwnLoYuKCq62-BCANxhto/s800/20100315_carolyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451946370931335074" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 478px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGB8aFgbaWZCHOxPv_E845hfN6LCKT4TbA1zcd3pBlmClUFGM4uErVdF9yLTkPo33YH4X1fnbdjsH9Zo9u-VvVnqD4sMDW9wZW6o5AGsFJgq1dyRisA5QlKf80YgJ_qOqDRZ30MfcB2E/s800/20100315_pinks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452326397530387106" border="0" />This house is in the midst of renovation using the painting technique "trompe d'oeil"<br />or trick of the eye, which is very popular in this region. It makes use of shadows and highlights,<br />creating a 3D effect on the exterior walls.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrT6fYUH58CWmpZ4wx9dypB1Vr_hCsEZ0z2oKUy0iwVAbg05ndjb49ygkW1mN2FkCnsEKwBgrXQ-AxFtMFIwb_qyfMOaj53db_6Qa_SV0RMgidMDD00GAPt_Ryhtbx9kwgz7hC9cULDU/s800/20100315_bighouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452326390055185522" border="0" />Some very lucky person has a very nice summer home.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHwnrr2pZ98BsQ2g1TJd4ZdfPOgUMuCfhm6UlI7khAKcTPNjCdPXwZjcQIWfH8Lsz2XaNIa6AgZuG5h_ola_G1WGg4BTx_Mtl65IZjKFC7H_Itxc5BWwLpAAk5iNwmqXfrRwVLBiu9yw/s800/20100315_openwater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453162205453752242" border="0" />Finally, we made it all the way up to San Rocco and back down to the sea.<br />A lovely view for a picnic, with the sun's rays and sea's breeze.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 489px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyT0VJl0sr5rlJ-S86Bjz8ol4_TTg4iGp9hKfnN0w-OGE8AKa2605nMtRbx1A1XGLnnKX3hun4SqP3W7fJkiwVOMwxCgbPYjMz_N8PZWaDsBITmTsjSTEtomIYnbx3H9_iFnuZ7BnGAU/s800/20100315_fishingnets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452320183047306466" border="0" />Along the sea, fishing is obviously a huge industry. Fishermen's nets lined the walkway on the last part of our hike, ready for use when the catchin' is good.<br /><br />From here we took a boat along the coast back to Camogli...enough hiking for the day, eh?<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 416px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpUIUoerYIQB2WoI2rfT-UxpWeR9WCudIrK0xvgSjqroIxiBNcDvXbzhFOJX3n8O1YRYbgc9fx60rR5sFLp6fRs_3HiSUh9R8BtYrqf5VgXSgt0IvDk7yHy2eawfR9ngrcttTBf7MYM4/s800/20100315_camoglicity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453361012451765026" border="0" />Approaching the port, the layered look of this coastal mountain city was striking.<br />Camogli, meaning houses of wives, is a contraction between the Italian words for house, "casa", and wife, "mogli". When the town was full of fishermen, the wives were always left<br />behind at home while their husbands were out at sea.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZUsHDmHnuSWn2i9MrU_tWwX9UxBpeEMSAdy9_SfdU3Kb-tz6gDSyYzQj1FxQ6Q0ok68veg2f8pDoWB-dhZnmACA5zKnW99pAoTs7-2Ez_mANRFSz_EOfxC1sLiHWjE-eYhn4nyFcDsU/s800/20100315_sunbenches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452320199951395250" border="0" /> The life.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 411px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFeuKvJ9E7GxKiayezRv4pufStkLvrHFrbC9ItTuRtqhYdBPmvZWzf9yNpwK0xdyLhBasIsdcxTuygCjC5J3GX78m0BWzJhoeeEyDIXQNU9WkAOQbsBhsL6WzLj8NV1ILjc3ryRMkf0s/s800/20100315_promenade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453162199757433826" border="0" />Good weather draws people out of their houses like nothing else.<br />No more work!!--Local Camoglians crowded the main drag along<br />the seaside in the afternoon light.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 827px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFSz0RNaU0vTaKROg8AGMOLYMvCUh1rQJ1OnW-Z26ymj3uEZrLztWhJmfwsA9vgWLjCWvJ9JQ1ZCikQjX8y4E0d_gbq7Jc7TzzoN5xwMv_rzR4sXu5llGGNEcsDAKGEWxUQNq1jNuEOQ/s800/20100315_trompedoil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453361020942539762" border="0" />A finished example of trompe d'oeil fashioned in the lively colors of Camogli.<br />Note that the pink building on the right even went so far<br />as to paint on fake windows and shutters.<br /></div><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxrmM72xJah4lz4RJ3R7cpXX1CXGPJGmAFXpLJEJ1dkIR-MBcLHU2YV0T9w6sr-ihFrUQTxEChNwJ7ANcTPsBeQYdhWORoeJ0r6xj3CjFk_UBgd68Vc11kZOqUoEDHyEL2BI2bha-VGg/s800/20100315_chillin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453162188305153874" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILyk22i9pjIAl03IV8GZoJI_Jg7Zgj-ScZEuBIv9f5Mkgwo3Hds-IXenrgsFDibXbMdkG1EIj3MX9o7u9codhSMwmXXBZoBedd9cEX6ZJQc4dhpqazDjNp6fJnZMWVsjwN2T7r-0MJDs/s800/20100315_cellphone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453162186507180082" border="0" />Any excuse to get outside that day, even just to send a text, was crucial for catching some rays.<br />The cafes could finally start putting chairs outside, the gelato places were packed<br />with screaming children, strollers and smiling faces.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 401px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH7vRq4-YWIjVlStbw-iqgI4UGscgCVzwwn56se3vTKVqlOHlOb58UDix-x0ynMea4KSJhYak7cyGzOAAFWWou5TPex5eTWutgisQ0s60gzYRGfVe0V97xRwE8yGxvL8MNNHYRd_gB2U/s800/20100315_bay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453162181583574706" border="0" />Ciao waters of Camogli, and thank you for a glorious day in the sun.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-55879626762852678532010-03-17T16:02:00.010+01:002010-03-17T17:02:48.714+01:00A Lesson on Lambs<div style="text-align: center;">There is a new addition to the Camont family.....LAMBS. Two very precious, very new lambs.<br />Kate knows a couple who owns sheep, so we drove north toward their farm into the Lot region of France, where the soil and landscape is quite different from the heavy clay around Kate's place.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the way, we ran across two ancient Shepherd's huts built on the edges of a field.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcY9yRaH7pjoWGg-l6sTEYk6mYD7vejDJOZNQffNWCAeEwUpSkwrPb0t-J9R6KVy6ubB7SUCnZt9j0OT-wyr5dySwINM8UrvKC2UQwWtQTakvdI-7Sm0zF2By1g5THZIb3k_SlGLbF9U/s800/20100312_field2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449618815455533938" border="0" />This one in the distance is the bigger of the two, and was probably used for a<br />little refuge from the sun for a shepherd as he babysat his fluffy white flock.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 485px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZh9fxN1JBvKXHXLFauIXDEOl9IxhEKs7TUJL7CtT0v_T08EOzJ96nB_P1AwI7vrli7q2kcAeLHloE2Xtn24047WXQJjn6sf6KljWbhlvFWjEgeL4jqMY-PT5Mzas9ogaHTZqAWmzZBc/s800/20100312_hut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619301981619122" border="0" />The second hut was smaller and had a few inches of water still left in the bottom-<br />most likely once a spring.<br /><br />The stonework is incredible, so precise and STILL STANDING in pristine condition. Does anyone know the artist Andy Goldsworthy? He creates structures like this one, and others with sticks, ice, stones, raindrops etc. They are temporary in that he builds them in places where they will be destroyed by natural means like melting from the sun or being carried away in the tide.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEzZQgozu-aMAipTwsrrdqVdGoLbkX5hb1SKrvjCCiwbSQu1FtU20qpzcL6H2vb7C2mb63HImx6htw8-NkkVznowbqJSAJ9dg9tEMLTYOmEtYhA6om3AsB4VLfHY1UuolQxUvzSyOi7c/s800/20100312_house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619290159122370" border="0" />The old farmhouse is built right on a river and at one time was a working mill. The white<br />building to the right is the old mill house, but is now just another barn. Walnut, chestnut<br />and pine trees cover the property and create a wonderful, homey nest in the valley.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 407px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituGlXWypjiRVpFaBmEji8RdoWy7bDCjXFqFPs7A0PBRjhuQ7EYhovLlesYmXTHyJmCq8TKmXnxiw_T9G_uzkGzZMR353Nk9thZJHExTU_N8a6hnTYy7HXlNCh0g_pvQLGBJDhzFLs8bY/s800/20100312_sheepyard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619628108897826" border="0" />Happy sheep in their large, shady pasture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoth75uspsrD3geQVMyIfIU587BkjF3xsUcX4XQLGhvtolVSf9MtOd7-gvtpy0rY_B85woMw6Gf4U7Bt8toHkWJCquMZsfFmdO-2dAIu1IW6j7NY0Lqalub6J0mkmmFUySNiUqKvDcHA/s800/20100312_sheeprun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619617572515970" border="0" />First task? Getting the sheep in one place to snatch up a young one.<br />Sounds easy right? Just put food out and they all come running.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06ylymjarcCxAkAYgtqPc79O4X8R2Q03r8N90spi8Yj4LEyGIHtUYFasXzU9jmp2pbm3CRugfnV0aawFIwN9yfU3Ud47rsrjAigJNrKkc-Qesm6armNSBvmoA-4EMr5_T3fNGkYhmJLo/s800/20100312_craig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449618777425015330" border="0" />Craig, the owner, caught the first lamb. It is a beautiful little girl and a<br />local Gascon breed with black circles around its eyes.<br />Maybe this is mommy? Perhaps she's just a little angry?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 403px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtuWvnojXBKHIgpTMcaxnT1atHbVnLhsERxCvuDj7zGFDDGx3pWJZej5CCbJCRWnbnShnFqsluxnTKKoyUVxNpWDFpF2UEkC8hNN6cTqCFWzhyphenhyphengia7VTtOYoYZod0l6-rwalIJT7AB2A/s800/20100312_family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449618797174728258" border="0" />No one knows who will be next, and they're all on guard, watching, waiting.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 750px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVfU_4DEEJB7REnvtvcnrCaX-vVap-bDQucXbSnunDQPUpKq6u_Rsm25jmAi5HCnBFaaogFJDxt1j_3Wmhkr34rvXnOwnWgBkYUm7PRdoJCEutFqeHUFAYLbMehUNzlbh5NwBQ98J7Oc/s800/20100312_lambalone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619324165595538" border="0" />One little lamb, all alone and no one to play with.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RovPjousssPXI4xJRbr5tUqIUyKqMurp38dkXO1TH8FAVwnjgWmJyAWaPQ_Hwus080queOqpZmTQ7Q9VEtLdUC5sCPuP09aHQ076m1__niMhpfXs8QwtYhNsDzbIUHySSDgHuEg7iSc/s800/20100312_kjlamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619309468951730" border="0" />Kathryn has arrived! And 2 days into the Camont experience she gets her first taste<br />of what it feels like to hold a warm, woolly animal in her arms. When we got the lambs home, I wondered why their knees were dirty and discolored...well, here you have it.<br />Drink up.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 812px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORJRQG7_QEKudkBwFz0_hcM7XFJHiRJN96qapIEBvBhnxocTb-2AYgrGs3gn5WfzpSwYAd6h09oCr7iEJEe5zQf3VlYYbRvPx5mAfxJtFYetl5U2SHVuYfBLdb1yM-h3ez3Y7s0CfZls/s800/20100312_lambsit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619336314581714" border="0" />Craig demonstrates how to position the lamb. Sitting on its rear end, the little one is incapacitated and can't move from your grip. This is the position that<br />is generally used for shearing sheep as well.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 401px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK20zZPCQx_hQ5C7zzewFlBX2fHMK2HxKH6G1bLd-pi4kR881JHCtfhQSowQp7kP2S2o0YsKQnsO0yaR_4y44xKrKMwU1hkJ8-o_7GMyABjsV5EiE0p_us4_n4SdtLuElsjyOg6dDRDs4/s800/20100312_dog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449618785746946402" border="0" />And of course, no farm is complete without a dog. This Australian Sheep dog, with its<br />brown and ginger coat, is not only a rare color but also the best dog I have ever met.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 423px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCgBfcr3_Qm4oDNn3OykP-tOGv03TROPl8vSRcZ5jcWQnm0Q6O5C1G8ucZzIyunBMDFLICT4GgdT0MSXzBSVTpd-cIE5c8VCRwGHphRW9wKjl6n7sTQn3QP8cGPEai1H150Tc0_JgPY8/s800/20100312_newmom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619608290390850" border="0" />Such a proud new mom with her new baby lamb.<br />Can you see the resemblance?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks Craig, and good luck to Kate Hill in her new endeavor.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-8829810908586979522010-03-08T07:29:00.009+01:002010-03-08T11:41:09.381+01:00Spring Has Arrived<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38hzm2K2Noi9ttSfT1YLwvVtrF5xB3PNAnxAoVrF6JJDg2P-Fq9foxXBIY5t5tuzqXmztwHGypUiOynL80GTKxWuMzroMvMnhmHBNnaecA1RKkg6LELiW5hxdeRLlWcUI9XCnzTIrRyA/s800/20100302_spring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196405785180066" border="0" />We have been working hard around Camont getting things ready for the coming of spring.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enormous groups of cranes, hundreds at a time, flew overhead last week. This signifies the beginning of spring much like our Groundhog Day in the U.S.<br />We could not have been more happy to see them.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 462px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsRonf3atgsi7lawBeDy5rAmfm96ppPI4Oh-UlEUPOOQPl9wpMQ07aEfQdsD7PPu3PIBERTXpEdtBEfKz3cqLlLLwADmGXOU-XdEOFzpQaTDuEYz4wmmve1LPQ0gkiisb_1_ZM3E81ug/s800/20100228_coopwork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196926230941058" border="0" />It is time for the ducks and chickens to begin sitting on their eggs, so we have to<br />secure the coop against ferrets, rats and weasels. This darling little chicken is more persistant than the rest and is always the first to run over and see what we are doing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 459px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUixuZCAqNNhULoxMqgL-XYZndeQ-tsMdOzkU-BgCD4jASnpX1CcuNeuNhJHBI5O3YVlhM5Tydw65KOcIGJfbBdPZgDK4XkS6v-rSg72ZpU7KG1HyFF6_wApiHik1rXn28-GTU-4sqy40/s800/2010024_baconcoop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196915329458562" border="0" />And it turns out, Bacon will be hatching the ducklings this year...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9OA4b-uyRX5iHlKyaznSOJxk0doT9DetbFzOHw-Hwq8wIbzW49hN7i4TIHfycKoa3JvOrVXQZbrzMB9QiHkKNieHL3zDAaYSHRGBr5A7u2715sOpHEASaeYhR_2XwsuQqGXTyCPUcv0/s800/20100305_chichelp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446197975211009426" border="0" />Nothing is done around Camont without the "help" of the 10 chickens and Henri.<br />They are constantly under our feet and hands as we work, waiting for the<br />second we dig up a plump, pink worm or grub.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqos3nQVUFKSH8p0hP1qs715GUjPIvAR9J2sNXekhgbVsJR3rd45HkINgNCbZLdDC0kykbZ_ZoUt2W3orChopisjjy3Nas25AZNzR1igWVZl7WD1be8cUMqGHHeU2mJCuf4UHedEX6pg/s800/20100305_raisedbed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446197981973600802" border="0" />The garden is turning around from last year's frozen, dead vines to our<br />newly constructed raised beds for potatoes. The soil here is full of thick, heavy clay,<br />so planting on top of the earth in raised beds is much easier.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYhvPD7oF4xJ4qMBUyUcw642eSkGQgfiScfbXu5wmz5s7_1n8531RAkNZ2jC4jMk_Rj7g7u1eJYQlE6HQNv5a7irO47pVXMm3WiLIbFijyH130MBZzAH9ejXo8Nc4DOVuUbdLQVAeLbc/s800/2010023_boatview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446201487559814594" border="0" />Hiding down on the Garonne Canal, Kate's boat, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Julia Hoyt</span>, is another one of our projects. Kate has lived on the boat for the past 24 years, giving canal tours in the summer between Bordeaux and Toulouse. But it is now time to sell the boat and move on to the next thing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjT61KLzWoMt4wjJf66eiVeR7-7jUv6HyMPsY0ajdA51jOAA7-Xngk7RAHOB0AJtOPSHte5pSpjvaumY9VDACDtGjFrI99QPJETyodARdVPIlHu38dPTsKsF2e0MjsV8l-XWGK9vu1pA/s800/2010023_pumping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196913316125570" border="0" />The boat flooded a few weeks ago, and finally all the water is pumped out from<br />under the floorboards, the bedrooms and the tool room.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XoP99_-DbSmAM2t0n-q9tvyLBDx4sTIfweOKhf_bI8qDH-XQkqPnZ9Zq0J3Efnzb2rqL0BXDuOZ4Ynuef1pbbz2OHLudMnQAnqpApSNztsOqN3kyP_c4dAEvHxi75GcGd7D8W8Sg-Ds/s800/20100223_boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196922613641378" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">Julia Hoyt</span> will be beautiful and brand new when she's finished being fixed up.<br />She is an old WWI boat that Kate bought in Holland. The hull is iron, not steel, thus more rust- resistant and strong. Anyone in the market for a boat? She's an absolute gem!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxX3cawwfgG9h2Q8PEKUKtqg7VitLWSgxvXxMe9SZnCqaecqI4KS5tuovXpSuOmDzFrPeZ-vVAoP1AonDXerlr3c02H-FTGLiBocitiePKmRlNkEZoPlpYFB15F7VyloXTCm4n0Al-nzI/s800/20100227_sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446196920801465362" border="0" />No matter how hard we work throughout the day, we are always rewarded with<br />a stunning sunest over the farmland to the southwest of us.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers to la belle vie en France<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-76729842083064152012010-03-03T14:41:00.007+01:002010-03-03T18:08:01.301+01:00Larressingle, whaaaat?<div style="text-align: center;">I promise that Larressingle is NOT the name of a fancy duck dish. . .