Hot Springs

On our return to Toulouse, we detoured through a range of genuinely open-range countryside and moutains formed by volcanic activity. We stopped in a village famed for its "thermal cures." Philippe had often been there as a child with his mother and father. He remembers buying cheese en route from local farmers.

Family - Mulhouse

In Mulhouse, we visited Philippe's Uncles, Aunts and cousins. They all noted how impressively bilingual William was and how adorable Caroline is. I didn't argue.

Lunch in Lugano, Switzerland - 09 Oct. 2011

Philippe planned a "stop" in Lugano, Switzerland. We entered the city and I heard the sound of swiss horns. They were angelic bass tones in Swiss heaven after Dante's Italian traffic. The iconic Swiss alpine landscape I've seen on beauty product labels isn't exagerated. I loved the clock-like orderliness.

Magnificent Mayhem - Milan, 07-08 Oct.

We visited Milan, Italy in the "off-season." The central plaza and latice-like cathedral gave mass new meaning - masses of people, masses of scooters, women riding bicycles in high-heals. It was if we were in an unmarked round-about with people exiting and entering at will. On our way to the "we-are-markedly-tourists-here office," we passed a public art exhibition on model elephants - irresistible! The small fortress and acreas of public park were a refuge. I fed Caroline as Philippe and William counted ducks. The second day we were there we sought out La Scala Opera House. We had actually seen it without knowing the first day. The Post Office had a more impressive exterior - My new cliché - you can't judge an international opera house by its facade...
Random note - The wait staff at our economy hotel were more fashionably dressed than my Sunday best. The breakfast buffet was as delicious as Mom's Thanksgiving pie + nutella.

Monaco, My Favorite Principality - 05 Oct 2011

We drove into Monaco on a winding mountain pass. I imagine Grace Kelly having driven the same passage. The view was capital "P" Panoramic. We visited the Prince's aquarium and the palace - nice of him to have us over... William's comment on the day, "I saw an orange fish."

Endless Summer - 04 Oct. 2011

Global warming should be alarming, but when it coincided with our being on the beach, we just basqued.

Seashore - 03 Oct. 2011

From Toulouse we followed the Cote d'azur on our leisurely way to Mulhouse. The 1 1/2 hr boat ride toured the surrounding cliffs. One formation was called a "Cathedral." The cliff's spires reached heavenward not unlike Gaudy's imitation.

William 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated William's birthday in France chez Nelly, again. (We celebrated his 1st birthday here too.) Nelly gave him a painting smock. When he unwrapped it he left his other gifts unopened and announced, "Je vais peindre." I'll be painting.

Foix - un petit chateau - 01 Oct. 2011

"Il était une fois dans la ville de Foix un marchand de foie qui vendait du foie. Il se dit ma fois, c'est bien la dernière fois que je vendrai du foie dans la ville de Foix." (I promise this would be lost in translation...)

We visited the castle at Foix with Hubert. There were demonstrations for children and adults on medieval combat. My brave knights were undaunted. When asked about his day, William commented, On a visité un petit chateau. We visited a little castle - he has standards.

Toulouse - 30 Sept. 2011

We visited a museum of antiquities in Toulouse. The 2nd floor was dedicated to Roman statuary. Unlike the Gaulois Village, the Romans seemed as if they lived in a far less distant past. Looking at the statues, especially that of a young boy, I saw my family.
On se reconnaissait dans leurs visages

Village Gaulois - 28 Sept. 2011

We visited a re-created village from the pre-Roman era. William was more fascinated by the pigs and sheep than the tinsmith or alchemist.
Où est Asterix?