Another Umbrella Day

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: Wednesday, May 11 2016

I awoke at 7:15 to the sound of birds singing outside my window. The grey skies overhead did not deter them as they ushered in what would turn out to be another rainy day. I was not deterred, either. I was visiting my favorite place on earth and a little rain was not going to stop me! Desmond was still asleep, so I brewed a pot of coffee as quietly as possible, and took a steaming mug into my room. He awoke about an hour later, apologizing for having slept in. I was glad that he had gotten a little extra sleep; he had been working very hard.

We talked for quite a while. It was so nice to be able to do just that. A face-to-face chat with my youngest was a treat I don't often get to enjoy. FaceTime on the iPad is wonderful, but it can't beat that personal interaction! The hugs are nice, too. Desmond went over to the bakery and picked up a rustic almond croissant for me. I enjoyed it with another cup of coffee as we talked a while longer. 

An almond croissant from the bakery on the Place.

Later, we decided to go over to Halles Chatelet to have some keys made so that I would have my own set. We wandered around the stores for a bit and I enjoyed going in to Eureka, which always has such unique and interesting merchandise. After a while, we found a brasserie where we had lunch. We both chose the plat du jour of chicken in mustard sauce. It was served with a huge mound of mashed potatoes and the inevitable baguette. Des had to go to work after lunch, but I continued to wander around Orleans. A steady, light rain was falling, but as long as I had my umbrella, I didn't mind. Many stores had placed large buckets or tubs just inside the entrances, where shoppers could deposit their dripping umbrellas. I was pleased that I didn't once forget to pick up my own parapluie on the way out.

When I returned home, I was able to text with Craig for a while. Later, I realized that I had forgotten to pick up some coffee filters while I was shopping. The weather had cleared quite a bit and the sky was lighter than before, so I left my umbrella on its hook and began the walk to Carrefour. I had only gone a few blocks when the sky darkened and the rain began again! I put up the hood of my jacket and continued on to complete my errand.

Standing on the bridge, Pont George V, in Orleans Fr.

Desmond and I all arrived home within about 15 minutes of one another. We had planned to go to the library, where a book talk by an American author was to take place. The chilly rain had increased in intensity and we decided that we just weren't in the mood. Instead, we watched television for a while and then, armed with umbrellas, we walked over to the Rue de Borgogne for dinner at Chez Ming. The owner, Miranda, was very glad to see us and she even asked about Craig. We had a wonderful meal there, as always.

A New Do

Pages from Jan's Travel Journal: Tuesday, May 10 2016

Desmond left early for work. I slept late and awoke with a migraine, but one cup of coffee and some medication soon took care of that. Before pouring a second cup of coffee, I walked across the square to the local bakery where I selected an escargot for breakfast. No, I didn't eat snails for breakfast! The pastry was called an escargot because of the swirled shape it had. It contained lots of tasty bits of strawberry and pistachio and was covered with a buttery crumble. Not a bad way to start the day.

A nice view of Orléans from the bridge.

I didn't do much after breakfast. I caught up on email and lazed around reading for a while. I had eaten such a late breakfast that I didn't really want much for lunch. I nibbled a bit on some leftovers. Des arrived home in the early afternoon and we were soon on our way to his hairstylist where I was scheduled for a cut. When we arrived at the salon, the stylist greeted me, took my jacket, and asked if I would like a cup of coffee or tea. I sipped a refreshing peppermint tea while Desmond showed her some pictures of possible styles for me. An hour later, I emerged from the salon with a new look. My hair was shorter than I had ever known it, but I really liked the cute, asymmetrical style.

The new look

We ran a couple of errands, stopping at Carrefour to pick up a few things. When we arrived home, we sat down to drinks and appetizers of cheese, sausage, and chips. We had a great meal of stir-fried chicken and broccoli served over fragrant jasmine rice. We enjoyed chocolate lava cakes for dessert, garnished with slices of the one ripe strawberry from Desmond's garden.

We had a relaxing evening, playing a game of Racko and watching a couple episodes of a favorite sitcom. It had been another lovely day. 

A Visit With A Friend

Pages from Jan's Travel Journal: Monday, May 9 2016

I awoke in time to have coffee with Desmond before he left for work. I had a second cup of coffee and nibbled on a chocolate-dipped waffle before straightening the house a bit.