<br /><br />Lucky us, it just so happens that we ran into yet another town on the <span style="font-style: italic;">20 Prettiest Villages<br />of France</span> list. The name is a bit funky, so Kate'slittle trick is to remember-<br />Larry's Single. Oh, he is? I had no idea!<br /><br />Larressingle is an old bastide, or fortified town, built in the early 13th century. The currently accepted definition of a bastide is a town that was designed and built as a whole by the founder.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 416px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOdIG32-PIZdjQ2IMRU4ByHtY997DUz3SIrBEnXGgPXvTsC_nW8DXEPKsDO3-WaGoBR8zEWxQ5tZtSepODWX25Njmx3wqaOpQedvhuYgV8t84zbWA1QslO1-9kyibLLAubX_OwO83hKg/s800/20100207_larressingle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403084276120770" border="0" />This town is circular, with thick, stone walls surrounding and protecting it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 663px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7pOAK6aeMLGtB2e3rNbO4v_9nfeSDjoCSt2zYGyGPTnlmT1gCZ-jRLQpw4LjuR-pQCofRhCuRuOu2VIXyGF1Mbwta-BkmXDehnOLqQWdxM5z8Jcop37cwloINB84P2UA3ZfUxstA5p0/s800/20100207_mote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403097587517730" border="0" />Originally, when life was slightly more dangerous and you never knew who was<br />going to come and invade you next, there was a drawbridge across the mote.<br />It was later replaced by this fixed bridge supported by massive pillars.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOE-fXCOmmAtkfGTlIOEmcCbskWA_bm26z7oEM0y7oBe977BBNLDlXJ6uQ2c_njXFHerlTaDZlLUUB0t3y0qammYDei1qU5Pjz2bG_9DLEKXpURKub2Vmrv2bmVVAkt9uo-swvVgZFNE/s800/20100207_entering.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403071459507954" border="0" />The sign at the entrance reads:<br />INTERDIT AUX CHEVAUX(No horses allowed).<br />Shoot.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dekXB5tePVrVzdcWcZuA3pMTmO1LNr1Z4jOxwAZMlHG6ASo1O6TE8V1eX4zDPSen58bufT6qDdHJlY4d2aquQXkm9-CiCbCrvTpm0E6frz3IvZ2sZJBhDLbpxkRoWAZOpOxHyhZh9Uo/s800/20100207_thickwalls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403107735518130" border="0" />A short section of the 4-foot-thick wall is exposed along the back side of the village.<br />Safety first, children.<br /><br />In the 13th century, this region was being fought over by both the French and English crowns. Thus came the beginnings of bastide-building.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9qsZEyDtVizxy3bTbd_ONJtv4t4MN-M4MQwbM0ly3hMcsKUxo1zoADavbxtm37BuZmdTbSgd9PNs4w_vQCW4frSGIKzyHJRHiq3v51iVu0LnD5w2shYvqwRXuu_h7KJordid1SikkYk/s800/20100207_window.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403239547802754" border="0" />And talk about a room with a view.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDqGrP52X_k1vOZNdOCEc7nqA3PqWfk7ULWH9EhQVjYKtanFHPkTnNNl5hMe3IhCQz07oam6AyOG6dBMEIidFv-8K3DiY885FRZRUHRkpssx0NRtTGnSlwShzSnBDEMtRaYTZO8XqqTc/s800/20100207_tileroof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403240782826962" border="0" />The tiled roofs in this region were especially prominent<br />and beautiful in this little bastide.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7GT6cxhSLcY5bSCju7WYyOhggZYL72NA8_3NpBMesd08R7bc9d6Lmrqy4Yg-2ISSpmOqxq-kncywMKeZNDyaW_7v_xq0fHIYBUE_3PLbdLLE8G5Z28xolRGn43bQBwmdEc0_e2iToAc/s800/20100207_flight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444403075957449890" border="0" />Pigeons roost in the abandoned towers of Larressingle.<br />The inhabitants are quite lucky because the up-keep of their small village is of utmost importance to France, being one of its 20 pretty villages. The stonework is precise and beautifully restored, the lawn in trimmed, and there are no horse droppings to speak of.<br /><br />The village is also a stop along the Saint-Jaques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage,<br />which continues on to the southwest and then straight westward across nothern Spain.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-19783540870994407692010-02-27T07:49:00.013+01:002013-10-25T04:39:22.890+02:00Pâte, Civet, Rillettes, Confit, Foie Gras-- Oh la<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that we've had a small break from duck,<br />
we are going to go <span style="font-style: italic;">all out</span> with <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> duck <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">right now</span>.<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">(*This post is definitely not for the vegetarians/vegans out there.) </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First up is duck pâte- so we needed to bring out the handy meat grinder...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840317605508850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehacrWGH2QrTd4Le5564msymWvtPxbT5XXZ1vYXWzY1xjZh0SfShOVS_84C9Tw1cqpOhab6q51bcp76qoUVgPMN7k0g3Tg1j1-nP1qmSZEF-4oW8QGb7VZYHFqStprWjTmSbcJb4QzwY/s800/20100202_grinder.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 325px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Slowly but surely the duck meat was fed through the top of the grinder,<br />
and came out nice and...ground..? onto the dish.<br />
<br /></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840324632354834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL-kv1eQ2ZCifcAHNbC1KZm9pP7v6uM8hIueiqKrYzU_Vt7OlUqFcvih8ts0gQrw3nkzvTpRTDPvf0USmauFivccNVgBv6Bsz_QF9r0Y4qVasGZ4BDDK8uz0Nii5fKbSiskLvX56faJE/s800/20100202_pateprocess.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 382px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" /> Note the deep yellow color of the farm-fresh egg yolks-- incredible.<br />
The egg gets mixed right in with the meat, and then it's<br />
molded into little bowls and decorated with a bay leaf & a few peppercorns.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840323578290546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_5ew9EvDD8vCSIKuswB9kHXVWl0Dlj9x52Qm1sqBIeYJnlYeZm4-hpxEnLtx046zuuiehJAylVU9eTA8x24pZCymW0qZtMYSpKJXcQztWhLATZL_6fzJEaW9DH5JBW4byHyE3f3F9HU/s800/20100202_patefinished.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 376px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Pop it in the oven, spread it on a baguette and voila! Delicieux<br />
<br />
Next up is Civet, which is a very, very close cousin to<br />
Boeuf Bourguignon, if not a fraternal twin even.<br />
Don't like duck? You can substitute really any game or red poultry in this dish.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840119959201410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p27o11ntREZBwXgSbIEj6unx5Hl6wbVlzUPEzj7zzwfTvREzoRmT_nJzb3hTHiV0EtYTmQZKBNsClu-IOveXWz-x0JZapNjCUANR-8DOTUhxKHfxDbwzJTBVDKWbn7X38elwIH6TxoI/s800/20100202_civetwine.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 334px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Brown the meat, carrots, leeks, shallots, celery and bacon ends. In a <span style="font-style: italic;">separate</span> pot, boil 2 1/2 bottles of red wine and add the bouquet garni(thyme & parsley). Add everything back into the browning pot, pouring in the wine, some peppercorn and 4 bay leaves.Boil, then let simmer<br />
for 2 hours(it's better/more flavorful the next day, so be patient and reheat it later!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840114485699762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tJAE9T3UnwvzQbsnHbAydlhvnOZDAN5HBjZ-Qhne-B2k2wDfqseNyjEDXpJJOE9ol672cYdvQf9IDVIdj4UzKtbiZfdgqVXmZTUzAexkj6HZyeq5oRz8UUoGjo2GWSwA5irK14fMx5w/s800/20100202_civetdinner.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 361px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Civet, served with delicious buttery polenta. Mmmmmmm</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moving on to Rillettes, a true duck phenomenon and relatively simple.<br />
Muscovy is the duck of choice for this dish, as they are extra meaty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442839882985379794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeZzIe1gYMu20HjJhaN9dv2vNgB4266b_ChyphenhyphenGWbnae3bkZh_TNkWEyLgvfnuMa_FNsO524ogbA_XInfmjLcxqFYNEl3r5qBfcru_y-6Q-TOUkh_xZO8u0V5mKPc5MBlSyvfzYK7MFNo8/s800/20100131_rillettes1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 354px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Put the wings, carcass, neck and breast(opt) in a pot with bay leaves, peppercorn, onion, carrots, leeks, celery leaves, and fresh thyme. Add water 1/2 up the pot, boil, simmer for about 2 hours, until meet is <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> tender. This creates really flavorful juices that will be put back into the recipe.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840111804488690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATJyxLs3hRQZax42WsytQoJlx2C8j2oqCsnPkfcuCKGF5fvwn-tXUHZPzIQgQ4a7OWF45nZM71DaZWc6u3dl8mNNKgc4h10PbywyXIpWqXwa10myLThoewcFuD2MSMhbOrhQGWliBFcw/s800/20100201_rillettemeat.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 391px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />This is the fun part if you like to get your hands dirty. Take all the meat off the bone, discard the meet and ligament. MASH MASH MASH the meat with your hands until it turns into a nice paste. Add: 1 c broth from pot, 1 c duck fat, 1 tsp pepper, and 1 Tbl large salt crystals.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840108150714578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOkh2FMRtp56CJJOh1RhGNb5hxfzYDp9MoJEMXqHv1Tb5SwcTGyi29k4erx33NeNkfCOBAQYhUAUnzy4w-PZVGzHy2cpxaqTZmudl5jak3EIxtb6DDj6j3t6nIErOOtZ7a6yAFdq6seE/s800/20100201_rillettejars.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 398px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Now, you can put this in a terrine/wok and eat relatively soon,<br />
or you can sterilize it in jars and keep it for up to 1 year.<br />
We chose to sterilize them, but let me tell you, they will <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">not</span> last for a year in this house.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost there! The 4th recipe is none other than Confit de Canard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442839891305678034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVQZKCa44hSC6VhdyfFbJQtKCTuAq54nxzDdwrQqaAousWB8mA2YrRCSqU9-JcXf529GfcVG6OBDh_DamSpRVRqdnMXPla69BW_by6lFiYXQG1eh2ul7rXP_5SxXG1SpNF54O5bqAZbs/s800/20100201_confitjars.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 519px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Take all the duck parts and rub with salt. Let it stand in the frig for about 24 hours.<br />
To get the duck fat- cut out all the fat you can find and melt it in a skillet. Strain it to make sure there are no chunks. Retrieve the duck parts, wash off the salt with cold water,<br />
pat dry, and let then simmer in the fat for 2 hours.<br />
Fit them into jars and pour the fat over and around the parts to be 'confited', and seal them well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442839897868566706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN75IFKyF80SXhjCSl1JXwKqof6QXeXkFoYRHMi_J8pifbwhJ8yNxNthnvt2qxenUwLcr6oztNArqMh-ejD6XOeRMtARIJQPiqjepp9Y8IJbHImkRzImBf9k92F5jLayN5i9f9xG0Bwk/s800/20100201_confitready.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 452px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" /><span style="font-style: italic;">Now, Confit</span> means to preserve, like <span style="font-style: italic;">confit</span>ure(jam). You can confit just about anything that produces fat, like pork. So while we made the Confit de Canard today,<br />
we should really let it sit on the shelf for 2 months or so before eating it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most likely, when you order Confit de Canard at a restaurant it is not the true/preserved dish.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next? Last? Getting tired of duck yet? Terrine de Foie Gras Entier Mi-Cuit<br />
Now, what does all that mean? <span style="font-style: italic;">Terrine</span> is simply the small pot it is cooked in. <span style="font-style: italic;">Entier</span> means 'whole', so the liver is not cut up, not mixed in with other parts of the duck, just the liver.<br />
You can buy cheap fois gras at the store because it not made solely from liver.<br />
And <span style="font-style: italic;">mi-cuit </span>means semi-cooked. It is the best kind and retains a beautiful, pinkish hue.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442839879006711602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfjvEe4IDi4ATWgtwqi76kWaFeQYuiSJb800f-8WnQ0_LupHnPp3LZteSyFpcMrbp2jb8QeT53gdK5OfxrrKnho7n-tNVPnQNlduI3eiV6Z9Vm0sMqKTKyMkPaaS5A3-vlE0YE7OGrCc/s800/20100130_devain.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 657px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 450px;" />De-veining the liver is essential, as you do <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> want them spoiling your creation.<br />
First discovered by Egyptians with migratory birds, fois gras spread from Egypt to the Mediterranean, though it was not recognized as a proper dish until Roman times.<br />
<br />
Salt and pepper and Armagnac the liver, leaving it marinade for 3-4 hours in the frig.<br />
Then put it into a small terrine pot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442839901413530178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUe7oDWoP_nuJrxA9YZrWESIoi47e7VVBHaFKmFbQPsFRt_EGBNxiqsasmyzBTspFUiLN5sMA-ymhqGpAMJT2c-twdPQnn82ITQLfF7wz82B_8zefN6_kJCih_poq3XmOM8eu031XW-c/s800/20100201_foisweight.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 376px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Press the liver down with weights to make sure there are no air pockets.<br />
Cook at 180 degrees F for 30-35 minutes in a water bath, until it is 135 degrees in the center.<br />
A nice seal of fat will rise to the top. Let cool in the water.<br />
Keep 2 days before eating. You may cry when you taste how wonderful this is.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840123897179538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xiNB53xB7rD9Y86_8j6hI8LhjrvR5yfgbYtrcFc0wKrq1oAZVWXWz6_IlUiiOps7tY6M7b-5FbUwOnEbPEdupq425yUPHJlfbMbQ9XIfpkQ5gja6mpsw73UtBd0e6Zu848phSMplozI/s800/20100202_foispot.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 428px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />A Perfect pot of foie gras, waiting to be eaten.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442840320973662114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckAjaRsDnOpdDCviUXutjR-bGHOcxA_-VK0rwkfZ0Gqu278KxIGQJSitd33bw9FLtWI4LB51VgKdRmVTrR5bVYBL-Bs32JNdIKSA8sRVm3EHZXrtSrrJVwnh7ojxFcafh-zrxqVUO9iA/s800/20100202_oystfois.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 356px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 650px;" />Our very own, homemade foie gras, which we had as<br />
an apéritif along with baguette and fresh, fresh oysters. Oh la!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do try all of these dishes but don't attempt to make them all in one day...<br />
you will most certainly drive yourself nuts, burn a few pots, put the polenta through<br />
