11.6.22 France and old Friends

18 years ago, Todd visited Amber at this home in the countryside of France where they fell in love and started a long story together. Part of the family still lives here and invited us all to come and stay with them for 4 nights during the long All Saint's Day weekend.

The 3 bed, 2 bath gîte is half built into the ground on the left up the path, with the main 2 story house on the right.

The boys loved exploring the green, wet country--quite a contrast from the browner, dry Southern Spain where we've been living.

Feeding the chickens, collecting eggs, feeding and playing with Wednesday the bunny, and petting Casper the cat were major highlights.

Amber was an au pair for the Whittington's in 2004-2005. Graham prepared multi-course dinners for us with a yummy cheeseboard afterwards.

Amber took care of Daniel when he was 3. The boys loved spending time with him and he was a gracious host and tour guide.

A hike up on the hill is the 13th century castle and church of Rochefort-en-Valdaine. Ancient castle communities litter the countryside.

A vew of Drôme and the house in the lower left where Todd once stayed.

Heading to the Oct 29th Montelimar Saturday morning market!

So many wonderful olives

And the cheeses! Fromagelicious.

Our market haul. The tomatoes were the best, followed closely by the cheese, grapes, figs, pastry, mache, olives and nougat.

We set out for a day trip to Saou. It was fun to experience the changing of seasons.

In a magnificient valley!

And we met up with Todd's old friend Phil, who has been living and playing music in this region of France for 13 years and who hasn't seen Todd in 17 years.

We met Daniel's mom for a picnic and went mushroom hunting.

Le Pont du Gard: The tallest and well preserved Roman Aqueduct in the world.

Construction began about 60AD/CE to carry water to the Roman baths and fountains of Nimes. And our boys loved playing in the water running beneath it.

We enjoyed our French cafe lunch on the riverside terrace. And the dessert!

Hand chisel marks in each limestone block made us wonder how this was quarried, contructed and put into place nearly 2000 years ago.

Palais des Papes in Avignon: Several popes lived in this gothic palace fortress in the 14th century due to political turmoil in Rome.

That famous bridge halway across the Rhone.

Parker said it was the best crepe he's ever had in his life.