Au revoir France!

With only hours left before I leave, it's hard to sum up all the experiences, emotions, thoughts I've had over these past [almost] 6 months.  I want to say something clever, like a poem, or funny, like Oscar Wilde, but the only words that come are these:  Thank you France! For giving me an extraordinary experience. For being patient with me as I struggled to say the simplest of phrases. For providing me with fodder for my blogs and stories to be told to friends over a glass of wine [or champagne!] and a good meal. And for wining, dining and romancing me......viva la France :)

Eiffel Tower, Champagne, Carousel Rides

Eiffel Tower is behind me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not a bad way to end my sojourn in France.  I had a belated b-day celebration for the beautiful and talented Katie Hayward with champagne and sushi on the river.  And then a carousel ride with candy floss [or as us Americans say cotton candy!] and a walk around the Tower to cap off the night.

Champagne & The Eiffel Tower

Katie & Molly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While most people will say I'm mad for saying this, Paris has not always been one of my favorite places. In fact, I was not all that fond of it the first few times I was here.  Now I can say, it's growing on  me :)  I think the champagne has something....ok, a lot....ok, almost everything....to do with that!   I love the French lunch hour where everything closes for 2 1/2 -3 hours. I hate that everything's closed on Mondays and one other random day throughout the week.  I will definitely miss all the kissing when greeting and departing --- I think this is a custom that must follow me home :)   I still have a lot of things to see and places to visit, but I am always thankful I get to return to the USA :) & just in time for the World Series!

Fun on the Carousel!

Another Room with a View

Room w/ a View

 
What can I say about Monaco.  First, a semi-private helicopter ride from Nice to Monaco was amazing. Second, as I pulled in to the hotel I was greeted by a trio of the hottest bell hops I have ever seen. Third, it was sunny and gorgeous the entire time I was there and I could not get enough of the view from the room.  

The Palais

This will sound strange but Monaco smelled good.  I mean everywhere you went, there was this "just febreezed" smell to it.  However, I am embarrassed to admit that I paid 18 euros for a bloody mary at my  hotel...yikes!! It is tre expensive :))

Molly & the Cannonballs

And, while the sand on the beach was more like cat litter on steroids, the water was brilliant blue with a sky to match.  After so many rainy days in September, it was nice to soak up some vitamin D.  I also enjoyed crashing the Sportel Convention and meeting so many fun people.  Unfortunately, my plan to go to San Remo, Italy was foiled due to a transit strike.  I think there is some conspiracy to keep me out of Italy, but, one of these days, I will make it there :)  For now, on to Paris!!                

Chenonceau, Ambois, Montresor!!

Montresor

Chenonceau

                                                                             
This was the trifecta of towns to visit --- absolutely amazing!!! Chenonceau on the left and Montressor above.  I think Montressor IS one of the most beautiful villages in France, and they say so on a sign in the way in to the village.  It is not false advertising.  Then we took a boat cruise to Chenonceau which was incredibly beautiful, and as you can see the perfect day.  I'm constantly amazed with the beauty and architecture of France.  We also visited the final home of Da Vinci in Ambois - Clos de Luce.  Wonderful village as well...lots of places for sale :)  Da Vinci was truly the renaissance man.  The day was topped off by dinner at a pizzeria in a troglodyte cave in Loche - also a great city with an unbelievable march every Wednesday morning

"What can stop hate except love"

 Food, vin, champagne, bier and the excellent company of a young couple, Danielle & Eric from San Diego, and my good friend Nick from St. Pierre.  You really couldn't ask for a more fun-filled day.  Oh, and the wine tree. How do I get one of those for my apt. in Harlem!!!

I also learned quite a bit about Da Vinci visiting his final home Clos de Luce in Ambois....he was quite the renaissance man.

We ended the day eating pizza in a troglodyte cave restaurant....cool!

The Vin Tree

The Monks

Forgive me as I have been delinquent in my blogging.  One of my favorite things this season has been to go to vespers at the Abbaye @ Fontgombault to hear the Benedictine monks chant.  Last time I was there, I bought a few rings and one of the monks blessed them.  I shall NEVER take them off :)  For some reason, being there was peaceful, calming, serene.  I will miss them but they shall be forever remember in my memory!

I Must Confess.......

Wait, I'm not Catholic, whew!  I will confess I'm more fond of France now than I used to be - it must be the wine and champagne and more wine!!  I don't think I need to say any more about that.

I am enamored by the magnificent churches, cathedrals, crosses and abbayes that stand out like beacons along the French countryside.  I especially love my Benedictine monks at Fontgombault and their chanting.  Last time I went to vespers, I bought a couple of rings [made by the monks] and one of the monks blessed them for me.  Now I never want to take them off.
       
I have possibly eaten more bread and cheese since I've been here than I have in an entire year at home.  Luckily, the pastry phase only lasted so long - although brioche w/ chocolate chips fresh from the oven are to die for.  I did learn to cook a French dessert called "cafloutis" and had a chance to "experiment" in the kitchen.....some successes and some that need to go back to the drawing board, but for those of you who know me, and my refrigerator, you will know this is a great achievement for someone who has never been a "Becky-Home-Ecky!".

Coffee....love it and have started to drink mine black w/ a little raw brown sugar.  That will shock my cute coffee kioske guy in NYC who always had my "large coffee light & sweet" waiting for me every morning before work.  Love that guy!  I wonder if he will remember me when I'm back?  Change is good though and can be seen in the amount of fresh produce I've consumed.  I am a machine....faster, stronger, able to jump tomato plants in a single bound - okay not really, but it sounded good.   I've eaten more tomatoes, zucchini [or courgettes], cucumbers, eggplants and beets than I ever have.  I pick them fresh from the garden and I will miss them terribly.  Come to think of it there is an empty lot next to my building in Harlem....do you think they would welcome a garden?                  

Lanterns of Death  [lanternes des Morts] were funeral beacons.  They have small holes in the tops where a light was exhibited at night to point towards the direction of the cemetery.  Eeerie, but kinda cool too!

That ends my confessional for the week.  Well, it is Monday after all so I'm sure I'll be back next week :)

Meet Cinderella & Dexter

Ella & Dex

Brother & Sisterly Love

Ella & Dex for short.  They are the adorable French kittens I was babysitting for 2 weeks. I miss them :(  It's amazing how such tiny little creatures can sneak in to your heart and make it melt.  There are so many stray & unwanted cats in France, I dare not tell you some of the stories I've heard to keep the population down.  However, these 2 are in a great home and will be well taken care of, dare I say, spoiled!  I can't wait to see my Izzy who became my dad's cat when I moved to NYC.  She is the best!