You know you are in France when.....

We have returned to France, where we will be spending 7 of the next 8 weeks.  France is much maligned by many, but also adored by many more.  Obviously, we must like it here to spend so much time and money in this country.  The Dutch love to visit here, but don't dare to drink the water! The Belgians look down their nose at their work ethic.  The Americans think they are rude and Socialists.  For myself, I drink the water, think they are very resourceful, I find them exceedingly polite, and I stay out of their politics.  

The beautiful town of Honfleur, FR

  You know you have arrived in France when:

The freeways become the Peage....(pay/toll road)

There are nicely kept and frequent Aire (rest stops with restaurants and gas) along the route.

The automatic toll booths do not accept your American credit card as we have no chip, and the "help" person about bites your head off for being in the wrong lane. ( Just keep smiling ...:::)

Every person entering a store or business is greeted with Bon jour.

Everything is SO green. Flowers grow everywhere, especially out of the centuries old stone walls of houses.
Roses are abundant.

It is light until 10 p.m.

Weed-eaters go until dark...







If you live in even a remotely touristed area you will rent out part of your home.

Just 2 of the 5 in our small village (about 15 homes total)

Just down the street....

Because of their resourcefulness, a typical scene on a work day.

Fishing along the Rance

You know you are in France when you are riding along, and another rider begins to talk to you, and within 5 seconds of finding out you are American, has to say something disparaging about Armstrong.

Bikers are given respect on the road. Cars slow and wait to pass.

Art and beauty are everywhere.

The super-marche has the tarte tatin on special for e3.50, and it is delicious!

Bread is such a major part of the diet here.  My daily pilgrimage will sometimes take precedence over all else to  make sure the boulangerie will be open.

Many stores still close for 2 hours mid-day, Sundays and holidays.

Today is a holiday.  Yesterday was Sunday. Sad face.  Stale bread.

The cheese, yogurt, butter etc. are all so delicious, and full fat!  (have to give those statins something to do)

Cows are freaking everywhere!

The French have the most fierce pride in not only their country, but also of the area where they live.  Somewhat like our states, but on a much smaller, regional scale.  This also may be why wines are labeled by region, not by grape variety.

The French Tourist office is amazing.  And there is one in almost every town.

It is the most visited country in the world.

Tourists....

And so our journeys go.....
viva la France!

The entrance to the lovely city of Sant-Malo

Go Dutch!

Holland-American SS Rotterdam

The Dutch are the most positive, kind spirited and energetic people I have ever met.  And this despite their poor climate and a diet that consists mainly of raw fish, french fries and mayonnaise.  They remain cheerful under the cloudy skies and almost constant 20mph wind, riding their bikes with their beautiful children on the front and back, hauling their groceries in their panniers and walking along the beautiful canals.

Amsterdam was very busy as it was a national holiday; Ascension Day.  Who knew?  Obviously everyone but us heathens.  We were lucky to meet up with our good friends Maureen and Paul. We did a canal cruise which kept us out of the cold and wind for much of the time.   I kept looking for all of the things that Amsterdam is famous for, but other than the canals and frites, I didn't see a thing.  I did get a whiff but that was all.

The bike path system in the cities is a sight to behold.  So well organized and safe, unless you have stupid Americans walking around. We had a couple of close calls!

Just one level of the bike garage.

                     

Estimated 300,000 bikes inside

Cube houses in Rotterdam

Market Place

  After our two days in Amsterdam, we were taken under the large wings of the Warmerdam family.  I have never seen so many tall, handsome people in my life. They were celebrating having Maureen and Paul back in the fold, and were kind enough to include us in the festivities.  After a beautiful party on Saturday, we all descended upon Liane and Randall in Rotterdam where we toured the beautiful city.  It is a clean and modern city and the largest port in the  world. This was the place of embarkation for the Warmerdams and millions others like them right after the war as they immigrated to the US.

Pottertjes, hot Dutch delicacy served with butter and sugar

Dutch homes are typically built very narrow and tall.
For the tallest people in the world, they have the
tiniest and steepest stairs ever encountered.

STEEP stairs

Beautiful bike path.  Look before you walk!

Packing for the moon: Or how to fit 10lbs of crap into a 5lb bag.

When planning for any trip, much of the anticipation about the upcoming adventure involves shopping for the perfect travel clothes, comfortable but stylish walking shoes, the jacket that will go with everything, and that perfect little dress for that special night out with your sweetie.  Oh, and they better not make you look old and fat in those pictures you are going to share!  Then you pull out that bag that you know you can manage up the inevitable broken escalator in the train station and that adorable little shoulder bag to carry on the plane with your "essentials" for the flight.  Next you lay out your clothes, your electronics, your cosmetics and to add to the disaster that is emerging on your bedroom floor, all of the necessary tools and supplies for biking.

Ok, deep breath, the bike stuff can go in the bike box.  But only 70 lbs! The box and bike alone weighs about 50.  Oh, this is not looking good for those cute boots I was hoping to wear around Amsterdam.

We are again getting ready to embark on another adventure lasting for 5 months, traveling with Ziggy, our bikes and one suitcase each.  This time I had also hoped to carry along a better kitchen survival kit, with a good knife, a French coffee press, some sort of spice starter kit, my yoga mat, Ziggy's bed... you get the idea.

The 5 pairs of pants just became 3. The 3 sweaters-1.  Don't talk about the shoe problem.  I am not ready for that conversation yet.

In my mind I am also thinking about things I will miss about home, the US and my daily life. First and foremost is my daily walk and talk with my sister, Janet, as she drives to work and I walk Zigs. My family and friends. There are my yoga and spin classes, and my friends that attend with me. My comfortable and familiar house.... I also know I have weighed myself for the last time in 5 months.  Used my last garbage disposal, and probably my last clothes dryer.  I have enough peanut butter for about 10 days. Ditto the hot mocha mix... But travel is all about change.  Of your environment, your perceptions, your daily routine. I am ready for the next chapter. To infinity, and Croatia!