the meat grinder and accidentally pour the Civet wine over the fois gras- GROSS.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Bonne Chance</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(Good luck)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-56127013939747672192010-02-24T22:49:00.009+01:002010-02-26T19:01:15.243+01:00Tartiflette à la Kate Hill<div style="text-align: center;">After a few days of seeing quite a lot of duck, we decided to do something a little different for dinner tonight: Kate's Gascon version of Tartiflette, with a pear tart for dessert.<br /><br />Welcome everyone, to <span style="font-style: italic;">The French Kitchen</span> with Kate Hill.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC0XeoJuYpe2YmYHc9Wl5GeZTLnPjWxEjAtHpSv3vEgF5Yw-cB-JxlVRTPIG3LYZtWCc4I_XwJMYxEiFeARSAlIxFkSCocUtafe-p9uuPJ74NXZ0Cgik48cZRFRXIEcfsHKVcUGzqpS8/s800/20100129_frenchef.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930621152045554" border="0" />And we're off!<br /><br />We started out with the pastry shell. Sandra said if she could go home knowing<br />how to make a perfect pastry she would be happy...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 644px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHLT-hq9wzdJGdy0UlNk1b5REz8MP-DrX594ANlbvzIeXmYCwdCm6HBqkCVMSJLksatIv5TCgeadRGJuZLDD0N9Bh9i1uQuz-77RJNPh93CI_flZBfOF4OIh1T-QWTL_ILZ2tTerY1bU/s800/20100129_pastry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930821900121218" border="0" />Mixing a 1:2 ration of butter and flour together and keeping the hands facing <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">up</span>, always up, Sandra is well on her way to perfection. This nifty measuring cup gives the grams based on what it is you are measuring- from flour, to sugar, to rice, and liquid.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2J_M5uIbkgaFlHJpZ_qYTp4uDYewzzCcgS4cfYmmJBr5G94jHFMXDT_innKq8lRx6K18m7j14fQ96mUl0w-kdu3sle3Io0N1XbzRtJL76tqickn6wFUaDxpTJ3kqFAVV3hOemhtvvqs/s800/20100129_rollpie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930829664968594" border="0" />For the pie makers out there, we know that rolling out the dough and getting it safely into the pan in one piece is never easy. Rolling it up onto the rolling pin this way helps immensely.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XnvUulinGaWkiQ67hZkdIX_8rPvHqyXQMCqLYTD5OJ65g0gUBxjbKhr5lcidp8UcDE1SijJxTWZo7VzoxYXpugL4WMQv3NDL4yRtsy2-TCfR5ZmVijXFKmYbryI4boFDTXV_QbHDr0A/s800/20100129_pearhalf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930822157815106" border="0" />Mmmm, and there is nothing better than juicy pears, fresh from the<br />local market we went to earlier today.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj55DQd1ak0VrZM9SF6uuyf8WQE-Oo7EmxK8dCjsQoLwQ5fS57IPlJBzGHFgLd62AWc1Kxtqy6T6O3Hi7qNQkj07dbTIxk9BYCesYUkJrUP7UIJalzz4imw7RrDnrXHyNJjeKxYiiJt1c/s800/20100129_notes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930625885369714" border="0" />Participating in the cooking and note-taking are <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span><br />essential parts of getting the process down.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoO3o7Co15AhjOEHp9OFu0uNaf5a6RdIjx5mLOohE2pVr1IxVvxOk98dj_QHh7w9Tz-ahnLuseUfWTnjQmRkhseNxq1lgFgKWWXtZXNbhU2Bbnhf-YCgRXztlhXjH0eD3048UE-K0uw0/s800/20100129_tarte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930832844966210" border="0" />Someone is happy with her pie shell. And the tart was superb.<br /><br />Now, on to the tartiflette we march.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JY1WrK0ZxxmAqQMEimLv6gFecBJDc8aMPJK9LwiMEobAnxRnQsBFnFC_-L_-LTYIq12TSUoHA3_8N0M70k02QoWQ3YmfbCvccV16PIE0WESMkMMp5_jlMcY-wj1BV0DVMkDHCaJQZeU/s800/20100129_cutting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930618823452786" border="0" />...but first, a little knife-handling session.<br /><br />The tartiflette originated in the Savoie region, which encompasses southeastern France but is no longer a technical region of France. It is reminiscent of potatoes au gratin, and is usually made with potatoes, cream, ham and a whole round of Reblochon cheese cut and melted on the top.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 526px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpw1fULSV5drZkdexNctbtdAYXnIGAb-zbRF0sdpZPdU5e1O2UW1DRxGD59h6RirnUZmHdPMMxHJ4F2gPvHXUyzqIBWOKnm4rpsxz8UKzFF4fGzM9j3nsBSIEtJIG-Lrd5puK1fzA9eg/s800/20100129_tartiflett.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930837116784754" border="0" />Kate's Gascon version is much more lively and<br />colorful thanks to the wonderful sweet potatoes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX4azqF7P_umjLZS-joiF90nxdq1aNKnzVHu9K5Ih0Ad1GQmYoY3AgE6_WdlmUPkUpR-WViG3KnmJ7LxKN2WQAfM5f_Ttm9yO5aCArXXg3vqofslmPV49FENQ7hXVzb_g9rkXVfg18v8/s800/20100129_crackers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930614589429762" border="0" />And who knew that making homemade crackers could be so easy? Not I. We used extra pizza dough, rolled it out, put an egg wash and some seeds on top and voila!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0k3q5M6BwQPue_7Nj2hXoaPRKMKmMtNJshKGKuYWaSPq_hdjwpzxF7fI7ViVYHJvwo9CoFo1betfuNe1gRQ_Za_Xftc25BtLk0u9OeKY07eu1avnQ2k8GTu33uHXcQdOehWjVSrKIorM/s800/20100129_candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441930611180010178" border="0" />Every night of great cooking deserves a candlelight dinner chez Kate.<br />And a night of good, long sleep follows shortly after.<br />Bon Appétit friends<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-47927849071808204842010-02-21T23:12:00.004+01:002010-02-21T23:29:11.679+01:00Grattons de Canard<div style="text-align: center;">Back in the kitchen, it is time to begin one of the<br />many duck wonders Kate has planned for us. It starts simple.<br /><br />One would never guess that duck and popcorn have anything to do with each other...<br />but upon closer examination we find a popcorn delicacy: <span style="font-style: italic;">Grattons</span>(pronounced, grat-ohn)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaw7bMHf7IlKPKCiffP20GWwk_TsTuMNraoxYOuhAs8TJPDfJ8G7hoePv-L-UiqQDrRmER-iqzQPSj5qO0hmnFlG6BtpVN-4DfXDp-th_8WUzGqQaHJG8AwKS23jf-J6c4hsyJNt_Uoo/s800/20100131_cutskin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440823354234103314" border="0" /><span style="font-style: italic;">Grattons</span> has a very short and simple ingredient list- duck skin and oil.<br />O.K. fine, so you sprinkle salt and pepper on afterward too, but that's IT.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 664px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFgBWVrU_GfNZcJ8l5WSNAYey27FCP33ZtN39_Rjrvh8wmxUborSmB2HfXLu07Q5kq-OwxjEvP7pK3Hjp4hKIYhg9KiBBUH5oMXzSw7AmiLg4-gIuCN4hptSoo1OPiIlr-hdssV-nGw4/s800/20100131_diceskin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440823362144637762" border="0" />The skin needs to be cut into cubes, which eventually form popcorn-like shapes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XjiiYsd97tyhfRykG50H2mF9UpUs03qZG7xGurw377QlMsfgGf1kfDJFYQui2f3ElMgKGtwQCvtJU5zLMELpDDYUzry7Q3MUFQOx8yBX6_ZRxD55uIhzIX3wzmSNZgGUqQJKGN6ChGw/s800/20100131_stovetop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440823374004231954" border="0" />Having a team of two works great, one person on the<br />boiling pot of oil and skin and the other on the fry-pan.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNMIKLHiQ69oJI4OV3oG0AaQf5JDRsSMFkgKTpiXwbkJYjpXnlX5FUYq8AIShW-0Lh5e8uY-wPYNc82U_QDzWkTmRN_EMDswGxTk7EDmhmJi8XGfqOuCG0QJNJSB-gJLxSwxQjKR1Cos/s800/20100131_popcorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440823365161342210" border="0" />The cubes of skin boil in the oil for a few minutes, are then transferred to a pan to get crispy,<br />and finally dumped in a serving bowl and tossed with a little salt and pepper.<br /><br />Sounds a little weird right? But in the end,<br />it's an addictive snack-food like any chip, cookie, or candy.<br />A real crunchy delight<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-74617817672527427282010-02-15T21:59:00.005+01:002010-02-17T11:36:07.712+01:00Carving the Duck<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Now, what happens to the ducks once they are whisked<br />away from the Marché au Gras madness and into the kitchen?<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;">They become meals and dishes of various kinds, textures, qualities-<br />a main course, a pâte, a spread, you name it. But first, before we make <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span>,<br />we have to learn the correct way to cut a duck.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 417px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6b4m3A8Wpz-4fX1TUt2teDKdhz7xCzA9bjfkpDc88JLKmhYGDfn4r7ZQIl86wWpMeZjpBQxwYNn5udNWxYw9-OK-fwTwdmvmA4oEwsIZ7FniQ2tNUT3h2cqN3k3DBayVWJZ0t_Yb834/s800/20100130_katechick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958212915630546" border="0" />Our gracious instructor Kate, giving the duck some good lovin'.<br />It is always a good idea to do this, soften it up a bit, before you start hacking away.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7KcspAeaP2WrMwlXQyj44OjPkWKQiiOVRuy4oj7iQRc9kooqNCBv3MBhWnvYa_xJAWTc4xKZ8rfrV1_r8yAq5vdSGeu3T5A5bMLZZHSjpUF-OlHXju9-B2ao7sHYoL-eXxrJWIu717I/s800/20100130_readyornot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958447500013090" border="0" />Back in Kate's <a href="http://kitchen-at-camont.com/blog/">Kitchen-at-Camont</a>, we prepare ourselves for a down and dirty anatomy lesson...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 551px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqkmMbbxe8ZZHu1NtJhfX9rzi_vjSCx9RFcHUBsMnHSPh1T1YZBrWI2VaP0__OKzKhk7gxYTDxQ_F2GLuAP33S5SgSgNeHcgCLDpaDYXjpWTKo6wa-GL_qcfIEtILPX4Bca42uYY228A/s800/20100130_crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958196894403906" border="0" />All of the body parts are still here, so we have to take out what is uneatable.<br />The first to go are the head and neck. At the base of the neck is the <span style="font-style: italic;">crop</span>, a pouch where the ducks store food to eat later, so the kernels of corn are still very much in tact.<br /><br />Contrary to popular belief about the evils of fois gras, the crop is where food gets stuffed<br />into the duck, not directly into the stomach.<br />So they have more food available to them, but they choose when they eat it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLQAbXVNEzs3X8-Xoy1NH7ol6-8HtvAe6-4exTTOJE1deijzsProsY9O34tAJ3nQT2lF_RKkQDLMlmDzOr4XInOl7tQPp4sblSbxRuVGAPF2zJxwJbWkHlVhl0R5g5uCY7Kv5EF6RvFk/s800/20100130_firstcut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958202347739506" border="0" />With the neck and head finished, next comes the main cut down the back of the duck,<br />in hopes of finding the large, precious liver.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp6i2psL87CHXJpzxIpXGW-9kLbLK-Pb10l7YJoLpu4xkBOlDGO3PRIQeIsjQ6n6iyG9zolUkj8j6l57AuaMl9CPNRgjfciVW_n6828JvnLrX-KZwjLBLqejtgqdPvbk89rfhxMAnbDI/s800/20100130_liver1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958435620536114" border="0" />As seen from the rear of the duck...<br />this liver is an absolute beauty, both in color and size.<br />Slowly and carefully you peel the skin away from around the liver.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 525px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5fZcqbcEe1rh1-ygIHS32rILWvy-EjslndywUVpWbuV9ZrlyK6NDL4Bhbfsi9jNl16JJMRQDiU0-ssZEIM6XaGsOgfGbNi-BLryqalk9MJrpvVcFLIWCeuQ2B5PWQm4uOkC-nekEiu4/s800/20100130_liver2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958435979616658" border="0" />"Now, how do you get the damn thing <span style="font-style: italic;">out</span>?" is the question on Sandra's mind.<br />A little bit more digging and there you are, just like that.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 854px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjDxF8Wj6lpEt0SeHgkawBM9TjBUV_vmvR27sHPwQE8Zdv8NkXEvo3HTE0fPaei4EnAI1Pn4UYqn_l3c6WqZFXErhC3zL5N9Zzf54zdYyl-NEFVfU1PvH55rQqQARNE72IsxK_ixP6Zc/s800/20100130_liver3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958445771796258" border="0" />And how much does <span style="font-style: italic;">your</span> liver weigh? Probably somewhere around the human average<br />of 2 kilos. This duck's liver was almost 1 kilo(almost 2 pounds)...<br />not bad for a bird not even <span style="font-style: italic;">close</span> to 1/2 our size.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 525px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDt0bRSouKsEGphaAtYwkzoGYGXpKE9cvR2haSoq1rqVxmNbgctR7UZDzM3xkcb0vvZzTC7oNsTrQReTt_1EvC3FuoZX2Lbl0mMguZ6QqmL1fQn6TT3YY0ivIkLrvYIHefKWFCHlPMbM/s800/20100130_hollow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958206820139330" border="0" />Now for the really fun part, you get to fish out the innards,<br />leaving the duck feeling... a bit empty inside.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 530px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2hvsa423rHiYl1-4jPUUXHXdlwmh7_N35vlF4mfJCNWUE9oAoqeQbcz5tdjQlUh9q2B-oI1GNE8zJCcblARRi5f1lUP5H-eNWxFSeqUB6_Vf4rm4ZQuLj2guDs-E8JdPL6riuhiUi2c/s800/20100130_sideoff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958449277879378" border="0" />There is already a nice cut down the back, which we made before.<br />Following that line, you <span style="font-style: italic;">puuuulll</span> the first side off very carefully, using the knife to help<br />sever any tissue hanging on for dear life. Continue all the way down...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLQj193toqsk0QZTo7H8J92-z1sPxB2ob8uotSvnMBvWFaaaVNog-oJcxpriSfl8odP_q7r6hbH5IicBC2nYcX81RhWWZJyXcyokH_UH7XFujc6MDcextB7rBrLTQxDDU3B4K6J-V7bg/s800/20100130_voila.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958661396298834" border="0" />Voila! Well done! One whole side of the duck, cleanly separated from the body.<br />Now, cut each part out- leg, wing, and breast(magret)- from the skin.<br />And start in on side numéro deux.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0oiBcvOjt3kChOiSM0ICGt9gVCtnVSDfqKKwwmzrN1y42MsgySLjKM6H7GiM0SQLCVOW_5e3hhyphenhyphen5IxRdssjkdC_Nr_X3rG8hgFPx2u3AIB6ZFUNzywO62yfuFudKwQ6JvhUV9-Ilf8Q/s800/20100130_endproduct.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438958199632940018" border="0" />The whole duck on the left turned into all the separate cuts on the right in a matter of minutes...well, not as fast as the chefs at the marché, but we got there eventually.<br /><br />So, who thinks they can now dissect a duck all on their own? Anyone?<br />It's a little daunting at first, but the reward of eating it later is 100% worth the effort.<br />Cheers<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-6440798211131673802010-02-13T18:25:00.011+01:002010-02-13T21:53:21.380+01:00Bérets and Birds- Gascony<div style="text-align: center;"><br />It is high duck season here in Gascony. The buying is good, the selling competitive.<br />We drove over an hour away, to the small town of Gimont, to see the festivities of a March<span class="textehome"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">é</span></span> au Gras in live and living color. And <span style="font-style: italic;">damn</span> was it spectacular.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 457px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRMYs0AK95rnDglOu_L_bBrktZrAaON_tMqz3bKnpzi_924roEOpoieQUsfFqIPJ7nWiUd6GJ-nrNe8vSVkVWHIi_ND4BUrAu3gQocIIthBtySAlpdwK1lD6Eob8xsVsnR3F-vRMnRXk/s800/20100131_marchegras.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437794794114499362" border="0" />From November to March, these gigantic march<span class="textehome"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">és are held to sell ducks and geese.<br />Local vendors line their plucked ducks up on long white tables.<br />When the bell goes off at exactly 10:30AM, there is a mad rush to find the<br />best of the best ducks, geese and livers for making everything bird.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 514px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDSmspy1yeRpn66KaaREp7rveZHzdiyCL5MRXZEerz9TidzdBKHuo-5ATHAR6L2-Ag5mlbpb2Vwg0nEE1t0MEWGgs8Z8CRAQiQG2lbgKjnfFkBmT6ySwBqr9Zg51gPpsi34vTq-QKJsQ/s800/20100131_looking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795015822357570" border="0" />A very careful inspection is necessary to find any little flaw that<br />could possibly make or break a superb fois gras.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUxhgD49VlS8jLhW73dkOSuH5_AD5sr4jLpQu3qgehojkapW-YdyvuDTfmDfi-nacJLjiKM0ydjKCUBdcVUIDhwF_LcddiSRbpmLhhRPoBKnGPO7dPbSEJdw1oCRvsgqL7ZQUaA7UpbU/s800/20100131_choosing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795038878233330" border="0" />"Ça."<br />"That one. I'll take that one, s'il vous plaît."<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It became immediately clear that purchasing duck is a serious matter.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qaCK1hpLDbrW7TdAP1Jnhr6cqq9Zy0u-1n4xWWp4iMRfSwppWlvqpEnJxce9X0UEMrJQmDNjL0qV2T0pWRe1pBnchmrlRkgTejdLZ8HOvKFJwZyZSEL-Y8mrMLpLkEbeNPbGiaItFLM/s800/20100131_hangin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795019716180770" border="0" />Hanging ducks.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 405px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfnElvBdYmKpAlVhw0LCO_XmFWmbpdL07v0igeF3MJNj92ZDSlnmczA6JxskKz0h9LIXRvJmnUPZbF7QYISQzKlQ2o457aVlhs0FP8zs4Djr9L5SJqt2dKq2t6xoYh3aRFY8d2IUTJUA/s800/20100131_chefline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795157956009426" border="0" />Want to have your ducks butchered here and not have to worry about it when you get home?<br />Well, you're in luck. Step right up and hand the birds over.<br />These fast, skillful butchers slice the birds into parts in about 2 minutes flat.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 541px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaQNaPrNmj4cOfki2YT6w9hAjggaqEWEVyV_RL-DLrcMtALzrjIv5Jy28snNZCSWoyfagWg5Cdl1R6vmFe6sM1koaXtFJW4U3O8I2F4J3pnhLsPwswA8ffU1nCLJPViGeDh7Whypz24U/s800/20100131_vet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437794768922643362" border="0" />Another critical aspect of the march<span class="textehome"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">és is the vet.<br />He gives the go-ahead that the vendors are selling legitimate meat.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4rGulR6-HEW8jy-dgt5bIT2Lv2JiCOrQ4Hx-y4PPq-flxwdB40jyfu10ewoQ95iw_Ap1Gf7VZvRjAE9gtoirovOROTFZufJL1zVN6NTZGphqzJ86rbUV7fTef7gULd6NDgIO_ERZWnA/s800/20100131_smiling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437794773197621538" border="0" />The birds are piling up....<br />Not only are people like us there to buy just a duck or two, but people with restaurants to supply are buying by the cart-full. And they surely want their ducks chopped.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 866px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCV2nTwQdDQ8Jx8VFhpp1axr36QM_B1uEDvlqQNzJ28LJvukPVQRhDUX9JbJeVE1nn3CwlwS7ZVpt95iDD06a4_cEAfVwN9rkKtGY2P0XwTLbsAR0mIZ_dI7-jeRJsrWlta0eEvi3VR0/s800/20100131_weigh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437794764380376210" border="0" />And how much do <span style="font-style: italic;">yooour</span> birds weigh?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsB4MgJcVxLwdQOSa482q5w-CVhbmM4k_F1rwY_GvQBGZrP2ntpj5tjZL32q4viaNaxCeQyeHebzHvWKuZTPMtZcEWJabmOiStFBZXrdjAw6X5ULqFd4XHPkX65nFu7yLzC5g12qeEPQ/s800/20100131_grab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795023580458578" border="0" />It some ways it seemed a morbid affair, walking in and out of aisles of birds,<br />their necks draped off the edges of the tables as if preparing for execution.