Ready, Set, Pack!

Anticipation. It adds to the overall enjoyment of an event, doesn't it? While I do like to be surprised on occasion, I find that anticipation is a much more enjoyable experience. Even as a child, I was one who never tried to get a peek at Christmas gifts before the day. Oh, I would gently shake the festively wrapped boxes and wonder what could be hidden inside, but I never tried to sneak one open.

I am in a state of anticipation now, over my upcoming vacation in France. Life has been very hectic here and I certainly feel the need for some R&R. I have already begun packing some of the items that Desmond has requested, plus a few surprises. I have a list of what I am going to pack for myself. I use the app "Packing Pro", which I find to be very helpful. I am trying to take as little as possible in order to make room for some of the items that Des had left behind in Kansas.

A serene view of the Loire in early spring.

Desmond and I have been making lists and plans and reservations. We both enjoy the planning stages and I believe that Craig was very happy to leave all of that to us. We will be spending a night in Briare at a bed and breakfast across from one of the locks on the canal. We also made plans to pay a visit to Guédelon, the castle under construction.

I knew that while I was in Orléans without Craig, I would often be on my own. Des had work obligations. I would be just fine, wandering around Orléans or hanging out at his place. I planned little shopping and probably would spend several hours at the beautiful botanical garden, Parc Floral, which is one of my favorite places. It will be full spring when I visit, which will be a first for me. Craig will fly out to join me toward the latter part of the month.

Wisteria blooming along the Loire.

I am enjoying the spring weather here in Kansas. The blooming plants are so lovely and I seem to have my allergies under control this time! I haven't done any planting yet, though I have plans to very soon. I have gotten a kick out of watching a woodpecker make a home in one of our cottonwood trees. He has been very busy for weeks, but at last the home seems to be complete. I assume that there is now a Mrs Woodpecker in residence, incubating some eggs. Time will tell. Happy Spring!

L'île Charlemagne - More Than a Park

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 20, 2015

Springtime in France! Is there anything better? Desmond and I had most of that lovely day to spend together. We breakfasted at home on some tasty marbled brioche, and then popped into the little neighborhood bakery. We purchased a couple of sandwiches and cans of Orangina, and walked a few yards to the bus stop near the Loire. Soon, we were on our way to Ile de Charlemagne, a wonderful lake and park nearby. 

What a pretty view! You'd never know we were at a bus stop.

I was very impressed with Ile Charlemagne. There is a trail that circles the lake, so Desmond and I began walking along, enjoying the fresh, sweet air and lovely views of the lake. As we walked, my son pointed out the many activities which abound in the park. There are kayaks and small sailboats for rent and there is a waterpark on a beach where one can rent a giant plastic ball in which to roll along on the water. There is a paintball forest, and another forest full of treetop activities such as rope bridges, nets to climb, and even scooters to ride in the air. On ground level were trampolines, basketball courts, ping pong tables, and many playgrounds for children of all ages. We walked most of the way around the sparkling lake before seating ourselves upon a shady bench to eat lunch. We could easily have spent the entire day there!

 You can play in the trees at Parc Ile de Charlemagne!

 It looks like fun, but perhaps is not the thing for me.

A lovely scene at the lake at Ile de Charlemagne,Orléans, France.

We returned home via the bus, where we simply lazed around for a bit before Des had to leave for class. Before he left, we received some disappointing news. We had been planning a day trip to Yonne, Burgundy in order to view Guédelon, a castle which is being constructed with the same techniques and materials as were used in the Middle Ages. Due to a clerical error, our driver and friend, Mathieu had been scheduled to work on the day we had chosen to visit Guédelon. We were all a bit dejected, but it just couldn't be helped. We would simply have to put that little trip on the back burner and count on it next year. That castle isn't going anywhere.

For our evening meal, Des had planned a Korean dish called bulgogi. While he was still at the University, I started the rice cooking while I prepared the broccoli for roasting. At the last minute, I was pleased to learn that our friend, Arno, would be joining us for dinner. He and Desmond arrived within seconds of each other and we all sat down for apéro. Just as Des was about to begin grilling the marinated pork strips for the bulgogi, he realized that Arno would not have been able to eat it, because of a severe allergy to ginger. That required a quick change of plan - we ate the tasty roasted broccoli as an appetizer, and then strolled over to the Rue de Bourgogne to find a restaurant. We ended up at a Cambodian restaurant called Angkor and seated ourselves outside to take full advantage of the balmy evening. I chose the sweet and sour chicken, and was not disappointed. The dish was attractively presented in a fresh pineapple half with a tiny umbrella stuck into it. The ingredients were obviously of high quality and the dish was very well prepared. We were all quite pleased with our meals and had a lovely time. It was wonderful to catch up with Arno, as I had not seen him for a year. The three of us lingered over the meal, enjoying one another's conversation and another beautiful night in the heart of France.

Dinner at Angkor Cambodian Restaurant in Orléans, France.