Europe - here we are!

Gosh!

It’s been so long since writing up a travel blog, I’ve almost forgotten.

Almost . . .

Paris and the AFCB meeting was a blast. As I did last year, I took the EuroStar train under the Channel Friday from St. Pancras to Gare du Nord in Paris. What a service - comfortable, efficient and quick.

Mar saw me off, and away I went. I met up with the boys from Belfast later in the day at Gare du Nord, and we traveled to Rungis together, in preparation for the AFCB meeting. Saturday morning we headed back downtown to Les Invalides and the Musee du Armee for a tour.







If only we can control Colin's curiosity . . . .



Back to Rungis in the p.m. for the AFCB swap meet, then dinner at the Ibis Hotel with the members, for meet and greet, and get to know new friends. Not only guys from the UK, but Belgium, France of course – and Italy. Plus me from Canada! A true international gathering.

Sunday morning, and up early for the Rungis antique arms fair. Ugh! Too early really. But nevertheless, there for the doors to open at 9a.m., and the whole morning trolling the tables for little treasures. No, I didn’t find one sufficiently tempting for myself. I came away only with a book, in French!

Then back to Rungis station, train to Gare du Nord, Eurostar to London, home to the flat, pack for tomorrow, to bed, sleep.

Up at 5a.m., Peter drives us to Stansted, flight to Malaga, hired car through the mountains to Orgiva, three hours driving winding roads, find the farm, and now . . . . . five days of blissful peace and quiet . . .. sunshine and heat.

My gosh - I'm glad we're here at last . . .and sooo glad to stop travelling!



More to come

Summer fades . . . .

What a summer! Hot, humid and great for the garden and veggies. No need to water the lawns, enough rain for all.
Now we're slowly fading into Fall, my favourite time of year. Most of the veggies are harvested, the lawns cut for the last time this year, and clean-up for winter started.
The chickadees know it. They're loading up to put some fat on for the winter.

Still a few apples on the tree . . .

Colours turning . . .

. . .and the leaves will really need raking when we return . . . because we're off to Europe!

So, stay tuned!

Sunday 19th April

The appointed day, and family re-union at Newbury.



A total of eight cousins plus one uncle managed to make it out of a potential total of 16 cousins.



. . .with spouses (Mar took the picture!)



Uncle Norm and Mar



cousins Debbie and Marilyn



cousins Rosemary, Janet and David.

Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April

Last days in Conac, before departing for the UK.



A stroll overlooking the Gironde Estuary.



Then down onto the marshes, to see the storks nesting.



Windmills on almost every hilltop.



Wisteria climbing to the roof . . . .



. . . . and a final, fond farewell

Monday 13th April and on



Our final destination for the balance of our holidays . . .
Chez Brown - St Thomas de Conac, the south extremity of the Bordeaux region.



Ooverlooking the Gironde, which we can see from our bedroom window.



Time to debate . . .



. . . kick back and relax . . . .



. . . walk the local brocante . . .



. . .wait patiently for a playmate . . .



. . . work on a school project . . .



. . .or simply enjoy the garden.

Sunday 12 April

Time to leave our stately home of the week. A few interior views . . . not, I hasten to add, our particular rooms. But all part of the ambionics :)



Maralyn communicating with home base . . .

Saturday 11th April

Still cool and overcast, but no rain. We’re undaunted, and head north to Biarritz, for a little visit. The Atlantic provides some of the best surfing in Europe, but not for us, thank you.





South again, this time to Hendaye, the extreme southwest of France. A short ferry ride, and we’re across again into Spain, to the 13th century fortified town of Fontarabie.



For lunch!





Why is it, we always seem to be eating? Because the food is just sooo good.