I’m writing to you today from an old hotel in Rouen, France. It’s the perfect kind of writing day, actually. It’s raining outside and we’re tucked neatly inside an old hotel that’s dark and warm and cozy. It’s also ancient. Joan of Arc made this town famous when she was burned here at the stake around 1450, and I think our heavy bronze room key might originally belong to that same time period.
It’s hard to believe that we said goodbye to all of you just over a week ago. In that time, we’ve managed to live a month’s worth of adventures. True, we have been surrounded by a lot of can’t-miss attractions—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Versailles, just to name a few. But we’re also discovering that we simply love to be busy, no matter where we are in the world. At home, our love of activity meant doing something every night after work. Here, it means doing 3-4 big things per day. Traveling is now our job. We’re slowly learning how to strike a balance between doing and resting. It’s a work in progress.
There have been many highlights to our trip so far. One of my favorites: We stayed in an 18th century French farmhouse for a couple of days when we first arrived in France. There were no other tourists there—it was just us and a few French folks. We slept for 14 hours our first night, took baths every morning and evening, and ate the most incredible French breakfasts. It was my version of heaven. Another favorite: We spent a whole day touring Paris by bike. One of Mac’s favorite memories so far was of tango dancing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. We were just walking around, taking photos, and we came across a group of dancers in the middle of a park. So we joined them, even though we didn’t know how to tango. We faked it and no one threw us out. Success!
Besides seeing amazing things, we’re really trying to experience the local culture everywhere we go. That means eating only French food here (even though I did find us a trendy taco joint in Paris) and speaking as much of the language as possible. We’re already communicating way better than we ever thought possible. I’m following directions in French and Mac has perfected the art of clucking (as the French do) when people cut in front of us in line (which seems to really be a thing over here). And we’re discovering new favorites. Who knew that joue de bouef (ox cheek) was so delicious that I’d want to eat it for every meal? And who could have guessed that Mac would institute an afternoon wine and cheese hour—every day? Well, you probably could have guessed that one.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in France so far, it’s to savor everything. The ancient hotels, the spontaneous fun, the ox cheek. The French are very good at living in the moment and enjoying their lives—it’s something we’re trying to fold into our own lives by being here. Less hurrying, more sitting. Less stress, more cafes. Joie de vivre.
Lovely written descriptions are as wonderful as the photo images! Kudos to both of you for living and engaging with the locals and their culture….too many Americans don’t get that very important element of travel. Keep on traveling and posting. Cheers from Skagit Valley!
This is probably the kind of travel you do too. I know you’ve been over the pond a bunch. Let us know if you have tips on where we should go!
Ciao……from Skagit Valley family and friends
Your pictures and descriptions make my heart sing! And, zing!
Keep having fun! Thank you for sharing!
Good to hear from you! Thanks for reading the blog
wow! It sounds like you’re having an amazing time in France! Too bad that I won’t be in Germany at the same time as you, but I hope you have a phenomenal time in SE Asia while I’m enjoying gluehwein and feuerwurst this Christmas!
Maybe something will work out and we can still see each other. Fingers crossed!
You’re living our dream. Well written!
Thank you!
Fun to see ur adventures! Small world- your aunt is my friend since 1986! Vicki Onstad strong!
That’s funny! Small world
Vicki was at our going away party and we connected the dots that you two knew each other.
Hi there. Happy to c u enjoying Europe. I just love the pics. However I have some good news. I’m coming to the nw in Aug, I fly into Portland on Aug 13th and leave Aug 27th. Illbe visiting friends in coos bay and maybe Eugene. Hope I get to c u and catch up. Have fun and keep sending those pics. Take care.