Citotel Europeen Angouleme

9:15AM

Most of my writing has been done on my laptop, making it easier to send out in emails and/or copy and paste onto my this blog (my first). I've also recorded shot vids on the laptop and "voice memos' on the iphone. So many choices!

i've awakened late and haven't even gotten out of bed yet. Sounds like someone went into the bathroom, so I ...

... disappointment in the lack of time we spend actually talking en Francais as we had all hoped to do so on a more consistent basis.

We had lunch out in the courtyard: my tuna/egg/cucumber salad (hey! You make do with what you have, right?), lunchmeat ham, the ever present pate and pizza (and/or quiche), green salad with tomatoes, potato salad, a very nice Gouda cheese, and pain complet (a hardy, oval shaped grayish ...

... 8217;s been difficult trying to send her reservation confirmation; darn fax machine.

I spoke briefly with both Mom and sister; they sound like they each need some cheering up, but I don’t seem to be equal to the task. I wish I could scoop them up and bring them here to be with me…

There’s a definite sense of urgency about finding a job. Because this place is so rural, there aren’t many opportunities, but I am not ...

... for lunch. Even though I tried on several hats I was able to 'be good."

We had some cokes and cafe au lait (thanks, Dave!) and walked around for a couple of hours enjoying the sights and sounds; there was some live music that sounded like it came from Peru! After lunch back at La G (Mmmm that chicken was great!), I tried out the hammock for the first time and quite enjoyed it.

... On the walk home, we each took turns reading aloud and Louise pulled out a dictionary to help us with translating once back at La G.

I hung out with Dave, Tracy and their daughter Georgia, played with the dogs and even read Anthony Adverse in the hammock for a while. There were a few sprinkles but that just made an already lovely day more interesting.

... beds (4) & rooms for unexpected arrivals. Sounds like a lot but I did have time to go on Facebook and play a bit: I can hear my mother and sister's disapproving groans from here.

It's about time to go back to the house. I am not even going to try to ride the bike back; my legs aren't ready for those hills as slight as they may be.

Later...

I did end up riding at part of the way back, whoooo hoooo!!

... so much by the music as I was by how thankful I was and am to be right here, right now. And I was feeling sad for the many people who at the same moment were dealing with war, hunger, poverty --- the harsh side of life. I wished that more people could know the amazing beauty, the joy that I experienced during that concert in such an ancient and holy place. Sounds a bit precious, eh? Seriously, though, I am very aware of how blessed I am.

... We moved under an awning and finished dinner standing up! The disco was now in full swing and Jen and I were keen to dance! Glass of wine in hand, we made a run in the now torrential rain for the dance floor and proceeded to dance like idiots and get absolutely soaking wet! The night was warm and so we weren't cold and soon lots more joined in!

The fireworks went off at 10.30pm til 11pm, I've attached a few videos I hope they come out and then back to the ...

... half bad. The next morning it was raining but, no matter, it kind of suited the day. We headed west to some beautiful sandy beaches that would be spectacular in the summer but today they were but a wind blown photo moment. Enjoyable none the less. The area around Vannes (and west) is quite beautiful with many islands and sheltered harbours for huge yachts. Quite different from the next area we visited. I could make a new blog title out of it ...

... plus ce qu'il etait!!...ne faites pas trop attention aux fautes d'orthographe et de grammaire!!) Ca y est!... ce voyage va enfin commencer!.. et quand je dis "enfin" ce n'est pas parce que ca fait longtemps que je planifie ce voyage... mais c'est plutot a cause de l'entousiasme, l'excitation que j'ai de vivre ce periple!! Donc voila... je pars faire un tour du monde avec mon petit sac a dos, mon appareil photo et mon sourire!!... Depart le 16 Janvier 2009 ...