chateau de beynac

This is one of many castles in the region we are staying in. We decided to visit this one because we went out for a drive in the countryside and we just followed our fancy, which was to see this beautiful fortress on a hill. After we returned home we read about the Beynac Feudal Castle and found out it was the best one to have visited. This is a castle dating back to the 12th century! The kids loved it. We got to walk through the entire structure, see a real drawbridge, the master's chambers, the family's lodging area, the huge dining room, a large room that felt like a ballroom with a fireplace, the area where they kept animals, the section that showed how rain water was gathered for drinking, and the kitchen with huge butcher hooks hanging from the ceiling, large barrels, and fire area. Everything was in stone -- floors, ceilings, walls. And dark inside. And of course, we were intrigued by what we decided was the dungeon.

sarlat

We have never seen a place as charming as Sarlat. Our favorite type of architecture is French Country so we are in visual heaven. We have strolled the ancient streets of this beautiful town, drinking in the scenery -- old stone buildings, blue, green, and lavender shutters, lace curtains, offset by bright pink and red flowers. The house we are renting is so beautiful, I will post photos of it soon. I am in the country and I am loving it!

did i mention i love road trips?

Soon after beginning our drive to the French countryside from Paris we got very lost. We decided, instead of taking the intended route along a freeway, that we would take the back roads, as suggested by a sweet cherub-faced French mechanic in black pants and a grease stained white t-shirt, who was so proud of his small town heritage as well as the towns around his. He gave us the best directions, even though he spoke no English. Through a series of hand signals and facial expressions he understood what we were trying to do and drew us a map on a small piece of paper. Don't back track all the way to Bordeaux -- too crowded and confusing. Follow the green signs for 55 kilometers through Langoiran, to Creon, then Branne, then Bergerac. We leisurely curved around dozens of round-abouts, then went over an old stone bridge, and finally drove 73 kilometers more to our destination. Five hours later, after two stops, munching on a baguette and meringue, laughing and relaxed, we entered the medieval city of Sarlat.

through their father's eyes

Our last day in Paris we intended to take the metro to a famous site, but I messed up and we went the wrong way. We decided to explore that train stop and then later walk to the site. We happened upon a wonderful park with another playground. The kids were thrilled and I gave my camera to my husband. We sat outside the park, watching our children play with a big group of French children. Joy and laughter share a universal language. It was a delightful afternoon. My husband loves being a father. He is wonderful to the children and they adore him. He is funnier than me, and less strict in ways that I am strict, more strict in ways I am not. Somehow there is a perfect balance. It is a joy to share this job of parenting with him. Happy father's day, G.

au revoir paris

Gary and I took a walk tonight along Rue Cler, a charming cobblestone street with open markets and no cars, a few blocks from our apartment. We left the kids behind watching a movie, this was our date night out. We brought home desert, everyone had a special request, strawberry cake, vanilla eclair, mango sorbet, pistachio gelato. Tomorrow, the French countryside.