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDg4EESc5o2fwgU6DJFqEJGDgLmUXaIPO9k6RbaBMXoz9UU7srghOP0QuQt6LGvfF5X2LcXXExX65gw5hdvOxOmDHSAT6VP2Mqm1S0ktWJoG1YxRmZbL5sVfSdWr6eul9Y8FaBwe9DCI/s800/20100131_reflect.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437794788485036898" border="0" />It is getting close to the end, and vendors with birds left are getting anxious.<br />The whole market only lasts about 1/2 an hour...so if you tend to be late to dates,<br />don't bother coming on this one. People get in and out and the supply vanishes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjhTydzjztp9RwiJ4YxHjI-n8xZ_lTo8wjFmrZGNy0pieKRPIKMIMuVmK-YT5h5ee4qQSKKhieSA3hzrnRntjYIysDa4-ahgbmaY0Tzn3-u85a7ut1a23OBkpFnbh91X7v4uu1SN5pC8/s800/20100131_carts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795163165952114" border="0" />Carts are necessary for those buying in bulk.<br />The French-size trucks are outside waiting to be stuffed to the brim with cold, naked birds.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 407px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpQ0ToKFO5exLDy5GNEU4Rw_KX_vJ9s3yxDIuDLHWI-3fzadAfeC4he9DK2mK4_WOGH5WpgqW0UvliZMlJryA5QTubeeetx-KkbIhoeJ0xMEISLa33mgpmo72PL9igvzvWMhrUBfIjf0/s800/20100131_ending.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437795028582902738" border="0" /> It is common to have higher demand than supply, so all the birds will most likely be sold.<br />The stragglers will stay by and chat, but most people get what they want and head home, especially on such an unseasonably chilly day <span style="font-style: italic;">burrrrrrrrr</span>.<br /><br />Another Sunday market come and gone in the blink of an eye.<br />Bon appétit.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-52233562518704503872010-02-09T18:36:00.013+01:002010-03-04T17:44:34.069+01:00Frosty Morning @ Camont<div style="text-align: center;">Arriving to a new place at night is always mysterious and wonderful because you never<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">know exactly what to expect when you draw the curtains in the morning.<br /><br />I woke up on my first morning at <a href="http://kitchen-at-camont.com/">Camont</a> to quite a lovely surprise.<br />The Garonne Canal runs right past Kate's property, parallel to the Garonne River close by.<br />Since this patch of the canal runs east-west, the sun rises at one end and sets at the other.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 406px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIAtzhR86KKihrTBDjEaM7b_aVdpzre0VOydtHkooOR6zK5AglGbw5mfUGRpJDMDc_RJX7AUKk0VxLopZCi6vXXvMDefgwTMnXCZaOct3AGM6V1iEexgaoBKGizIQk5v-OsZVqb9l690/s800/20100201_sunrise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436376832380743602" border="0" />And this particular morning, while a subtle sun was rising to the east...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 409px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNI9k7h7g34vZHmNyWmMqam8jImijC-9Es194tyq4opruowhkWZ33I6-C6y7U2kryBJ2sc4UJJIhOVVxGc2w0_rHw41GD4evuN4d4lBYAqhzbfiENAhsFpmQiXprW55ljpVHGqrpetY8/s800/20100131_sunrisemoon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436375362988289938" border="0" />...a very full and tired moon was setting to the west.<br /><br />Camont is situated right outside of the well-populated city of Agen in the southwest of France, directly between Bordeaux and Toulouse. This area is the most agriculturally diverse region of France, with fields of apples, kiwis, fava beans and grapes stretching on forever.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mpANNjudFlRM6VuwUkAIA0a3C7ePgZbwU6xJ7HPtzEQ96SnharNUZlehW0b-YaHK8jLtKc0Ch6jZSdMM5m8-LoOJBl0SpadWixM03j87YQ6wnNW_auhlCwceFbcvsDCtqRX7C6PdoM8/s800/20100201_frozengate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373663633258818" border="0" />The farmland for miles and miles was covered in a delicate frost.<br />And there wasn't a sound to be heard besides my crunching footsteps on the solid earth.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdLKz0ObBsH863vgBoyX6QYMhpm-WG1gEOukg7qlVvfLk50am6LmAFqtBbjeGcoekva8EbFZIhR1vCCX-oRnAprXHLXQOUIac1Sk966tuLmm-k_yzACNx1G5i3fKHgQujFRB5ozzdArQ/s800/20100126_woodpile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373456230049442" border="0" />From the wood pile, to the herbs...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MQhmMVUfa-aaE4g3_i2x5wm0EVSreF4XMv7D6GxMvyM22Vj2bo3cdnUbOgyUJP96mJ702NCxQNZ67crhrkjPnesNvH2ti2Kc1Q3QjFzUfaptH0WRQKAcJkACS8F0Sfh0BpfflUVP9cA/s800/20100201_bud.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373654786044434" border="0" />...and even the new buds on the trees, the little crystals shone in the morning light.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XDBAP84AAIiRf3rNRCISFLJUTT4z0gw3ekRaqC6T3FCj7e9fiyjSG3hUJOuEf52qADwk_HVxWYyP7wIyWLK-LJjYL0I5lu8eSE9dgXkS1bj0t64BCMV1L9hgXECBQYxiGny3r9UtsX4/s800/20100126_bacon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373443668404354" border="0" />I have grown to love the morning walks around the property<br />with Kate's horse, I mean dog, Bacon, whose favorite activity is chomping on the<br />old, smelly compost meant for the chickens.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 402px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Eb92r2CwPMdRQcitZ1EiSrEgHvKBK2SkX8SyArLEB4_cLWd58cfJ3bRMyf9cYoemexzVpm71rl-TJuJQIKCBGciKT-fXhwbJfwnec-xdknyYglAZXa4Abhj0GDSnWPXoAZ5mTM8XFg/s800/20100201_duck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373661227358706" border="0" />Spring usually comes early in this area, so thought the duck.<br />He was clearly perplexed by his unusually frozen pond.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbiX9rWTXMOHQnb86UqazssUkdpgWFjD7sGCkOontnqP9AKBHjYAbpt1r5WMlNcu-_ey6oKOjfBWUg1U5dFaqsxXfkAS8ZDliszbYugrJudHuG6KENg8s1ZT4N72pNMzY17oVZ4u6qwA/s800/20100201_berries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373650305358690" border="0" />Frozen crab apples hang on for dear life by their chilled, stiff stems.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 863px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav37kdmq3HpppzjkDmLEQdfJVLJQDg2gqyEWs0Zh4esH5QJGtDZ7MpraAFVbrv75vok1U3gU4Ob6xP7k7_2YxqNS8PMI914OhH_llCrmVFLV43Ymj9-JAQPrN2GFUc3FiTa6MAWbxFKg/s800/20100127_henri.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373458038088450" border="0" />Henri, the graceful male head of the chicken coup, watches protectively over his brood while<br />they feast on a corn, barley and wheat mixture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpkdJiYQlRvqmU8HjC_x3ZdjiRraJCXCoyl6blWwkQbYB4Jli7WjpApO75N0fpdgxd_doEO1scmyfG5JbxHrE5F724_rTWDJy-A5HWV-St9MdRkOz6R_2fvNb9zbkj6bGbS2Lzu2oJL8/s800/20100126_orange.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373450586613138" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUXJv4cORCk2cKd85dtUPDjXRyx9Tek66BOin_kff29KLQ1Uc7t1L7tAebxGDEB0bXAFYchTRpc6YqqXlq9IINapnJixCiFJcNap90btIBYDDPv7X9g0vIwQF8KyC6IaceZFrmFi0fdw/s800/20100201_table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373757940393666" border="0" />Glimmering and shimmering, the sun climbs over the distant rolling hills.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPsuwxI6zC5fWE4D9aNL1DfLQoNJYR8J7AH2aXlu8YM1BHKBMsTSVwhCW5By5UJt40Zb1xKuyotdVAvnsWzKQkMBy6YGAew1FuT3KHZOGiSRWJyBoOWqRjZHydW2Jv3_OpfIoozT-M_M/s800/20100201_yard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373764997442546" border="0" />Slowly but surely the rays warm up the yard, and everything is peaceful.<br /><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMdCQkkjICwPetn6x0oT3cUqZySBoWC4C6MIoF6OJRchT9bEfubMKqcDBSkf6xoRQq7I_RwLEBLX1Ynf6ZpRQVaWimbF_MUg99vgsjGxNzM40zWec-cSJwK439ZeM3O5OaG7m-BDfXqg/s800/20100127_house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436384140774777314" border="0" />The house dates from the mid 1700's, with a pigeonnier, a piggery, the barn and the extremely minimal living quarters all attached. It has a very cozy feel.<br /><br />What a perfect welcome to a new home.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-59349087741720052492010-02-03T13:07:00.004+01:002010-02-06T22:06:06.282+01:00Au Revoir Toulon<div style="text-align: center;">Toulon has been my home for over a month now,<br />and like any place you truly get to know, it ends up being difficult to say goodbye.<br /><br />While Toulon is not my favorite city in all of France, there were some<br />truly great things about it that I am really going to miss...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sNvWi_UKp40BzMMpmti_S19vikHW84uloRq2fhkzPv2Pk2WJmM8ama84nsI6GZmnqgHju0ORSD2fxSVEcpLApQvuENUcmFwEjR3nJ_TOnp-2upxoCks_AQw1SXDKd2qHX5e5nhop4Oc/s800/20091229_navy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432132555688030754" border="0" />Mount Faron rises ominously in the distance behind the Toulon skyline, a few miles of<br />high rise apartment complexes, and the house that was my home for 30 some odd days.<br /><br />To get a better sense of the scale of the city, we climbed to the top of Mount Faron one day<br />to see what we would see: the very modern, quite ugly buildings and industrial port,<br />and the glorious water and tree-covered land across the bay.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBApxUWTyYvVbusB5iDWiqZioLPdM76j3v20sswsgETkLNlXzWu_Se0OhVlHspEu4UDVKWD-k3yYfBaNn-ACK6u4ScBXh_EtTKk5FQLReMUBQ388-mqEc2tNPrRypw3phSyy1hIgBC2Vg/s800/20100111_lafcenter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133330259263602" border="0" />Back down in the center of Toulonian life is Cours Lafayette, the huge pedestrian<br />walkway that hosts the market <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">single</span> day- shocking.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 481px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vDaLmwEapLEs31b-9wmvkRgqLhz2TtqMDRa6FWGVM4292mxpVphT6qd5_jbJk_stPe_zZR6Zi-Y92cLpGOB3tlsyZkfvxuXpwOmvPEd3Su5QHAHKwKQw0LG1hOTxOvhj1D5GoDiWVDE/s800/20091230_marketgrab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432132568132086770" border="0" />It was always a joy during market hours to wander up and down amongst the<br />produce stands and tables of cheap, lacy lingerie on Lafayette.<br /><br />And every day around the 1:30PM vendors would pack up their goods,<br />leaving enormous piles of trash everywhere.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLM1s77CG-FT8pMGUeOxnPjVeR9jlCocwkFoUWJ6p5Nl9a_fWoGycs8JdwS-USqcAcB_SLU4V7zcUN48X9qi4k0bl8LhjPyAui4req1ujmlIrSXHqsXIvmUK7M301hTiRRkuHlNc-0e8Q/s800/20100111_streetclean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133336733047714" border="0" />So...the clean-up crew was badly needed to keep the center of Old Toulon looking spic and span.<br />And boy did they do their job...not a single Lima bean was left behind.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXC4gq9oerPeA90F6U1KKZ-bExlmRykLiD72FBS7ohBDjSAbJB0M_KNGngE1P7-zRw9IZV99h7neOXKLT5FIhkvDFKTVpr1HRIFa_UZhLEFQRuqrW67hmSWlRQg6H9ZqiQH-W27hOXkw/s800/20100111_allclean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133040088458802" border="0" />Brand spankin' new by about 2 in the afternoon...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDEIhSZb6ULzEqsKTXTQEBSyc_wUWPq5j_5VTOQhPxpVAJY7uaaaq-qz-5mE9eUfP3VV8RtYkkw403W4eEJ06BMX3-lAHVnFFK5cXt7rlAFo0Ucjm57_BMffvjnvJmJSC5e2-6s1WQvM/s800/20100111_group.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133326241581506" border="0" />And ready just in time for kids getting out of school<br />to parade down Lafayette looking for trouble.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdZYEFmRTECzPOyzz5AwCzyNcpGInrfrvcvIVQzwEfI3c1H5HuYYYDnGRh3gUX8K7WKycFqkOk80RkFfbvMUAXcBSypuyohpcS65ilJgDwdyaN7sINZejkGyzDNRbGR31f4-grJsU1Bg/s800/20100111_streetwalkin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133343988699458" border="0" />Sunshine on the streets of Old Toulon.<br />This part of the city was great- older architecture, narrow streets and good vibes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yUkPES_TyRmyNcXeLP_oI6kHvo3rdOcX4So6RDgmeA_nKa7k9p70oqHwbXF9yq7BokXg1f40KsA_QWjIwhoJp7ULLk7UEDGblqu8aeMgdD8ubJ6SM5jyxozVHovNOKa2OB_KpVg_ppE/s800/20100111_oldtoulon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133334399500722" border="0" />It was run down in many parts, but still great for adventuring.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIDjQ0d12_FX4Umdzy3HeMmvWHoVAw_3CTGFaeMHkqu1GLejZo9EEDZbykFOhpNaGpHDfOaMc23SaY1N8Y7pIUJKMAy1hfF3EJ8TOUn-L9hcjBBiHN7KaPsD_Ww6bJ9ueYRlIWUitK8g/s800/20100118_bestbakery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133998008262690" border="0" />One thing about living a place for a while, is that you find all the good spots.<br />This bakery was our favorite in all of Toulon, and just a short walk from home. People double parked daily to run in and grab a baguette. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnNvxqZesNdzdBPTJ6zYsmPP-RbdMmJ3gUhL-orvYYF5xT3v0IVtETKFCX8vYiSvtweKA0WHCx_ZsT6sonoyU460BB4_lFPYdaYNHjuJRwenS-Inu6t4VUSK7N3XFZSxJx7CXtvuTaAw/s800/20100110_orchestra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133034827744706" border="0" />Free Sunday concert!<br />Toulonaise came dressed to the 9's- furs and suits- to hear the orchestra.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzIobvaMfEBrpcy19IYoQY8pFJNdvxX5xaCgQo3ytaVDjakHZUYMn7-1ywBcowP3ZczQLkxyLLSDzIuOFqZ6YX2ZqCZ5uJZD2pVyix4J623bHsWvZghtHwpelw9z4RuRy4vbnuRcEaPk/s800/20100110_crowd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432133028183428242" border="0" />They weren't the greatest orchestra, but they sure had good turnout.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy2So-BU82YMXgr27wnsKVKtC5FgqcgzaROefhYoCexC6SjPMZQUZfb0ICMwc7JA8bChNV2DY0eckiCX6PVgscNx_bl-KLAUheoo0TPX4UEOlH4_LNtO4Dr1Xf3j_Tj3lVjSNij1czIs/s800/20100121_lauren.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134003087407026" border="0" />Something I will miss dearly and was so glad to find? My dear friend Lauren who showed me around and let me practice my French. Our last day together we took to the boat to hang out with ...an old French guy in spandex, <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> what we were hoping for.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 410px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZCGEZgwToHlkHmcDvdDSdBLzb8tSEju6hvJg8C3zrJ6amkUWJbviRZ5URQKOKnmbGQC5bzdWeVNJ5999f_YI5arfTY0vuddqzJjSfh948bgENKu4dLyLASZP1tej-cCVq9H0tReLZ0Y/s800/20100121_retirement.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134014358623122" border="0" />Oh, the retired life in the South of France. Not too shabby.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 421px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSycj7zTVzFXZwUSvLYHHW4jeQ064juD9ljU6s44HrcW31xnvRfB7FKKWWwigHNe4OUKW7JMnUt6cOF22JHvAKp8fNFeUXTZB4xMCBo9VHX6zRX6lhumKKqqQOJQSAn72b19O7gM23QM/s800/20100121_silhouette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134781466547090" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 779px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6QY14YbujnNQPN1gHed9g_zSdwImuwk0MyUovIirq7lyiYTOnjd43_D5fefN9xQlddmFw19PXnLRqVBi4_mQBF-guv4BHroEnbW1o_Z0q8cek6r3SFZT8BuG156orHOW2ZY5lDUj7uc/s800/20100121_newspaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134008610536178" border="0" />BYOC- bring your own chairs, and catch some rays.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXmriBBzEJhNTl9i9N2i65HIr4QJG86F8Z1rx6qbfpNLlS2ubjF9JHvnw5DjNKy0Js1MSoBbpV35AUUDwSEROp2rX0OcYK_PvTxzGAFoUONUrqQU1uaUkcBovMnryP6E8ccD-1f6UUEk/s800/20100121_settingsun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134018350066594" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 525px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjSYZblh2ZR11GSUHIhJcetW65qbbX8y0FrPGo-Tyioyb1JPpwKT_tcGI8EeFlEso3TIWfvanBYQ_h7Y4rkzuGO25INqrcJgxTpGcQeODflwwVR9TIfsThx2juDaxckcL7aE56bQxOoM/s800/20100122_selfsun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432134784990121282" border="0" />Yellow sun of late afternoon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1pyUIBvoF6Ar5jO3aZwuwemcvUQS1h-Ngz659mjBvz8pVLlDLZVya8KXkXWBA_bf9GcZj5-2OFhTVUgZr4_YL2woFh8LEUqgmhSHELQqRFzS2GOkSts5fgv5zrJdFP5NytLXilONpXQ/s800/20100124_lastsunrise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432628994718876594" border="0" />Last but <span style="font-style: italic;">certainly</span> not least- the sunrises and sunsets.<br />I have never seen them more vibrant and beautiful.<br /><br />Thank you Sarah and Phil for everything.<br />It was a month well spent in every way with your family.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-15723194012858802292010-02-01T14:03:00.007+01:002010-02-01T22:31:10.722+01:00Cistercian Abbey of Provence<div style="text-align: center;">The air was crisp and chilly, a perfect day to visit the grounds of Le Thoronet Abbey.<br />Nestled between the bend of a small river and a spring, it is one of 3 Cistercian Abbeys in Provence- along with Silvacane and Sénanque.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgqzQlZQ1BzKkCK5A1CVI7_H9By8dUHv4Hl5Hlv-jP7Z-bPrkPhV0feqcy0NXel27KfPiBLWpt7e-zz3kPn5R7Em9yc6UE-CbmdnXViBVyy7nQvf4t12SiJ_7F5slzWYxfEDNHrVnWaI/s800/20100123_abbey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260487779589090" border="0" />Built in the early 13th century, Le Thoronet was home to around 20 monks. . .<br />and what a <span style="font-style: italic;">beautifully</span> constructed home!