Azur, looking for his friend, Lily.

Just after noon, I meandered across the bridge to meet Arno at his place for lunch. He was cooking when I arrived. He served a nice lunch of stuffed zucchini and roasted potatoes. He is a very interesting person and we discussed many different subjects. When he brought out his collection of polished stones, I was fascinated. I have always been attracted to stones and crystals. I'm particularly attracted to striped stones and have several from different parts of the world. Arno had some rare and impressive specimens. Some of them simply took my breath away! We lost track of time, and before we knew it, it was 4:00. 

We set off to do some shopping. At Eurodif, I bought some bath mitts and a wallet. Just as we were about to leave the store, I noticed that the rain had begun again, so I also purchased an umbrella. Once outside, we happened to run into Mathieu, who was just on his way to get a haircut. We arranged to meet him afterward at Hendrix Pub. It was cozy in the bar, out of the rain. When Mathieu arrived, we ordered a round of drinks. We then received a text from Desmond, saying that he had gotten off work early. He headed our way immediately and we all had fun discussing the events of the day while sipping our drinks. Des always has funny and endearing stories to tell about his students. 

A street in Orléans, during a break from the rain.

Upon leaving the pub, we slowly walked through the rain to Au Bureau for dinner. We all chose salads; mine was a chicken Caesar salad, which was large, tasty, and very filling. The four of us never seemed to run out of things to talk about. It was a lively and fun evening. 

My phone didn't do justice to the lovely sunset.

Mother's Day

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: Sunday, May 8 2016

My first Mother's Day in France! America celebrated Mother's Day on May 8, while the French day to honor mom was still a few weeks away. We began the day with coffee and then a short walk across the Loire to Au Petit Duc to purchase pastries. Desmond bought another mug for me; it was decorated with a brightly colored owl. Home again, we enjoyed our pastries with more coffee and Des presented me with another gift: a bound book containing the emails we had exchanged since he first moved to France. It is something that I will always treasure.

A Paris Brest and coffee in my new mug!

We gave Craig a call and had a nice visit with him. He was preparing to drive up to see his own mother and to cook a steak dinner for her and one of his sisters who was visiting from out of state. Later, we played a game and listened to music. It was nice to relax a bit after our busy day on Saturday. At lunchtime, we finished off the pizza from the day before. Afterward, I enjoyed reading from the book Desmond had given me. It brought back a lot of great memories. 

We had been invited to Arno's that afternoon for tea. We enjoyed the scenic walk to his apartment in the ancient part of town, close to where Desmond used to live. We had a lively discussion as we lingered over tea and pastries. 

I love this part of town!

That evening, I helped Des peel shrimp for the scampi he was planning to make. It was a wonderful meal; no restaurant could have done better! We began with glasses of kir and appetizers of chips and delightful little verrines. The tiny glasses were filled with a mixture of cream cheese, minced ham, tomatoes, roasted red pepper, and pine nuts. They were garnished beautifully and were as tasty as they looked. Des served the shrimp scampi over jasmine rice, with a side of roasted broccoli. Everything was delicious! For dessert, we enjoyed chocolate lava cakes, which were a sweet ending to a wonderful meal. Later, we watched a couple of episodes of a favorite sitcom. It had been a perfectly wonderful mother's day and I went to bed feeling very loved. 

Bonjour France, I Have Returned!

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal:  Saturday, May 7 2016

As usual, I could hardly contain my excitement to be back once again in France! The flight from Chicago was smooth and uneventful, though we were about 45 minutes late leaving the terminal. I knew that Desmond would be tracking my progress and hoped he wouldn't be inconvenienced. I made it through immigration/border control within ten minutes and was soon plucking my bag from the luggage carousel, with a little help from a fellow passenger. As soon as I spotted the smiling face of my son, I felt a rush of happiness. With nearly a month of vacation ahead of me, I was in a state of bliss! 

A busy day lay ahead of me, and I was glad that I had managed to sleep a bit on the plane. When we reached Orléans, we made a quick stop to pick up lunch - at a pizza vending machine! That's right, we bought pizza from a vending machine and it was really very tasty. There are two of these machines in Orléans, both owned by a local restaurant called Cantine. After our selection was made from a large screen, the pizza was quickly baked at high temperature. In just a few minutes, it was automatically transferred to a sturdy box and then it slid out of the machine and we were on our way. 

