We had our first sort of mini-vacation a few weeks ago! We were given Monday and Tuesday off, so we drove west, through Bordeaux, where we visited IKEA (about the most economical place to buy things around here) and then up to La Rochelle, on the coast. It was beautiful!!! We stayed overnight in a hotel that had a view of the ocean -- which cost less than the gas to get there. We enjoyed some French conversation, some French television, and we got to walk around inside a castle that was built in the 15th century. We also saw some postal workers on strike, which was very interesting. All in all, La Rochelle is a beautiful city!
Tuesday, we drove down to Brouage, where there's a museum dedicated to the first voyage of French people to the New World -- which Charles' family was a part of. It was fascinating to learn all about the things leading up to Champlain's voyage to Canada and the conditions they faced there. Brouage *was* a city on the coast, but because of alluvion, it is now 50km from water. Anyway, it's a city surrounded by a wall, with passages that go underground. It was a really nice little town, and there we met a re-patriated Cajun! Damien was SOOO thrilled to meet Charles! We got to talk with him for a long time, and he even took us to his favorite place to eat.
Work at Le Colorado has been going well. Unfortunately, Sheri Misegades is suffering from an inflamed muscle which is pinching her sciatic nerve fairly severely. She's been all but bedridden for the past 3 weeks. This is really hard for her because she's such an active person. It means a little more work for everyone else, but we've been doing fine, just truckin' right along. :) In fact, we're finding that the things we're cooking are very well received. Today for lunch, Charles cooked for eight men and there were only six -- but it was so good, they ate it all! Tonight we had sixteen people for dinner, and one man wanted the recipe for Amber's chocolate cake because he said his daughter LOVES chocolate cake! It's been such a pleasure to cook for people who are appreciative.
Yesterday, we took a trip with Nolan and his two daughters, aged 4 and 1/2 and 3. We drove to Sarlat and saw an old church with flying buttresses. It was awe-inspiring... and there was even someone inside playing the organ. We're finding in so many of these old churches, one can't help but be silent in reverence and respect. They're absolutely beautiful.
We also saw a castle that was built by a man who was born in the year 930. We couldn't go inside because it was closed for renovations, but it was fun to see... especially with Kristin and Nolan's little girls, who kept asking if the Princesses live there. :) Anyway, here are a few pictures of the city and the castle.
We also noticed this place for sale... would you want to live here?
And finally, here's a picture of our little Christmas tree. Christmas is not the same here, but we're looking forward to sharing it with Amber's parents and our new family here. :)
We promise to be more consistent bloggers from now on! Thanks for keeping up with us!
"We promise to be more consistent bloggers from now on!"
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