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIBZihbgY4ApA9xtKG8Bb1Xmd4OYMzsWi9xki6mvz8RAuf5uQtSjHKF19vrZ3MacY23zyg_jXuhKBLV61P6j6kK7lUms46xKD6efXngn1Jn3w13h0MqhIJDFLQRHXq_V_Zej_IfQ8H9w/s800/20100123_window.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260985660677362" border="0" />Cistercian architecture followed the belief that less is more- very simple in line,<br />form and even color, using the smoothest, palest available stone.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 418px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGPcaNuK1d8NweM2FCSIZGZdpr7ciBOcfk3CA2DKf9oEBSEMCNV9K4pnmJ1U8ac5bnqembPD1vYien8yQYdLET8TzlyKhJ5Ce7hcLb0gCVWZW-gNFhz7MtawX4luk8efczpUV3ewwG_I/s800/20100123_three.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260869486246546" border="0" />The quality of light let in by window <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> big enough is truly stunning.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVaJ5j7-wLsUsc3Rn7Z0eFs2tCaYkMvdSg-_93Q28JcTl0jxNFnOPJONG_UnqncUQqxTotEEoiy-uyEz7SqelPKsHHviq2FDOeENWD1fuO2Pi58ShXtxQ6cXNm3VrifqayVobS1PUuC4/s800/20100123_silhouette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260865903764802" border="0" />Archway after archway lead to seemingly endless narrow passageways between<br />the different parts of the building. You never know where you might end up.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCqp8SfKPza0RWx-bWt7CJ_J61FGIzIM7EGdVo5oQN7DxjTcyqA7y48EVp1sDY_EWeRvw3gUcrTrk2p4ok4RLQCvMtmT7_-E8QlSgXir6m65WRKbcuCu54bQvfzw772PCtox7HTcsEkE/s800/20100123_lightstream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260862697484514" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3b5STx-cQYyThHzKCSMTzvtomr4Gdb3V-W4iWHbjlD1oPijjvZ5piwNIVijd2DHpD3xuUYkjJ192j1MjkG51m72QsE7Tyq5jtM0x_gv-zGwIpBgTUJWpcgLRp35LsFmbjWlriLuOQAo/s800/20100123_light.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260862283664978" border="0" />Note the precise stonework. The Cistercians were known for their mastery of metal,<br />extracting it and using it to cut stone. It was <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> tough competition for who got<br />to be the stone-cutter for their monasteries.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCbcuMvyr-ledxcmTqvdIQjnnhDjv2Nq7e5SrlsK2tz-Ko-_pTQupVyRmhiKq_7u-Ib1sLxZO_GkV1TdDPAjpRMVk_dH5BPTJlWzE92LdjXL8hZQemi-HxrjeLxQSEvvsDfxBrgsn34I/s800/20100123_kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260852268600882" border="0" />Enjoying the leaves and a sunny day in the south of France.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 895px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHbZgd-wdBHC5L5nTFAoHEJJh-XaIaqAycRGmcQYJPODeNQngYXACDwyO7Ln4ZMwHzojER7OpfPQsHk08Jw1mQLO_JIlSSPwS7cayuAAPDIApWSBFrW5jtCM5tj67VUxon8pKOcAvcLw/s800/20100123_holdinghands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260505250870498" border="0" />Mama and her baby boy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 596px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L-budNp9K7a6kgD6pB0A-2crV5yRkIjQ79_YKgpOkK4UhLaTW7hfsxG15GisCyLl9W9ilXL4g_gx1BjuiP25u1Ej-EkSil24H_9NcfzQspwGOirpj-hiK_NE34WE7DeosHcF3cjBSaU/s800/20100123_fountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260498842277762" border="0" />This fountain sits under the beautiful arcade surrounding the simple, green grass courtyard.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 413px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xAnPM8mlkSF8PEsgc1va5XCRukXAug4kBr2WvLRMimWRZ2GTQS-fTckgHB8Vxtrh_cCNX5hcQoG2iaZ74Fd_owOsmoaQ6MHUdsJK6tATBBnU3Nchd59la2W61QwOSETav6_10Q28pXw/s800/20100123_arches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260491513370754" border="0" />One secret passageway leads down to the cellar, where the monks made olive oil and wine.<br />The nice ventilation chimneys prevented buildup of alcohol vapors.<br />Sorry, no parties allowed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL-UdqD3uz7TUFo06SupuRSHMtEU8Fj_t2Fbscwk22cCOfBthKAfIZ596gR8Yy36w5DHUjtV6zWfT8a37XPxJUPENSuW7nslaEHkFhWoLR4N4_TLlorZ7qgALU7xHgILYrS-IdJSMsbU/s800/20100123_byeabbey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433260496159287746" border="0" />Farewell Le Thoronet- our last family outing before I depart from Toulon.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-36621964441377047972010-01-25T22:09:00.010+01:002010-01-31T16:39:21.398+01:00Restoring an 18th Century French Farmhouse<div style="text-align: center;">France is the perfect place for creative types- for people who are able to look at an old, dilapidated farmhouse or ruins and see its potential. It is truly miraculous what people can create out of what seems like a heap of junk due to years of neglect and misuse.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 402px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuMf2dZhhgkItEeVbCs2DYjwVmKjrdboc5AItkqkFDUYuyyys2Vyl-fP2ynehVD49EmoM2RtQONppSmxkmmlUp7p3lvEiIwNfSVaZ-u6Zl4-Gb75ih5rbXriMiyHXGpBzDriMFvuMWz0/s800/20100120_entrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430787905969639970" border="0" />Just over 30 minutes outside the center of industrial Toulon lies endless stretches of fields,<br />with great, old farmhouses plopped down amongst the now hibernating crops.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We took a drive out to visit our friends Jill and John- who purchased one of these old farmhouses with the intent of creating a paradise...and they are well on their way.<br />The name of the house is La Peyrardiere, dating back to the 1790's.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJWN3HZ3hEZPDi1152TEnxZ_dflCDhD7W82DFyOAxSIJnPE8VcczT3QZ3cIe7_DHGQMqNuISIiX-bO9c2xZ5YY7zi7OoVTMbvmAholnBFkqaNeKSvIY5uNlyVi2wYWey13U3A-5QrmGk/s800/20100120_poolview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430788164436058242" border="0" />Their property has 17 olive trees, which they usually harvest, take to a co-op,<br />and then wait for a few months to receive the olive oil.<br />Imagine floating on your back in the pool with <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> view!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 495px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgr_gnudZI9sgqTeJWBidGaerTqyRLALVr_r0ckmDdYJhEWI-uMLW8y8MQ8Z84T1vv5THKxQ1Ms9dt4VYl5gwRcQarmtjra25jsH3OuhHkqj2R0kuPSpTFmj4PshTlOBd10rxlbI30eE/s800/20100120_oven.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430788158313676738" border="0" />This outdoor oven is going to be perfect for pizzas in the summer...mm mmmmm<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZQhmr2rwekoQ60fbna9M-cl-uOlT1ixA8UOg7XI33UKGxsjgjcbG9uP8IQNTJ_ulApjaROiRWO54uCJ6v1XFzDODlSIOTj8mhlBKcdBtpf8OSjyVFrxB6Ye5moiRDzWRDGavpD2VYa4/s800/20100120_otherfarm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430788156034353858" border="0" />Neighbors in the distance- not too close, not too far.<br />The pinkish and green of the house is very similar to John and Jill's place.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2rtGiicGDGk7vZUIGDvmPPL1vtexpIX5byofdBdcAbKk8SzBDChns5lQIX7YfYJBQOqHjtHnC9qVIa8sVtEvGG5h1Wksmp8vA5jqRp7BwHMsih8AuzQ9gKJr69Rn71mMpuku_uTZj-U/s800/20100120_olive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430788155157723682" border="0" />They have a spectalar view of the mountains from their windows.<br />The vineyard is owned by another farmer, but it fits right in.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UsgFN7xSjheG4TcAQh3qodUR6uyx9RyEG8xMuuSu6Zmq5y9GRIkB574ZvdeOwde5SITrlGGKPj_-cVc6HccrH-rvEMk2mUjGPMsU-QQWW_1McVVASHFol3-Jo3laOqHJiLurF41ota8/s800/20100120_kitchen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430787911357950754" border="0" />The kitchen, wood-burning stove and all, was the only thing already completed when they bought the house- and man is it lively!<br />Jill is very knowledgeable about copper, and shops the markets and<br />second-hand stores for good finds. They compliment the yellow setup nicely.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFshMNt9MbOCgwB16rKOsQ-FL0w9P96Tik0NvhEgQtRBg_WReTlbagDZ_GVhvErAuWfNWv2AP0tWALI-O1LpYjRMPr10TEN2ioJBf_4wPTw4aP0rhtv4AVsfJ9JsDQ5frHxai0-bRxXjY/s800/20100120_cat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430787900520978450" border="0" />The pigeonnier(pigeonry) sits just to the side of the house,<br />along this massive circular design of flagstones.<br /><br />Apparently it was used as a place for wheat farmers to gather and have<br />wheat-threshing parties. Only one house in an area would have this stone work since<br />it was expensive and covers a large area.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA9HOJHEuOT3SUsy7k-F4wSaBmNup5gXsi_FOFTfMAD9CsnZVvdqpFBcz3hMtJpJ8soq1VtHLUEqblmjTaTdpZbtj83-DD_9eK314OJWQqgT_CCs6pUcDqXYpeVpxlEuMqKkbZJDjv9U/s800/20100120_backporch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430787897477709202" border="0" />Before Jill and John moved in, the back door to the house opened onto dirt.<br />They put in the this beautiful porch with a roof themselves and now have a nice area for grilling.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(And yes, it still kind of opens up onto dirt but that's only because they're in the process of landscaping!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 415px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWOsu5loCKZqT_ZDJ6mi0hnooU6ns3wJkaBBeaNabPkcoGmXXdLxd6V-RiN7il5fVAq3hsRsstcddzTVQHZ2LHGyEPFHSNut4WCwwFeyBKeTZrhDHL7jg29bWqyYLc2WbuQbQbpB-1mU/s800/20100120_house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430787905029228562" border="0" />The house is just amazing. They are still very much in the process and are actually living,<br />with their 1-year-old twin girls, in only two rooms upstairs...but it's getting there.<br /><br />Kudos! Jill and John-the house is looking great.<br />I can't wait to see it when it's all finished.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-65058566339041366712010-01-24T14:55:00.008+01:002010-03-03T08:21:06.251+01:00Sur Le Pont d'Avignon<div style="text-align: center;">Who likes children's songs? You may know the town of Avignon from a 15th<br />century French song sung about one of the town's old bridges. It is now a song that most French children know quite well. This is only the chorus, but see if you're familiar with it:<br /><p><i>Sur le pont d’Avignon</i><br /><i>L'on y danse, l'on y danse</i><br /><i>Sur le pont d’Avignon</i><br /><i>L'on y danse tous en rond</i><br /></p> <p>On the bridge of Avignon<br />We all dance there, we all dance there<br />On the bridge of Avignon<br />We all dance there in a circle<br /></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrSRZaCq6diBNkANZ5fjpeCJXi8MFQmFR_4oy71UHrjNq1JsIa0qOBw-icQciXsSZJs8gRghqYWs7WoT2C9qrq7eQxcM2SvUtU9OKscoPLiMrdCyD5E8nLXHPFA5cO7jpMItCPMxRxJ4/s800/20100116_pontdav.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295041532788370" border="0" />The official name of the bridge is Pont St-Bénézet, but because of the song, it is better known<br />as Pont d'Avignon. Built in the 12th century, the bridge spanned the width of<br />the Rhône River until a major flood in 1668 caused all but 4 of the original 22 arches to fall.<br /><br />The Chapel of Saint Nicholas remains intact on top of the bridge,<br />where Rhône boatmen would stop and worship their patron saint- St Nicholas.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 408px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjpqaqQEI_JQCdoIx97nCOQI2zIkwQZPSc9fPXRTNjcCsT_UAGfO9G38xwIhX05dq5v4bxfPtpPbS6uDzVmKicYCzcdclHOZucIowJxt2wa7U1yRouG0LhY0qXWYUe9KTxcsK-qK6aj8/s800/20100117_avignon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295796415004002" border="0" />Driving up across a modern bridge towards Avignon, you really get the<br />feel of a Medieval city, guarded by a thick, stone wall. The weather wasn't perfect,<br />but it added a very mystical feel to our approach.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 506px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHPKROi0-gvbdNcJpyN2TV_E5zBaTMx-WJDIObKS2HJXxeaQ0jxM-Bj8olqiN2Ql-2EHq-tKpwnPRGL_MIJ9vd2_deV8K_iBOu-ImBRxQMWt35me4N6i0r3ancfy4-8x8U3j2q_t9oUI/s800/20100116_entrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430281322459026514" border="0" />Note the grand entryway in the background.<br />There are 39 huge towers total along the wall, all looking like little castles in themselves.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqnHRANdz5Y11s7fTrL3RXuACvdLkkzA_UiyJe_drD6FHjS55IuAWRabwl6brWdUCX49NImXRHQOvl2iiypTYW0OfohOqClVCcrSXHmeyDxeUVolFuxinEgNGR9qvPkZ2w-HhXmt8zkk/s800/20100116_wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295790969800962" border="0" />The 14th century wall has been very well preserved and restored.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 501px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpUSHheSXw4o7P41uzgAdt8ORZJMTxl7ocsCDMhB1J7UIJ53snP8vTBNcE4oxspM4A_2T9T6jX81_AvkHFCxXmMlCxeI7ZoyXTAV05exSKKCHtcBrY7XX-AB-Atj3bCbbm8zoVKYAc_Q/s800/20100116_rhone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295045050602210" border="0" /> The Rhône River passes right by the city. The wide, calm waters are perfect for barges,<br />smaller boats and crew practice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplvLJer0-4hJvwLZEfRkCih1-PTgSa5gGidljtOYTreSknlS_SjVttn327m2biBoTv31BoYeqETrNawelZvO_kBNIPSClFvIWcdndHSoGsI5IQDl7vdgxgPMOHuAvpR9I3-L3OXTDDOI/s800/20100116_view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295793899643538" border="0" />Outside the walls of the city.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 542px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWpK7U3b64xCiUvKegejIkqe1FGDPyXNVTGMIRhPoiNVlFh0ZfKKiwyJxG5ns5tY6k1kyNeg4bn1ep74-y6a78nHcFwMs3jFq1e8rDSIRqSs20ro7xBCdL8lPKBkeOC8V9ZQAdaCgKsk/s800/20100116_streets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295786700771026" border="0" />The many small, twisting side streets were quiet. And since it was quite chilly out,<br />this guy knew window gazing from his warm apartment sounded <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> right.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlpSROt3SeZpLTpJGmgGBdJHiMITO4IGQYXoIqt7gGstAjX47-PLTYc-NmL2qVFK9opJTph3SrINu_lDnxi_Az1EuwFOpsx2TOkYnom0ruhzz9mlmmFc8_Wd-Cr0qKTYLi2RfquBsuGk/s800/20100116_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295044603530322" border="0" />We had a bit of snow- a little late for Christmas, but still a very welcome thrill.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggey01TBkqiYSsLqn1Ndb3yn_CuA7a310fB_M-tFGic3uPgOI1ZLavpy0y1VD_vA4pEeVNGymAuH3ndnayQDJFLoqwj9tapXH97f8jYnqmdMlIhtO3Yt7Mn065IqBaCcWioLnKaedvxU/s800/20100116_plhorlage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295036722220258" border="0" />Place d'Horloge is the main square in Avignon, with many restaurants,<br />the city hall, opera house and toddling children. The medieval clock tower overlooks the square.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5QvMZmKtDyFUZCgWj77Fb75AH6hAG7gh7Z43oim1uJcOn65fwgC4LtI_Kc8HCqUIxBX6OtwKHSYfBPNxt14YSxlVs1meTHj-p1tfstE0HpRYSj6QQm2irfNxFNYB8_AAbj2Bggs-oB0/s800/20100116_irishpub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295033344649346" border="0" />Of course, the sales in France are still goin' strong, and people have yet to tire of shopping. Well...except for this guy..."Screw it, gimme a drink."<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROm2EuBGOLWG3fkTqy-rWW4DJe00T_ofn9dx1s907PJy_F2wxSaZ2ZdXLljl62DbzaUp3JIwiOUdvrlhctV9NYhh3-aoSNISNTDa84Tv8pCnvzkFHHOgd60p1uayJ1VWW0-m2OQIZt4w/s800/20100116_cross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430281316231413906" border="0" />The construction of this enormous Gothic building, Palais des Papes, began in 1316, after Avignon came under the rule of the popes. The Palace was home to many popes up until<br />the French Revolution. Heavily raided during the war, there is very little original art left inside.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj88dhvTvDTseBhYBbzaudZzwrQo_5GJuiedNwZXkLKFjFNpc95vUnX1yhO3gbu21y2l_3Tsn7Iv9lNN5pPYdQ1YGJivJLeM8d2u5kKxH8oekke6n_rvdSsRKG6QjjN33W39EPOVgiOs/s800/20100116_church.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430281312736088914" border="0" />The Chapelle de Saint-Michel et Tous les Saints was built between 1369 and 1378<br />in the middle of a cemetery for the poor....hmmm.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 393px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAoXJkxuUh0qt2RaixmYgbvIzRvyM2KcWDpxcsxdEeOCX9SS48xQckcLsS9iDXoulosvvUDfwqQS0KrFj_lfp_Dz0DDkn_rVQGzudooTsrqVk_wl2LEPdRpgeVVCJqUHjxhu51Sj5RV4/s800/20100116_band2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430281311490048450" border="0" />We were back at the Palais des Papes at the end of the day just<br />in time to hear a marching band perform.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQYLckD4PTGfnxBVKTW_uZLqeR-2drJ-7VcRFvY5KWcfJf2j9o7KRF4l-04oDyYGIS0-9-ORbKknEUi0xe1AFgXq-TS0S5Ahn7JrKqGvDn40loortaLXQwFBqOebsJaybhqItp_oxFkE/s800/20100116_band.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430281306355092146" border="0" />People appeared from every direction, emerging from the tiny, narrow passageways<br />and gathering 'round to hear the energetic tunes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDn1zJ1EeNQviP04n6-oNJY8UvsgM9FxZ7EV_pQ6srMxLvP180Ndu-OBvhAg0yVl-P1wtGEFZxSUi8a6dz9GQhIf964QC22AZxsgHqBzh9P-amN-xL6qDEsII0Csr1xH8lki6ClTV9Vw/s800/20100117_morningpont.