We called Craig and had a nice visit before setting out again, this time for the grocery market. Desmond apologized for taking me along on this weekly errand, but I didn't mind a bit. I enjoy grocery shopping in France. There are always new and interesting things to see. I even picked up a few items for myself.

I hear it's addictive!

After the groceries were put away, we walked across the bridge over the Loire and on toward Campo Santo to attend the last night of the Medieval festival. I didn't feel tired at all, and was happy to be a part of the lively atmosphere as soon as we entered the ancient archway into the walled compound. Colorful pennants fluttered in the breeze as we made our way through the crowd and managed to find a table beneath a large tree. Desmond stood in line at one of the food booths while I held our places. The food was plentiful and quite good. We ate lentils which had been cooked with a few vegetables in duck fat, and topped with grilled duck sausage. On the side was a serving of crisp fries. I sipped on a kir which was flavored with a chestnut cream liqueur. What a wonderful welcome to France!

Campo Santo, where the festival took place.

We enjoyed a hearty meal of lentils and duck sausage.

We were soon joined by a couple of friends, Arno and Jeremy, and we all began to wander around the compound, looking at the many unique items for sale. Des bought a bottle of Mead and a beautiful tooled leather bag. I purchased some pates des fruits at one booth and a dry sausage at another. It was one that I knew Craig would enjoy - made with Beaufort cheese. Arno presented me with a flower and ribbon crown. I felt very welcome and very much a part of the festivities. 

Lots of sweets from which to choose!

We sampled the Mead at this booth.

We could hear bagpipes playing and soon noticed a band of Scotsmen who were there to honor a 700-year-old alliance with France. Many people at the festival were wearing period costume, including the children, who were adorable as they dashed about on a grassy slope while brandishing their wooden swords. It was a perfect evening, with a light breeze blowing. However, by 9:30 I was beginning to feel the effects of my lengthy travel day. We returned home, pausing to view part of a long parade that had been winding its way through town. We finished our evening with ice cream before I crawled into bed, still smiling from the events of the day.  

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!

Caribbean Blues

It has been almost a month since Craig and I returned from the half Dutch, half French Caribbean island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. I must admit that those azure waters and warm, gentle breezes sound inviting now. We didn't have much chance to truly enjoy the tropics, since we spent about half of our time there enduring a terrible virus. These things happen. We tried to make the best of a bad situation and we did manage some fun times. Nearly everyone at the resort fell victim to the nasty norovirus, yet most of us maintained a sense of humour about the whole thing. After all, it could have happened anywhere. Had we been on a cruise ship, we would have been in the news!

A glimpse of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Our working vacation began with a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday, January 14. We only had the evening there, and had been up and traveling since 3:30 AM, so we ate dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel - Los Pinos. The grilled steak w/chimichurri was wonderful and the pina coladas the best I have ever tasted! The next morning we headed out to the airport and arrived way too early, especially since our flight was delayed several hours. Eventually, our little plane took off, and in just 38 minutes, we landed in St. Martin. It was dark by the time we arrived at the Westin Dawn Beach.

This was our view on Friday morning.

The next morning, we met up with some friends and enjoyed a half day in Phillipsburg, riding Segway on the boardwalk and beach. We followed it with a tasty lunch of mahi-mahi wraps at restaurant there, with a lovely view of the ocean. A bit of shopping rounded out the afternoon. We returned to the resort, where that evening everyone partied on the beach at the huge welcoming event hosted by the owner of the company for which Craig works. The company spares no expense in showing the customers a good time. The buffet overflowed with tasty choices such as lobster bisque, whitefish in beurre blanc, mushroom ravioli, and grilled steak. A dessert bar offered mini crème brûlée, as well as mango cream puffs, tiny chocolate mousse cups, and coconut cake. Of course, there was full bar which supplied just about any beverage one would expect at such an event. A live band provided music for a very festive evening.

Segway on the beach!

