powerquilter

We rolled into St Pierre-Toirac, our house in the Dordogne, on Monday afternoon, being greeted by our lovely hosts, Gisella and Jacky, who showed us around, gave us information and wine, and left us to our own devices. The village, though not very big with only a cafe-cum-bar-cum-bakery (which closed on the 7th for the month) has a wonderful old (12th century) church whose bells are rung at 7 am, noon, and 8 pm. We're here in the area for 10 days, so Tuesday we spent driving and getting to know the area. Driving along the Lot river is a treat, with many small villages built into the sides of the walls above the river. The main town near us was Figeac, and all roads led there. We went to the supermarket and got supplies, including, ... read more

Wendy and Ed left, and Ann and Dave arrived. Friday morning we were up bright and early to catch the train to Reims, the capital of Champagne, for a tour of Veuve Clicquot, to learn everything there was to know about the methode champenoise of winemaking. Truly fascinating. La Veuve Clicquot was an innovator in the business, but it was a result of her wonderful sales rep, who set up export to Russia and England. There is a good biography about her, http://www.amazon.com/Widow-Clicquot-Story-Champagne-Empire/dp/0061288586/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437896870&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=Veuve+Clicqout, that I recommend. We also wandered around a bit and had a look in the cathedral, where all the kings of France were crowned, starting with Clovis' baptism. All in all a good day. If you get the opportunity to take tours of distilleries anywhere I suggest you do... The next morning Ann ... read more

This week we decided to do a little sightseeing, a couple of places that figure in Parisian history for me. I had wanted to go to Luxembourg Palace, built by Marie de Medici (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_Palace). So we had a walk out Monday night after dinner, and went there and through the gardens. We stopped, because it was still SO HOT!, for an ice cream and I had coconut sorbet. I think I might have to try this, as it could be a winner with chocolate sorbet (see last year's travel blog...) There is also an exhibit on about the Tudors, which I think we might have to return to see. Kevin had been to the Palais Royale with Harrison five years ago, but I was not really in tune to the place until the last couple of ... read more

We arrived in Paris on Monday, actually getting to the apartment about 7:30 PM. The apartment is located on Rue Vaugirard, literally across the street from the Metro Station, which makes it really convenient when you are hot and tired. The first three days here were getting caught up on errands. The super-marche is two doors away, so we needed staples, like cheese, and bread and pate. Basics! and cafe of course! And we got ourselves monthly passes for the Metro for two districts, with a bonus that the rest of the districts are free after the 15th. And we got SIM cards, so we are set to go now. Oh and there was shopping, since the fabulous Paris Summer Sales started the 26th June. Kevin had picked up a couple of Groupons (the discounted meal ... read more

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN! I think it is official – we can call ourselves “Snowbirds”. The weather starts getting cold and we are outta here, north to warmer climes. We are partaking of some of the usual spots: Paris for a month, and day trips out of that wonderful city, with a foray into England for a wedding (who doesn't?). From there we will be travelling for a month around La Belle France, visiting old and new places. In September, we will be heading into Greece for a month with visits to a couple of islands and places Kevin wants to see. I have put in one request – Santorini – and my wish will be coming true. We will, all during this time, be visiting friends (lots!) and family, and, of course, eating. Which is ... read more