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295799475826690" border="0" />We took our leave of Avignon with a last<br />glance at the famous Pont under a cloudy but wondrous sunrise.<br /><br />. . . .<br /><br /><i>Sur le pont d’Avignon</i><br /><i>L'on y danse, l'on y danse</i><br /><i>Sur le pont d’Avignon</i><br /><i>L'on y danse tous en rond</i><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-49026225953775375172010-01-22T14:28:00.006+01:002010-03-03T08:20:05.952+01:00Across the Toulon Bay<div style="text-align: center;">If I hadn't made a French friend, I would have never known<br />that the water taxis from Toulon only cost 2 Euros!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toulon is on the eastern side of a large bay. The boat taxis go out about<br />every 15 minutes from the harbor and make the twenty minute trek to the<br />neighboring cities along the bay- Le Seyne & Saint Mandrier.<br /><br />This day was particularly glorious. . .<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydRDi3YdYaq780b4bjVN5hQeSHslo9nfK9KQYh493y5zd2Ny3-YIVec9wJT6R7poai4_sFFXYKmS0375-e7PZ1eobJoL6Ob3o8EP6BgqXFMZGpgPpItH_83DQ8Z5rI5jUzFwMG58gEAI/s800/20100118_toulon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429556068180419106" border="0" />Toulon fades quickly as the boat picks up speed. . .<br />good thing too because the skyline is unfortunately no Chicago folks!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqsQ7IZgw1Bc5tFdst9evA0kYcXKH0TUeYuVs9GtU8ZZ1fa-LO2m3Gut2cJ7tIl_zovhRvA2jPc4oK4DeLLS4zC2q8ZAX3cyafMFxEodcq_GveCHtybM2qKXxKTh9vNDzFEEwtwMRyiI/s800/20100118_cranes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429555745863626242" border="0" />Massive cranes busy in the foreground, giant mountains looming<br />in the background. . .man v. nature anyone?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMxEkGVWe6rcpzNLyY97QwbCvkqHMOyqfdyl7BWaW8SUjV7vaiCj2mUmUeaLiwfsxl9tn-bLw84-atsg5GtyjctSR0sg5P-KuWtqf718eomZNknT6CsfP9JWts-vQGPsjni1wzZDXyYw/s800/20100118_boatride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429555739614509794" border="0" />The only one brave enough(well, besides me I guess) to man the biting<br />cold wind outside on the boat deck.<br />Everyone else was huddled inside wearing their parkas and reading the paper.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 789px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t6d7k59Yl74_bxtfcsf1LlYvHCx5t7w2QDKaNBtEpodQs5LWiprPekyeQSBvS94r9oa2xgv63YrggY800hwP06eE9j7VpgA20b0qAF15WLpv-mCOxd6c35ASmaKI6tszsPxu3cDRIsA/s800/20100118_navyboat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429556056635263218" border="0" />This massive Navy ship was nothing less than incredibly, totally and completely intimating-<br />it's size, shape, and overall militant feel. It clashes with the<br />beautiful, serene surroundings.<br />Along with tourism, the military has a huge impact on the town's economy due to<br />its close proximity to the Toulon port.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6hjAJ_FlBTpBRUCOEY96uicql5s_bFzknbaxjOEaUR0rttXaV1aNEETzmvMVkciN-qLAJAOiYrzfvQxayfU-I6c5tlziOwvukzi-ADd9deoUrtZ36CV7tnx7Dr4XELtpN6NS_GxHwGA/s800/20100118_reflecting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429556067095732674" border="0" />Saint Mandrier welcomed me with an oh-so-colorful arrival.<br />The land was originally an island- Isle de Sépet. It was connected to the mainland<br />in the mid 1600's, which lead to the construction of the town.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 457px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqgZBt0sRkvSqPyHO_pzXatyOWsdIgHRznOQO0f0bIoPzEZAKTAlXxem4-gNMAYi_BAlggSzdnYIaqpo1p0tUGBh6uAe06hswC1j2yUFOFbu74BPskiPbb7AR1Oj387a2kQ1wgCHClBw/s800/20100118_chillin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429555742376001202" border="0" />A worker for the ferry to Corsica, enjoying the sun.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ3Ibkyc3Kd8Ej3ah-ro26DgNLd93euBdeMlnJNg2i2IcAA3dsZTOw6f5fQCwdDPjE4msEpxkewYsgOfUQ2ryOCDM-JJ0d2XT6J0Kag8dH4D-Ne9JLayBePQ5E019NSUSyp5h68JsFe8/s800/20100118_petitlouie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429556062412586818" border="0" />Each little boat has a cute little name.<br />Saint-Mandrier was home to sail-making in the 19th century. It is still a big<br />fishing village with loads of tiny, painted fishing boats.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_fH8oUaB1o6SoKXUT-ieFPPHIpLcqCp7j5yQx61IBZoO33SQ071By31-LoPO_fu9NlowRBXBHnEPXFwdkzCzXOHvDxOMDyw39SYYexVldznWM-KI30uZOvh-YBhtKqQqD5MooWzjbAw/s800/20100118_twobays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429556073154833938" border="0" />Two bays created by the causeway to the mainland.<br />The hike up to the top opened up into a lush green wonderland with <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> view!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 406px; font-style: italic;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmcdmWTBQgrkQV7HytZjWcHvBOkXLxHEcFE6Mw-yvWjBldKFRc4L7qX5e6rpC5w6qvPLvr3-o_yprWPJpp-DVok1pzeSCm4eoFXwUROZUOv-RLtCumQB0kgsYyplrynO6YZmJe5X4Pvk/s800/20100118_bell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429555740601898018" border="0" />Many homes in this town have a space carved out of the stone wall for an old bell.<br />The walls that surround the houses are <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> high enough to ensure the optimum privacy, which the French lifestyle demands.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJsNXoeXiZ2yHF-lDB4zyFrETS39PjX0-ePNQghslBQWxQ8eqnuYAa-Z4XUGhyCsUQixVg37w51xbeQirusqTMSJSt0nHthP6f3wlbUWZb8R5rIK0go9YhD1N2lpiS9VOWPQbwiYiIIo/s800/20100118_above.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429555734680129362" border="0" />Adieu! Saint Mandrier- another little gem de France,<br />tucked away amongst the deep<br />turquoise ripples of the Mediterranean Sea.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-3207504603299684672010-01-19T17:26:00.012+01:002010-03-03T08:19:42.616+01:00The Frugal's Delight<div style="text-align: center;">This is a call to the thrifty- come one, come all.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">January and July- only 2 times a year-<br />a wonderful phenomenon occurs across the <span style="font-weight: bold;">whole</span> of France...<br />SALES! SALES! SALES!<br /><br />These two months are designated as the time where retail stores in France are permitted<br />to have sales on their merchandise, and it works perfectly to draw people out of their houses and descend upon the endless racks of sale items like a vulture to its prey.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2z0LqyzDViNsxEw8Ev3WDLTIf-Rt4XQMV7j7o66TXzWraohp3p49wzcrclvxzwNScx2wto0JaDLHNUYiXbGYz3w_SZLSAhuILgRmr-xQm-LUhiWRFbpjcoAUgtVsNmTpLv1MqsCdo1w/s800/20100111_redsoldes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488411296048610" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 876px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRDo7SAF2CJ_kHbeVdWs64l7IEHNfOVLiScexSbAjeE0ye4_9J5Ea7ULZpX9zxWnIsiFUf-BhM5Rncba6IC0stzr-NkVK6PAQOjVaMwtfu37pINaYP8CodB9Y9Kon-I89xls3UouvHIM/s800/20100109_soldecolor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428492281858618914" border="0" />The signs are everywhere.<br />It's official- January has indeed arrived.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 720px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ELeeX9qBwzjeyaw4u0pVxx2LtQx4u99NeJNLlE3Rt3cVb9EUe8LC85EZmsoGcE1Wtw6dYmr5bGYcYDyZ-qzCQB7cXJ-Ik3AzhLmALVIkm-fVCldVmcXreHnpWxg-Zd54lEqjn7z661M/s800/20100111_brightgreen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428491302093057410" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ2NqgL3yYa7SN6eBukceYIb7ZSUwtLepxmkPcke-OknZYdWiGODkdvqnV5jHX8kYJVWcU7dcg-m77csn3JQ5Vc6AC3_1D2XokdZKnPomygWOFqjIPVRldpPd0qhsu-fYW2wDRUWr2bg/s800/20100116_yellowred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488727847066722" border="0" />During this time it is more rare to see someone NOT<br />carrying a shopping bag of some size, color and design.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjuLX4agGviT0OSVDxGWvfENI4c2VRpuEh7SIIq3XWfboN5-wrBUX5UOx2dNTeFsSp7Ivv_TLn9-BHlkV_OWs-GLogGnbPVW2H1rIm29r351e65xMGREnAU1Ut7bKQoWn70abDRMNXSA/s800/20100116_boots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488712023062674" border="0" />Ok, so we too are guilty of giving in to the pressure of cheaper goods. Sarah made a<br />wonderful purchase of black, knee-high boots...which one cannot survive without in France,<br />or at least not in Toulon.<br />Lily's school is up on a hill, and mother's walk their children up and down the hill(some of them 4 times a day) <span style="font-weight: bold;">IN</span> their black, high-heeled, knee-highs. Pas de problem!<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 424px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wdUlVxw4cMSoQ6LW0d12jvu7EQTiATDiyFHSrM_iXaC5sMq0edpwzbs7Qtc4e3G_aE-itjOSUg1bQmM0GmlLhhsMN1XUx2fBU7xB5MQpHUcVQD7wYqTlGImgL3T5LZq5u7OktOqs0xU/s800/20100116_watches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488723240530418" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 449px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpmx0fHminZ8cEhhjbtp5wUGkkslQrT0oZCju8_ufMCzpheFnjjP482zLo6beci6mS4yE_1ZPQhPP9UqdgtJVCjqMuNfizdXq-2-aNBsuzW8fNjzTmyjHYTo4cWWmT-bcLaCCEya_CkI/s800/20100106_marketsoldes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488396089355170" border="0" />Even the mattress guy at the market has his items on sale.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 532px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CV4Dx1mo7SP-c52lU_E4-tWOcwxX-8zXpe3q9BLZdDdLRe5bI50wHl5GmIt5CcYRLUslzxPPDY19nCSXG_0U5lNiAHP_LQr6UEJ3bWWXqryzbgbyK02p766S1nx3YGPLwdrvM7t5VQ8/s800/20100116_ed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488713822798786" border="0" />And <span style="font-style: italic;">even</span> the chain grocery stores, like Ed here,<br />have their produce and home goods on sale.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOInxS7AtCnTMa83TndN50UqWDkeFTp1Qq6EsyATDiLkwLXbEyM4Y67WEcbO1bUji7I_jMeWTTw638nDCHDHHaTX-VhZOLHyFBXxBCLTFcFQHvCU7wkFxU2mHYWB_Gk2ntDFMxc0Kx9s/s800/20100111_silhouette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488409339047426" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3g3OhigtbLFCAF0VXXQEHP88QTCPQ5blwWaGEAk6uOlOpKXppajBo85G5onhRMBBU2KYV4FHcv57FSulo4BW-Zt6Nu8w6fdFWVnJ6J0CYcQxuqTMnmqnCtik2imp-GlTvY50lnw9fT8/s800/20100111_megasoldes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488406995858082" border="0" />How can one resist a poster signifying -50%?<br />And who cares if the sale price may be a bit high yet, it's still <span style="font-weight: bold;">50% OFF the original!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RZBYpIV9m4A9ld0qLur01IEs-Xcm1lJDU2_KO9I6Au3qTlSXXnQWGQDwBL8JMnoNNNHt6LkHlBjjuH_Jhkv5spHmaEwrxuFWD-xnDwTCJkhW9V8iEYn_Q8TKz5HNVUFHRyNidEMJa0U/s800/20100116_reds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428488718960727298" border="0" />In the end, people may think that Christmas is a crazy time full of shopaholics and<br />moneybags spending their entire year's wages on one day of happiness... but come to France during July or January, and you'll be glad that Christmas only happens once a year.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-73025346466018126672010-01-17T22:14:00.010+01:002010-01-18T17:00:05.829+01:00A Lucky Sunday Find<div style="text-align: center;">On a weekend excursion away from the bustle of Toulon, we found ourselves face to<br />face with nothing but an ANTIQUES MARKET! in the small town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.<br />We stumbled across this town on the drive to Arles, and thus, never<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> made it to Arles...maybe next time team.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63XmMwtz6RSJ2h_PCW-MBLTYdH4qWUM-lQVhlpvDiWk-SAnHyE1zzU0y7FR85W3j4eyrVoKT3yeafnFNeEa0pzijUVnDZmbG-ypViSoEFRrhEpDXchI_mlyQNy8ZokC8tb5swmL6qxS4/s800/20100117_canal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820345931226050" border="0" />L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an old mill town. The small but gushing River Sorgue provided<br />power for the mills, fish for the villagers and great access to trade and industry.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbX5x-xrg8gNG6D_z67LBx9d0j8WUaaIGy58Kxn3RDbnAP4ynbey3Zq574Y8rQvukMCgo5zhd8DCsdPaXMvwRjjCkeR5VDXsOkQjCuP8LLcmONaX-JmrtYszPk-2sxA3Me6R7WuvXgNA/s800/20100117_mill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427828272133302146" border="0" />One of the old mills, moss-covered and still crankin'.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSyG4N5XyYux9FrBJTlGycm7b7ZUN8znJ_9DM_QVB4HgBb0O_Lscir3Y0dVrifqeICFbDhFRTp-pKscb6UYlXyDhdcbf2LJpnT2DpXDJG-hqhXzIqxr8lfBUqgnqaWoZJr7XLbl_8ORc/s800/20100117_mill2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427828269094158818" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoQX-YRxvYGoTRP73uukAhcPxuhpUzD3MGtTJxsmQckTHxuF-Y-8WLLzfQBamvzd2RsmCQOsTYKQAxObtwQvz3OmR8zXM6Z6bbLiQMNtLTkBBHeEZqC07kvASAQFFtse675pHVH2gvtE/s800/20100117_things.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820908275016210" border="0" />The town is known for housing many, many antique shops, and<br />Sunday is the big day for the open-air markets.<br />Oh, and what <span style="font-weight: bold;">goodies</span> we found!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 455px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnvn1T_1-dZwdYDvwT78ojjlQp6ipHwXKv6CkjqfDXxGkb6vWrFs3uV3zsov4tCC4buDpPlNb45MYRxptPlnsdujB8_ynBhVhD4hX-iVGEqVV34E-OXiJmy_xyyahFFeHvdT4PMPCr0c/s800/20100117_antiques.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820337992384626" border="0" />While the weather wasn't perfect, it didn't keep these people home!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 431px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVsgG8Fk2AlEFvMJxAw05LqGn1sNo_rDpYIpDbjJTXdWKRC03qIBMYYFjIJgOzk65TMBj93qm4ZkU_Aml5OVn9iXAj8UvU4Dm9zpJoOVubQ2OiPGBz0A481PgZlSD5NQzSw5GIwhqSoA/s800/20100117_morethings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820689090063554" border="0" />Trinkets galore.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 481px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxbJZGwTH0dF-pPuVMCioO_PS8M7jSWT45zyoNezdDZDnuXCKjdVudaPgCSUwZT1XrY56j6oFDhMo8nAJuLwDRQID6BCn19jtmYTxx36kc3-Q-ysFdjBZsgOhEve7RsutWn4K-HeEtus/s800/20100117_looking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820680761759058" border="0" />Oh yes, you BETTER get dressed up for antique-gazing here...<br />no slackers allowed...well, except us of course.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXYmTdqt003KZrw3HSk52eargFo2lCKNORzEj0gJHXzfF1POPsqhEo7ic9X8vcIBWyj_uqOimqRscWgbApBgxkuZNCmOODqVissO_1JiHrKtPbRyK6Ant5PD2LEWi3kfY56YNbv7EHH8/s800/20100117_goodfinds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820363192340050" border="0" />Another little Venice anyone?<br />Walking around the streets and over iron foot bridges crossing the turquoise water,<br />I felt like I was back in Annecy(minus the freezing snow!).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLpZqrbERs-tbsDhusrHjgviz-cZb2nv9dfU07CEjnTFDoCkleRuOGI5bgg7Gw0EhSq8w-TR5koixXE6RtyrCAtoZW8ABN7E4etjnfYVeQjhqKZwsuihNQqkzApEI1Fca9sph6I7gZok/s800/20100117_peoples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820899427355906" border="0" />So, Sunday is antique day and the regular old market day as well- with the<br />fresh veg, piles of 5 Euro plastic jewelery and leggings of every color.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2Ldc0bQXIlE8u-aah_hVDm5kq_rN3ZE0exy8-zuSbGkdYTEpW1o5yC0Og-zGMwc9V6p5fcRtOv2Ug2bAwZIOiEd5PRxbDcHcCe3qo0weSKgO_nNCJ7wGQk_WS9ymgksJQ7dLKcxc4uQ/s800/20100117_mmmgood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820684576683554" border="0" />One guy serves the food, the other one wishes it was for him...<br />mmm mmmmm looks good<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQ_n9q-2UWzIt5JuOSnwaKjuxcuxF5Ejwv3kN80ieKzOYNr85__lyEowjp-79jLNwaYlMM9r0-qxI_MzU3j6uiON24M4SxqF7FDb1PWXBpoXP9WqKkVv3s9vxoLvQ8MsCnpCA66e6OeM/s800/20100117_kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820675126684402" border="0" />Children only section.<br />Lily looooves this part and is drawn to anything pink, because<br />if it's not pink it's not worth it, right?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 769px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJYlEq30dk2jPH_tpaKpgVVPQZfGjHN4iZCmXeX3ip-oshAB6xrqPHZCWphZtjcyErBV4Zno-AVBiIqjcx3TONM7SYDVu2UvXYrpvt0vso8g6WcoImFePV3odISeD7ib0kb0XOAbHV4E/s800/20100117_caught.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820351362176770" border="0" />Caught red-handed buying lettuce for her salad later.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQMbHDamivh4YIf-1aknK3SfHEzdddRY4S1RXEqCI68GmIFA9LEQ61H1nuSUKCWND-A9RHwuWpE12d8gpMzox9qz-7yD47PtDsmaoOi8vJHApLFdKcZpP978TLuifBi3rvlZdMloMep0/s800/20100117_newfriend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820691511416146" border="0" />New friends are always welcome. This is Geraud and his lovely, colorful bike that he so kindly let me try out. Oh, and he plays the recorder, too.<br />He then wrote me a note asking for an email with the photo, scribbling in all caps<br />"PLEASE SEND ME YOUR NICE FACE!