On Saturday, I was able to talk to Desmond while Craig hosted a breakfast bar on the beach. We later went out for lunch with some friends at a place nearby called Mr Busby's. It's right on the beach in Oyster Bay, with a cool breeze and a lovely view. After we returned to the resort, we relaxed on the balcony with a cold drink and a book. That evening, we met up with another couple for dinner at Ocean, which is a restaurant at the resort. We dined on the terrace near the pool, and it was an enjoyable evening. 

In the middle of the night, the virus hit me like a freight train. An hour later, Craig became ill. We didn't suspect food poisoning, because we had eaten different items from the menu. We spent some very miserable hours in our beds and learned via text message that many other people had fallen ill, most of whom had not dined at the hotel. Over the course of the next couple of days, a doctor made repeated visits to the resort, dispensing prescriptions and giving injections to the ones who were severely ill. We didn't learn until much later that nearly everyone in that resort had become ill, and there were others across the island who were experiencing the same symptoms. 

By Monday, we felt well enough to be out and about. I didn't eat much during the day, but drank lots of water and the occasional warm coke which was advised by the doctor. We went to lunch with a group to the Sunset Bar and Grill, where we had a blast watching the planes come into the airport and seeing people being tumbled across the sand into the water as the big jets turned and took off. I have written about this in a previous post. It's a fun place to hang out. The grill serves some good food, though I really wasn't ready to do much more than nibble on a chicken wing. 

Fun at the Sunset Bar and Grill, Maho Beach.

That evening, six of us went into Grand Case, where we were treated to a fabulous meal at the French restaurant there known as The Cottage. I had heard that it served the best French food on the island, and I don't doubt that for a moment! Our meal, from starter to dessert, was exquisite! I recommend the filet with Bearnaise, or the sea bass cheeks. And for dessert - try the caramel souffle or the chocolaty Mon Cheri. The service was wonderful, and the decor as charming as could be. It was a memorable evening.

The next day, I awoke feeling a bit queasy. Too much rich food the night before, I suppose! Craig and I both took it easy, except that he did have to put in an appearance at a couple of events. Early that evening, we went into Phillipsburg, where we did a bit of shopping. We had planned to have dinner there, but nothing really appealed to my still-queasy tummy. We chose instead to savor some refreshing sorbet at a shaded table overlooking the water. It really hit the spot! 

Wednesday was our last full day on the island. We had considered going back to Grand Case for a bit of exploring in the daylight, but after meeting up with some friends at breakfast we decided instead to visit Pinel Island. There were four of us who rode the little ferry over to the tiny island on the French side. We had lunch at a restaurant on the beach, savoring some tasty food as we enjoyed the lovely views. We lingered over our meal and refreshing drinks, and then began a hike along the trails nearby. The path is narrow and a bit rocky, though it's not difficult. It was a very warm day and as we were still recovering from the virus, we didn't walk far. After about a mile and a half, we were ready for more cold drinks! We also did some shopping at the cute gift shop on the island. There was a great selection and good prices.

Our view at lunch on Pinel Island.

Looking toward Flat Island from the trail on Pinel.

A pretty scene on the ferry ride to Pinel Island.

That evening was the big farewell party at the resort. We could see that not everyone had recovered from the virus; there were many empty seats at the tables scattered across the lawn. The food was amazing! We enjoyed conch chowder, Jamaican cole slaw, Caribbean pepper steak, crab legs, plantains, and much more. There was a DJ playing old favorites and taking requests. The dance floor was jumping until the party ended. 

We were up early on Thursday morning to see our friends off to the airport. Our flight was the last one out of our group. We hung around the lobby until nearly everyone else had departed. I was sipping my warm cola and nibbling on pretzels - no breakfast for me! By the time we arrived in San Juan and checked into the hotel, I was tired and a bit hungry. Craig and I decided to have a small meal at the Papillon, a cozy French restaurant on the property. We both chose the croque monsieur, and it was wonderful! It came with a tiny fryer basket heaped with crispy fries. The sandwich itself was perfectly prepared, sitting prettily in a little pool of bechamel. It was as tasty as any I have had in France.

On Friday evening, we were home at last! Not all of our luggage made the trip, but the errant bag was delivered to us late that night. And now it's time to begin planning our next journey!

TRAVEL TIP: Always pack a small pharmacy when traveling overseas. Because you just never know!