Blogs from Prades, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Europe

- Computer zei : Aankomst 14:40u, hoogte 250m, 28°, 125,1 km, verbruik 9,4 l /100km, gemiddeld 37 km/u, reisduur 3:18 uur. Vandaag weer een mooie route, van Andorra naar Vinça aan de voet van de Mont Canigou, door de zuidkant van de Frans-Catalaanse Pyreneeën. Langs plaatsjes waar we nog nooit van gehoord hadden, buiten Font-Romeu, en misschien ook Prades. Behalve eerst nog stijgen naar 1850m en 2 prijzige tunnels door nog hogere passen, ging het hoofdzakelijk bergaf in 2de versnelling mits nog bijremmen in het bochtenwerk. Toch mooi die Pyreneeën-landschappen die we nu aan het verlaten zijn. Onderweg een lunch-stop in Mont-Louis, de hoogst gelegen vestingstad van Frankrijk (1600m), gebouwd door wie anders dan Vauban in opdracht van Louis XIV in de 17 eeuw. Het staat er nog altijd on-ingenomen.... read more

We had a tearful goodbye at the Prades train station this morning. Words cannot describe how wonderful the Harper Family has been to us. The memories of laughter, fun, friendship and of course food is the best gift each of us will go home with. Nothing can replace the week we have had in Prades. I would give you the address so you can experience it for yourself but I think the Harpers are enjoying some downtime after from being Mr. & Mrs. Super Duper Host. We look forward to seeing them next year when we go to Merrimac Wisconsin. In the meantime I will be searching for some of Wisconsin's finest cheeses but not Wisconsin wine, I will leave that up to the French. ... read more

Girls maybe topless at the beach but pool side men are required to wear tight fitting James Bond like swimwear. Despite two weeks of warning, Jeff thought it was a set up until he arrived at the pool and saw the large sign with a X through a picture of traditional swim trunks. The Harper's kind offers of 2nd hand underwear, Cindy's bikini bottoms and even Harrison's (5 years old) Speedo was refused because he thought it was a set up for him to be embarrassed. Luckily at the pool they have a swimsuit vending machine with a wide range of Speedos available. They offer thong, traditional or boxer-like. Modest Jeff splurged and paid the extra 3 Euros for extra coverage and privacy, we were all thankful. ... read more

WOW! Topless Women at the Mediterranean Sea. That was my daughters life lesson today. I guess when in Rome................ After 5 days of depleting the Harper's fine wine collection we resorted to do what the locals do best. We filled up a plastic gas can of wine that cost a dollar per liter. Honestly cheap and yummy wine that takes the enamel right off my teeth. I am still drinking it now. We have been enjoying sunshine, french wine and well behaved children. The free range nudity of the Harper boys has made this a free spirited experience for all. I guess the best part is when we are having so much fun that we forget our, husband's, Dad's , friend's birthday. Tom left for home today and when we talked with him twice we did ... read more