<br />TANKS A LOT, YOUR OLD FRIEND GERAUD"<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDa-mxDzE-uexJ_7lNUktC4bYGSohwU6fGjlq9sCnwKYTscDqE_bw8eIujDaq9D3NI39zTOy29d3Ma7O5hK1dZTBcsoBOUnZket23B-T59i3RV44IMp14hkVZ6_K2dbC_O80hgoCrbAs/s800/20100117_running.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820903904521474" border="0" />Goodbye L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and thanks for your cheery charm on a cloudy day.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09FCEyuYgHFzmu9rmGgaO7g-4lYyZ-8DoFnHu6DdMHbvKfjioVUH9Nrw7RZDmAzgdRIlwAkEepVreZfQO6KepiUHvDSGo-9l-H6gTcRsTWs6YocuFaXAwVwhsPScoUt3KokFrQ-0va2c/s800/20100117_bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820340355725314" border="0" />Back on the road, and home to Toulon...<br />where it was thankfully sunny and almost 60 degrees!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-69921040158132482072010-01-14T10:54:00.007+01:002010-03-03T08:19:15.341+01:00Give Me Some of That Southern Sun<div style="text-align: center;">Just like winter in Florida, people flock to the south of<br />France with the hope of feeling that lovely southern sun on their faces.<br /><br />It is actually the rainy season here now, and last year at this time the region got 80% of its annual rainfall in just 2 months...ugh...I guess I happened to pick the perfect time to visit!<br />On a good day though, we are lucky to catch some rays from sunrise to sunset.<br />And when that happens, it is beyond words...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 404px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz81pTGE4UBEap8-we8cTdbYfosS3izeCaooDVJ-UAPyrRqxOxrGkXB9XLLQX_oHgFJGj_92ee9MmlIhzdogAR4eRygjTAFTaQRY10D5oxxIEjL3Tof7BeL2nVVLBabD-ds_kJtyujRg/s800/20090103_sunrise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426531927094418114" border="0" />Just a 5 minute walk from the house...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 725px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbTkFkZROWE74iBK83p-Z7LLa1nWrzPCRKtxm-DUo6k6rIupCn_GCXeW8H3KxwRuLBJ7BpIJeOdzAYdGtjOTOztTw4Y27Qt3SERUJtD7WejC9j_Ebdo7XJNcH8jigN5plirMSZLdM2AQ/s800/20090103_sunrisetree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426531931397821634" border="0" />Peaking through the trees!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZutCFSUe1y5eoG5xXO05r7Q-fvnQFTey3JXVvpV4a_TAclIJWufP4lMMavuBlqSpuWIyRzQd9QSSJD25yn7m3M0sXmZTQzjBua68OCZqLwRplLltxGbv45TBP8-TB_EP7OqKijXplZZ8/s800/20090103_purple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426531923215485586" border="0" />With a sunrise like this, the <span style="font-style: italic;">entire</span> sky is an amazing multicolored splash.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCapPjYSJ3MsEtDu5_VsZah7x-zRbRDMCxfX4PZhaFbcGkIL8YYSrMdoOptBbghyphenhyphencCrvoSF9WDBJaEfhWOnymCO14SZB2BQD5rMzl8cJGT_enPf7YAjPsZtlY7BDD6dRBBSoQ8PJQNkB8/s800/20100106_tothemarket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532406949185074" border="0" />And as the sun wakes up, so do the people of Toulon. It is market day today in<br />Mourillon- one of the very chic areas on the eastern edge of Toulon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryDCTQWw4TKpxuP7pnhoNNdskXUAPt-sv10ljARDT3uFIRfpjWvZIVvlP7MF95I0OB6sxrWAELXWAIzVOfBSMCJp4Vgk5QrRthXQtu9QtUfIiTUB_DVsExTte4SOSwBUni63glPUtW8Y/s800/20100106_oldtruck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532401529083586" border="0" />Typical market stands consist of tables stacked with piles of fresh produce and<br />maaaaybe some type of covering if it's rainy...<br />but one man in Le Mourillon prefers to sell his meat right from his truck.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 497px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC2flvyAnrsWs9n-OmkyYaoVxtaxhxoRf3LA_WWcPn4PHit5QoSlNALVwKjVGBMVA57iMZoBlJ_KpYxSOudhXcKI-6DvpfC7VFAgZnEJZzjeCCxbNVT3mcAbf1ekGEYwj4SDxQ4YxM5s/s800/20100106_bootshadow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426531938081252594" border="0" />We have yet to discover who truly wears market clothing....it's expensive and not all that wonderful. But the ladies selling the clothes are always dressed to the nines-<br />which by their standards means- extra tight pants, metallic puffy coats with faux-fur hoods and heals that suggest clubbing, not marketing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 792px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQvVOj0uccn39fNeqdC9aXWJ_RkE7AywEym05n8WUTfKdQsxZf9SJFfI5_d0X3tFUGjT_BnRDNRRKYYo9N-PIw4KOqqFeCA9IxQpoB1cR-R3KmyXNgYXWOTMZdx8_czmma8DM6sC8ghA/s800/20100111_lightbeam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532419060248898" border="0" />When the sun is at its highest, it cuts through the<br />tall buildings and narrow streets of Old Toulon.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 825px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76r-UqgND21rv9EOxYs4-aHmolUQszQ8ghE-KL7ZgvsuGogNUjEP73v8xfWodFDtE-Z8n5R0Ivd9sV3oUaSEcYhuWQx9Px63sISYGqZnMhR9pVT7FJX36Di5qsI9eJ-ahoRJ3sCLU2cQ/s800/20100111_clothesline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532411928302578" border="0" />The southern sun dries clothes out like no other.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 849px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs74MzwKcs77Hp4pzideCjAfaeYEj-KBk9s3OzV5ih68I6EcZFxCtdvge1BfHcXtp66meutdldPfEBE2Qx-mY9vds2_CFSqoTOnDerV5EEaqKO9BVqzbQl8yb3B-COCF1uTTpPDJFPWs/s800/20100106_momdaughter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426531942451503394" border="0" />Mother and daughter skipping along into the sunlight. We took<br />the long way home from the market to work on our tans, but it also<br />meant a lot more walking... Beauty is pain, right?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zoRX07n2GQs-yyroedc1E-EdtjdOvfoYOFeiGNfYpUV3GDrXmXFm4NKwg0iW4EfDQAIsztUk-her9tkCAlg36pi56lHXCZgtjp4WYOOghruEB-4OfaCD8XvWIn8tjKVE5eNWEOij5S0/s800/20100111_three.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532623801973074" border="0" />There is no better place to end a beautiful day than right along the water's edge... </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcbvbMq65vDdNs5WMxrEPCUmODa5HgdF-FnVuXkXV1_5aI1o2h3NA1RpQLo7BUZziFPlPKAB4-GGErHRsnRleMJdAJCuMprw6zn1qZSbZDm3m1oELJKhZfbRyzYgk5DHHboAvqFtiLqg/s800/20100111_slides.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532614925738290" border="0" />AND playing on slides at the park!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4lBbpcc7f1DE3Lz6JWr_qV7ugJHenMjgSvqdH9BGitDG-tM3sxySW7yMi4Mbt3eDsoPx49_bx-hT9sfor6-viPuRTXQZEIaxRF1hVkr4puXQrgAbP5Cg2fdMvpZzhnQlJTIYDFceCC8/s800/20100111_sunsetwow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532618428010610" border="0" />We waited to see the sunset before we packed up and went home for the night,<br />and we could not have made a better choice.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V3vBWi33bnRig1FCHYiUbjmsk2CtF47kFTx6mfooPaIdJxEZw-e9Ln2V4hW96fiLsLV62r0w0Sq-HKerQdsi7AdaFVCHLCAoKJ0cCouYzObFbHwUln5Bgc0y1kdBhBy_OuwCT8xTxoY/s800/20100106_sunbird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426532406417264914" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-31582286285663721382010-01-08T16:09:00.005+01:002010-01-13T13:04:40.403+01:00Colors Galore!<div style="text-align: center;">So, when it comes to colors in Toulon, I wouldn't say they <span style="font-style: italic;">over</span> do it....but they definitely DO IT.<br />From houses and schools down to the small details,<br />Toulon is covered with a noticeable vibrance typical of French coastal towns.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsMYGqjoq0X6u70beHnns0XXgcFZIVXW7qi19fZ3EXmqDcynVkuQBES84hZuZWq_t_17ZbULEdF_asQp7i7yzKt33NkwOYzGYYSUcjeRIz1pVwQVziqEb9n8kkFf7TBLrE3D1J9DFQMo/s800/200100107_blueorange.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424389145916636946" border="0" /> A modern art gallery and personal residence compliment each other beautifully!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 456px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys4t37Y55dYyCTYqy6EGjiw5eEL0jikHH1rcpn97tat9hOHcOxxPuh7IUCuoU67LL-eH2SBROOeu_X8h3XWiPv0e5r2jSYxZzrXJpG2u3imTOAp3T5wwgtjMqQZjnXOZ1Y5MCItM9bVQ/s800/20100107_yellowpurple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424387332087135298" border="0" />And for the Toulon specialty...A car to match your gate anyone?<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwKPKmzuqJpdXINrwqSXslQZmtRm13wePiO_X2YATQSz9Vl6S7qAwcwroWBMD1T-ebb6yG2PtKLp6fVlGoKLXJrIUkCBaRvYsSEsxN5WETr6DhWN1LhUvP5HY-FjJfHm8Kbx4UA-Aeg8/s800/20100107_yblue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424387327370082114" border="0" /><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 504px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWt6CNhnsqFe7q-Ib9V41AT6fXBxFLPk80kVG_g1LfjwqkP2_DcNOxDvjT7u2mxa-_XsR2NYHwV5L2cNkAE1E6np-gkHSeq9wjlj_Cx4PYfKZnh540G-xlH6nBkEbkGaQWR5gr3HOZI8/s800/20100107_playground.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424387325459724578" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXiiBv9VxZ4et6QWT9iMU9DgF-4cfRwpyH8iHNRYx73YS942ch39ezlsXK96AdNSCMorXA9KWax4sHzpBBP4IGmB_sZ0q5b5dWpys7hu0KvkXPw13X8CtLPx6GLsqgXLik7gYOxibtJQ/s800/20100107_orangegreen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424387323193451570" border="0" />Nearly each entrance is bejeweled with not only a brightly painted fence, but also a<br />colorful plaque showing the house number and sometimes a cute name.<br />We know people who name their boats, and sometimes their cars....here they name their houses...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe5ULnj6jj74dA62BRV1sS6r3zkZZPBneCPPFoyEBHUtAHmQ8EJ5giEVr3qcs94IjIMjSvGBJHUwBbJRf7uFDysmZfliHlyasq36BFXaN89di3RZY1ICW5K4epG3YOdmJQICIBBUtZP8/s800/20100107_grorge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424387317992138834" border="0" />Even the older, more run-down houses have a little spunk, character and of course... COLOR!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 484px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm5-Uf4PDcBPK0LXnWlM1n2oVBYS-J6v-2USdGjVLsFJD0y7SBZobWlIOELhYFJwXVLejEwisdFxn5iAfxINVKj0JVQmGwxm3hSlvPEn7FUC1REb2JUlLhrpBsAMABuYiurfdgJ7mYPE/s800/20100107_greenorange.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424386936116490210" border="0" />The building on the right is an école...I'd be excited to go to school<br />too if it was in a building that looks like the sun rising out of a sea of orange.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 439px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFLT0JucpTjzo2WKcohBxBYgV5CiqFLtoaJc5GXitdKZgFuT4lXNFDrj7cCpMbYYp37LfVum2DgCmun9NRNg-fx6sfoHlo8feu9TH7jYvNATLHOxGwKCEz2E-RllNPhVnE8jubEYOadY/s800/20100107_blueyellow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424386931034397634" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8gkIeVlErhsFHd5M3_dmFSBrzZDpKd2yn1dgdlTcwj8Xtq9BN09qe7GNqBIBK8KXG-Gt2qlF_XExsgoc6A0MWDcNHQ_OCkTV9gRMBTswsAejXnSSs3qwqHBazc2jbvFvodr8Lj_x9Ec/s800/20100107_blues.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424386928259736466" border="0" />All shades of blue in one.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiI7ttAqD8FipPkSNKzWA5l43-Dw2q04cD5nSQNj7ngpMymntEEacJNsaFpobdlbjmXynF2o_6xpVOFVLIYf9XhetaixSUmXmZ7REi2I9deHsJD8Yt0jUJfwIXZi3SSxHxLizLtQf7Fc/s800/20100107_balcony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424386914984964802" border="0" />While graffiti is usually seen as dirty and ugly, it can also provide color and has an<br />undeniably artistic quality to it. The back alleys and small, less traveled streets are chock full of interesting displays of self-expression.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 452px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWntRKOi4T4AcxhhCe6oRHSJjXanb0-jOJ6WOQRUXgho-LcWbreXQ5pCjCC60zTYC19oTlJYNpa932VykSCV-385iCk6jenL9GP441nU9yVOhY8CQ191dZoaL1uhvWNKmhsthIcjEJFoA/s800/20100107_bluered.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424386917219151394" border="0" />Red, white and blue REPRESENT!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The people in the south seem much happier and relaxed than up north in Paris.<br />It's difficult to be in a sour mood when you're surrounded by so much color and liveliness!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-60312544987883569292010-01-04T15:48:00.005+01:002010-01-09T22:28:55.393+01:00Who Likes Mimosas? WE DO!<div style="text-align: center;">A new favorite town has been found! This is our last joint adventure before Hannah heads back to the Chi and leaves Erika seul en France.<br /><br />So, we were originally under the impression that a mimosa was solely a wonderfully refreshing drink to sip on in the summertime...but we now know it is all that and MORE. The town of Bormes-les-Mimosas, which means 'the Sunny One', goes back to Roman times and sits high on a mountain top right off the coast.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbBoibJMb7dPCKPBoq_NiDi5XNF0Lj8_XhsiRrzIahiBvFEaOeVghbb3xTjOnGb5Tcv_2NaueMda1_pSSyEM-XPV4wVWUAZGZztVgJkn5U5wrEjRgAgUYm7ejA7xovhaxBOCC74SlJkY/s800/20091231_mimosa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422897286340365634" border="0" />It is full of Mimosa trees, which are the most beautifully blooming flowers around, and<br />such bright, bright yellow. The best time to enjoy the flower display is the end of January<br />into February, but we were lucky to catch a little glimpse of the wonder!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFM98UrHj3JWnEvzPThCFjjzTdkjSX0tPOtI8GmpbaIqYXj2N96PX16CnTIPkXDufGa3znKXLE64SSEs2_MKNfVNzde0Y7wyg6ee6qFU1HY2_AtHCZS8Lx-eyZyzbsBxyRYw0aiauEF0/s800/20091231_houses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422897282682841250" border="0" />The colorful buildings and private gardens were picturesque- so lush and overflowing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrsPQbqK7Pk3TNTAeYGNOWAhemY5ySx1y2tpLTZlMMlALtqDjC43lK7RXBVM02qFwwhQi-Wf7CH032Mb37ByqVNRzpIomf-i58AqLq1UQHTJDg-a1g79fTZSIxD1WGAkIyez9-dZMYYI/s800/20091231_colors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422897270875837346" border="0" />Lily fit right in that day with her bright pink dress and yellow dandelion.<br />*Fun fact- dandelion in French is "Pissenlit"- literally 'piss in bed'- because<br />they are a diuretic and make you pee yo' bed. Dandelion soup all around!!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_ffz_OPSfQzgrZhs3rfUur-fv33kJ0e5So0f2d1QxuLKwMJXgD7jHsInpo_jxR7fSghUvRhxy5MDcPDVz7XfupVfLX3b8yhytCxpwF2UGp5yx5UK0-pNEZPH5qrWk2s4e_38vP1gE_s/s800/20091231_mimstreet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422902429721469362" border="0" />A child's playground! There were so many arches with hidden passageways, you never knew where you were going to end up on the other side.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRPqTuy4Ns_LSK_TlP678Ys1UAHRpBSJqpOkR6Fo8ECT6Pogg8ez3WaJbYyCUNlDERfoL7wXC3EwO6RYKYko_VzuzLcHLczw_CrrQAQFbYgLKS_gLu34a5c1jXK_XaiElCjqtnAwJkrQ/s800/20091231_hikeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422897276741137474" border="0" />Our hike up to the old Château. The grounds are now a private residence- lucky<br />owners whoever they may be!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qYDg6kx49ojTHcntQVtgDZm5gd-7jsewMdw4gZesPZ_pxWugUspRXdEJnoFM0WgBZnDXpVMYruDkhqI-fG1rOrjsBO077bZERqi2R1zddyXedgO5dTINi_m45tzH1NG5koT0xrAfUss/s800/20091231_castle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422897267807073154" border="0" />The Chateau from way down below...but we finally made it up and stood on the grounds overlooking the beautiful Med and the clouded-over rolling landscape.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAYY5UN4XPzh44zjhGzImCOXBJwNzlYF4j9zld8eIBYx-Hj1m6cgErbmagEWn00ydObSxFxnV_KQoSdSk9Bn8KfhgW_So33Q-UO4b_q3A3fMv35W48Q0dokaz4-MPtJCdetVB0bF9b8o/s800/20091231_topview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422902437617885602" border="0" />Since it is right on the coast and very open to invasion, Mimosa was constantly<br />attacked and plundered throughout the Middle Ages. The town has been restored, but<br />very little original architecture remains.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1a0goMPkLYOTW0eP831hDWJS59noZWNJgWrNh-Oe-lkrGXmpAAESXRWyY-Q7X8OCWlwbnSViLf5GZDzvribcggkd3CEIUQCbRWrhaqHSZctcxa_DnqzKksHVLnXacCE7qGhLzPsp-KQ/s800/20091231_passage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422902433498315506" border="0" />More passageways, we couldn't get enough of them.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 488px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjXDRonrWTgv9-nZCrjk760SQ3ikuKjx-YPwZ5Bxv3VPGYNIvTGAs6K6mI5GAW4ioeeX7jWbicUC7U4GqiasawW3m6TTu0I5qQrthsH6FPesVQH2t6_OfqNg9il1FkPXJ3_yIZH4Fvbk/s800/20091231_vines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422902442426244818" border="0" />Beautiful flowering vines and vines turning golden and orange from the cold<br />covered the already brightly painted buildings.<br />This was the perfect send-off back to snowy Chi-town.<br />Goodbye dear friend Hannah and good luck with the new job- you will be missed greatly!!!!<br /><br />Hopefully we will be able to make it back for the real flower show in the future,<br />but for now we will be looking for a vacation home here too, so again,<br />anyone interested in going in on it with us?<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-69384888280954273692010-01-03T14:26:00.009+01:002010-01-06T22:28:04.126+01:00Toulon Toulon, ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Yea <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TOULON</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wooo</span>!