Karen Howard

This is where Niels went to college!! College is for the 1st degree, whichis diff than U.S. So Niels, this if for you. It was a lovely drive into the mountains. It's a ski area. Niels, you didn' t tell me you could ski!! One of the buildings is the dorm where the students stay. They come home on weekends. It's like a boarding school for middle school or high school students. Niels, I saw the big mountain that your fitness prof used to make you all climb every Monday morning. No wonder you have grande musculation! It was good for you, no? A lot of school kids were outside and heard us talking English. They said, "Allo!" and giggled. When I said, "Hi! How are you?" they burst into laughter and said, "Fine thank you" ... read more

This farmer and I ran into each other while I was out walking. He kept talking about George Bush. He wanted me to come home with him to do his dishes. I called Helena over to translate! I told her to tell him that in America, the men do the dishes. He gave me a great toothless laugh. Jean-Marie was doing funny things after an evening of dinner and a lot of wine. Okay Mark, I took this pic so you could make me a prayer stool. I put my foot in there so you could get a context. This is too cool. On the 1st day at Beatitudes, I told Erica that I wanted to wear a table cloth to the chapel. More private for prayer etc: She cracked up and said basically NO WAY! ... read more

What an amzing city this was. A beautiful spot with buildings from the middle ages. Im having the photos developed right now so I can post them. Also more from castles, Niels school nearby, snow in the Pyrenees, Andorra and a ton of other things. Basically Ive been too busy to post. Its like a mad dash to finish out my 5th (and final) week in France. The week in Cordes Sur Ciel was a week that will go down as one of the best weeks of my life. No competition. It was like something from a well written book. I think I knew that when I felt drawn to go there. In other news, dinner in Chris apartment was an absolute blast! "Allo! Bon!" She is a bundle of energy and an excellent cook. Plus ... read more

We had a great dinner last night with Jean Marie (John-Maree) and Brenda. It was from several regions of France. A really lively pair who took a lot of joy in having us over. A seven course meal is typical here. Aperiff was nuts, some crisp veggie bites and 2 kinds of wine. Then a tomato salad followed by quiche and wonderful beef Burgandy. Topped off as always with cheese and a different wine. Then we had desert, an apple tartin and also cheesecake served with an apple cider wine. Toward the end of the evening, (it is after midnight now) we had hot tea. Great conversation throughout and lots of fun tales from a couple who met in the peace corps in Africa. She was born in San Francisco, but is truly French now. About ... read more

This is an awesome old town with a huge castle!! I was totally blown away by the size of it! We wandered around and ate and shopped some. Lots of midievel sp? stuff. Found a print that I loved and also a statue. People live inside the castle walls. Lots of artist communities here. Mark, I kept saying that I wish you were here. I want to bring you someday. Mrs. Herring will love this also.... read more

I can't say enough about the friendship that has blossomed between Marleen and I. It makes me sad to think of leaving already. Our hearts have been knit together like sisters. We have so many things together. Here are some of my favorite photos.... read more