<br /><br />So, we decided to put on our tough game faces and head to an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Albi</span> V <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Toulon</span> rugby game. Since this was a first for both of us, we looked up the Rugby Union Rules before setting off...but were only slightly better off for our self-education of the game.<br /><br />We will share with you what we picked up along the way watching these athletes, with no guards or padding, pummel each other into the plush earth of the Toulon home stadium...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnahZtbc9oyiZWjVmgUQL7jnH7xeV79t35zLJFBWLd6iBzfeXlX2IEurFRnteQJCaWm89wci2ycZ-0CyblwPE7IeLRhl4QF4i_2koRBHQLaV_F3voI-IeEQVlzh0WUkMz2pT6AdOfVE/s800/20091230_smokin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512291281492130" border="0" />And out come the teams- Toulon in red, Albi in yellow- emerging from a mysterious cloud of smoke from the far end of the field. Talk about first impressions...we knew these guys were up to no good.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 449px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIOBCKbaaIJqlxZ7LT_YQhK0fLFWXuYUGu2La6t9g7N-gbUFyrIuQtqZaZgIbCgQFmiPQSCN5kcZ7v7bxuzzgb0mNLUR3eVvCgJW9UTYdEH9o0y1y5rBRVzTM3Mdn0k9dHqzrLR7Um1I/s800/20091230_waving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512295540396402" border="0" />The ceremonial waving of the flags-<br />Let the games begin!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 491px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj5VRjSBTFPqtY8RWJBXK-QCXY0KCMqq_6xoE_DMGEi9rfOjtRon9fx_6mv74YGfpSZIBHBLPGbkXuYJ8OlNZ0BTYjY1D2NK2XLfiFjgO9GKfDV2MngqMpv3KFrd2fRj489sSrp81kXY/s800/20091230_dedication.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512916158737474" border="0" />This dedicated fan was up there <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">aaaall</span> night long, waving his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Toulon</span> flag for the good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ol</span>' home team. Will it help? We'll have to see....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-z5wplNUg4yuXhba1-7t-wDmH4fMaKCdxuh8IZW9bJuEZdK_LX95XqVGh2KYtxXj71IqZp5AKrBEq-K8K1X6-hKhJ3C7f8V9FZMhYiGDsf99AILhfFOMqlxKacG9hboV5XuoSJMdtYM/s800/20091230_scrum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512295681982642" border="0" />This move here is called the scrotum, oops, scrum... and um, it is one of the 3 restarts of the game(along with a free kick or a penalty kick). The ball is thrown under the interlocked heads of the players, and each team tries to kick it backwards toward their own side to start the play.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pDZrY1I_H-jUQKWnxm7noKgUW_9tYfRrDoLQgYDqv9EWsi3ijs0fWZmXAxOaP4NYFHaW3ZedUv1HF8_Dvcr5OQoCNOAdzhXAu6MWx2uvGj0k3rCSwfmbJUp9Bt4vbLHK015-ZnhyZvo/s800/20091230_liftup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512903496479042" border="0" />The reds and yellows line up for a Free Kick, each team holding a player up to try and snag the ball that is kicked from the sideline to restart the game.<br />And THIS guy has been up, <span style="font-style: italic;">out</span> of his seat, for <span style="font-style: italic;">minutes</span> on end hollering about who knows what.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 432px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeKb11padlxK1gzvjwryWN424XkTtgRokVr2bCbBwJYe6yvIOHqKLDFdnawrN1zrXV4dkjVpQi70Ag-xiGpXgPbnEAJ15SWHteqe8GEoDI8SkaK5l881suIHrZnSd3VzwisnzdX0PSVo/s800/20091230_classic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422513140437100210" border="0" />Classic move directed at the poor, poor ref's by the distressed crowd. And the classic phrase that accompanies this move is... "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Qu'est</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">qui</span> à?" "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Qu'est</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">qui</span> à?" (What happened?) We must have heard this at <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">least</span> once every 30 seconds throughout the 80 minute game.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt42nWVE7-hSlnVojkRDsPMfiS7SavgWEclubDVOhmX1mmhnXp4Vtz0uKObqmnZeWi78E8Q-erHJVb_0OJeUYJ94V0HTO8bntgIpc8dsQsXeK30q24cGbh5ae3IVNlD9XiK8PsgQCYbM/s800/20091230_durrr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512916141523410" border="0" />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ALLEZ</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ALLEZ</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ALLEZ</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">TOULON</span>!"<br />...Note the flattering red scarves.<br />We tried to find the vendors before the game so we too could look that good.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1PomIbtvG5CwY-4ATb_rG_-odr_iHWmdoR9jjdKv804Nj_pMCMFDRNu0dAVtcvUdjGUhC4O4I5TRCkR30f3dmvvXCHMhx1swgG5CyDe8RD-9Lm3VlVTEKL2nG6kWdJ709hxGeb3fk0I/s800/20091230_hmmm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512913427194690" border="0" />Lip-biting anxiety...what's going to happen...is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Toulon</span> going to pull through...?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmoAn-vd46BX7vr_b7w1TTamz_kRWKEi013ih2D8htBROC-Nf4mpZXt-Qxqk4IM_bczgb3TNmdJEaI0Au86ciBBS6KFaqwcOsNgHf0JpGK6os_EeQds64qpLEJPfnl0H0eCsm2qoq6fc/s800/20091230_kick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512906692436786" border="0" />A very nice place kick by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Jonny</span> Wilkinson, right through the goal posts. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Jonny</span> was far and away the most popular player on the field. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Makin</span>' it count with his stunning kicks, his name was announced over the intercom every single time....which was a lot.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQKRu0XZrXZxT1ElLNfSYivp6Ou4hR2k5-fXQWHmokgYucplkiYRzNfrCXcMD8icpiH2SvuREZLpOu10LAJWjTP2K_GtrzykPFbVvGH4rHhdkKNkkmA8WwY6SXdgmEuGyx-U4vU84QNA/s800/20091230_bonerpile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422513140974247314" border="0" />And every once in a while as many of them as possible jump on top of each other to see just how high their man pile can get. From here the play is often over, but every once in a while the ball magically pops out from the depths and the play goes on.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tqBbZ99RH9Up5Q6YaotwwNjrLjyqyt2-zFCFZDbhnVY7yDfjJO9thEKGd9FQC5-FIWwFBvcI2C682tAZgC5gl8DHB_gZoItZSfIuTh-i4XUlwCl6ZeE41e_JA-htTrBUuY1HPGj6Odw/s800/20091230_yaywewon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512286485217266" border="0" />Number One! Number One!!! Final score 41 to 13...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lookin</span>' bad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Albi</span>, better luck next time....<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NOT</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 975px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tWwVxp0rvgGejpSZXp9djMB1pCepUhsMsB997tQP8QfXyDpFXNYCK3Nk4xb7mMxJjfrEN6g3SdILb4yc05FeRH89isWlRlIxv4uMjYtUkrJOMFW4zt28_8q3kma1_lpMxrGrLKGtcP4/s800/20091230_sappyend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422512303368452850" border="0" />And the victory lap around the field at the end of the game.<br /><br />The bright lights were dimmed in the whole stadium. A slow, sappy French song that reminded us of <span style="font-style: italic;">Titanic</span> filled the air. The players walked along together, followed by a spotlight. They bent down periodically to pick up dirt balls that were kicked up during the game and hurled them at one another. We're all still kids at heart...<br /><br />TOULON FOREVER<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5071933829067143642.post-18390574164136833272010-01-01T12:57:00.009+01:002010-01-03T16:24:26.598+01:00Le Castellet & Cassis<div style="text-align: center;">One of the many benefits of staying with family in the south of France is that we actually have the time and the means to act like tourists. Instead of slaving away for hours in old farmhouses (we know, we know, you feel <i>so bad</i> for us), we have the chance to go out in the countryside and explore some of the hundreds of cute villages of Provence. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Up first was Le Castellet. We took a trip to this little town perched on a mountain top overlooking the Var on a crystalline late December day. </div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ofQbVA7ckn2HDnI7p4gfJFgA1H4srUwbhV2oxgUHkPGD3S_yKJcKas1Ku-EKDQb5soBXQjFqQtwiXvnKUVZ4UF7rOY5x0iKbd2sCpBYNL-IB8hGFUCfO0ZYApLHF9Gv_k1i6zmcZgjI/s800/20091227_castellet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740434637608994" border="0" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">We went early in the morning on a Sunday during the holiday season which meant that for the most part, we had the entire town to ourselves. </div><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEkZMDlk5Nd_PgkClyxzZRZC9T0G9bW0xxsLD0-D2iiirjrWcgWdeDzLnmJ8qnr_Ei4mZ1wQJINLH3mAqGAvfQDsIactY-I9mdSTjxZnXCHDqCkR2K0z_LOG-rAvsrEZ2rYKV86T0sHY/s800/20091227_street.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421739782268728274" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Though it was almost eerily quiet, Le Castellet showed many promising signs of life -- lots of delicious looking restaurants and artisanal shops. Unfortunately, everything was locked up tight so we have a perfect excuse for coming back another time. </div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 560px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xpZCNAyscxcDeQ7r-kPDxaKQ0qmb0pMu0ggnQnOHrhVaqlmaqT1Z_NIiTDvJffgzqxH5FceKDP1qq_yZS6UYL0sVjmZw0grJ_q81B0ikf2ztVvHWjGnQUstk1pS4HVSqMgGgdqxDlIo/s800/20091227_church.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740429418973714" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of the structures in the town, including the church (above left) and the old city wall, are constructed from this sandy colored limestone that is extracted from the valleys nearby. The old wall was surprisingly well preserved, reaching almost entirely around the base of the village. </div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 975px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjqQaMLbTrrVw09KpbXnAnnK_x-SwOgx9y_8LVsG_8fEFH-zUnf3SGUVq3zO62vPxsDS-SSV0iyQ3xuWjI1By27kxru0Bad_JqUajSGEryJVV0f8hydft_EkCHkUyPHORNpjctSY5JuM/s800/20091227_arch2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740754998010850" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Meandering through the narrow, winding lanes of Le Castellet, we were frequently treated to views like this out of the many archways built into the ancient ramparts. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCwc6aWy8pi1F7qf8I-OYQCsoizkzsmGRI04yFfp8i1vIGcIyQ-wo3dibwEjCFzKSg6Me8Dd14L69JNtdDijpdVyq_q1G82Dlctg4xurSdMWg6IERZa1OultGkMKXXPtcbP6NHjdQgeQ/s800/20091227_archrun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740754831497266" border="0" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides providing stellar views, those sturdy arches are great for running through!</div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2J3nO7ePoV2RmGoIN7Q3fZjL_tzBaN8E2BzSf5G2m1uxZzsKwaL9U7-IIR3s8Dt5pjdEugCCJpkE9NiZHK7VIIKOlfbUn5ATf2G0gulm7_prTGM5Z3swOJD7tHNFFqlZWY6E_wnT2HA/s800/20091227_fishlooking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740424312632514" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lily was fascinated with this old water basin where the women of Le Castellet used to fetch water. There were a few goldfish swimming around the freezing cold and some dead ones resting on the bottom...we graciously neglected to point those out.<br /></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1GB1FcuZOlQBOJY_fehQ2NAWGpxJlsR-zLPI2VsW4Qbp0HEgyzhcQ6wKXYMqvXCFUaxpunbwVdFJAwqtOncA5lpFvpHl1bK5NTvnq0lhp9CTCl1zt5c3rdW_D1c7aeNLDOmG7w4MBMg/s800/20091227_theview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421739778553542882" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Like most views that look out over vineyards and the sea, the one from Le Castellet's little hill was truly a sight to behold. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After our brief visit to Le Castellet, we all decided it was time to get a little closer to that sparkling sea in the distance. We had a sunny day on our hands and we weren't going to waste a minute! So, we made our way to Cassis, a little fishing town on the Mediterranean. </div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXGJDuZM0SYD4pai_OlY9BLPLh0ldmE442xax-OtNOHnvzxG35hp3fY_ZB0DApLP0MmGZ6yb0N5TtcCkLWhW8LHIKJFPvhvKEzkAqDq-XaOmxm5_Vfn2nV_bKfXi-z9eIOzsX738aAgA/s800/20091227_chillin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740430898650786" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Upon arrival, we were immediately taken by this place. The sea was an unbelievable shade of blue (a true "cote d'azur") and people were out in large numbers to enjoy the weather. It was nice to see a French town actually appear inhabited in the winter -- apparently not </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">all</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> French go into hibernation in December. </span></span></span></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-2hDf_2PI5MhSkQIRq5ODCGQfTuVmrjnM9vpW15xQ-JYJjvhR9E4PK2TukTM5x6QEr13aB9yROkJBkejmcapNtHtCr_3Qj17to4XH0FiYh4GT7_WZ_rlemryTVV_-HINsiKZROWoAXs/s800/20091227_shadows.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421739788154682466" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The shores of Cassis have long been popular with people in this region. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Cathaginians all lived here and traded on its shores. The town was rebuilt over the ancient Roman ruins in the 17th century and over the next few centuries, continued to be popular with fishers and pleasure-seekers alike looking for a place to bask in the sun.</div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOxfmNyUVhdpgI7lBiTl1opqjBbd5O-2Ydj9iTzyjbJC_kOhY_kYO_dzsTOay-_d3535Ox5tTsHhwCdVFmNwCYj2PQSinRio6tRA8c-k_LguJ3yr6CDiK9jXVISpvlpHazG-QvSKgttk/s800/20091227_cassistreet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740438990766738" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia,serif;">Cassis was a truly picturesque place with wide open pedestrian streets, trees casting dramatic shadows and vibrantly painted buildings, all made more lovely by the clearest sky imaginable. It was also surrounded by tree covered hills, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the ocean, so each little street led to a different natural wonder.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 975px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSYO-mot8TDUVgH8yWEUInx8ffwOgSNZ_k5ydCbwuM2rcb8ujXag3TbtflY1PUFX520vKAnEbB0XHfR3Wx3ozghmDfAjhYfC_BL742C7H3qROOmy_Sa7FEAJafV-YJp0po8MoFKOVHsQ/s800/20091227_macars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421739801391752114" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another realllllllly nice thing about Cassis was its offering in the Patisserie Department. Over the past several months, we have been doing our best to embrace the French custom of partaking in the small joys of everyday life. One of the most integral of these small pleasures is the pastry...some of our favorites include croissant aux amandes, pain au chocolat, brioche, chaussons aux pomme, and the little beauty you see above, the macaron. Admiring the beauty of macarons is almost as enjoyable as eating them. They come in the most vibrant shades and exciting flavors. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsEcwcKVyHcdDtJdTKeskgnxLzJyrE-xLU0349klShPiGfxipohyphenhyphenEopJeehUlatOATvx00hOqDXmdCQ22cOjQthAM_jO0w2GTvgCziV_v9eT-XwCZQ0lYRIyJvHGhB1Pebqlq_6VofDc/s800/20091227_people.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421739795674138802" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, let us return to that beautiful coast!!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On this particular day, happiness was definitely in the air. The French came out and did what they do best, sat in cafes and talked about life. People seemed more animated here than normal. In general the French are relatively reserved in public. However, in Cassis the spirit of the Mediterranean is definitely in the air...some people them even dared to wear colors and laugh out loud in public! Sacre bleu!</div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 650px; height: 433px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieezFs-yAtNwaEFenrbPAG-HfBjl5EoP_JKmiz03rVNeiV31tslaNvzQ9rZQ1m55VAqp-PDho01ouothyphenhyphencDSiVefVx-PVM0VETm6cx5YsLOg_kmAmgJKkh83BW15t71QIFtAzqkboJFWM/s800/20091227_beach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421740748001520210" border="0" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed this little tour to some of Provence's little gems. Happy Winter!<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com