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South of France - Day 1
What a beautiful place! We're staying in a small village called Cases de Pene which is about 12 kms from Perpignan. The Gite we're staying in is one of six in a complex. (We're the only ones here because schools have gone back in Europe.) The Gites are gorgeous and the area stunning. We're at the foothills of the Fenouilledes and we're surrounded by Vineyards and Olive Groves. Today we stayed at the Gite, (with the exception of Mike who went to get some groceries.) We walked down to the village early this morning to get bread for breakfast and lunch, then spent most of the day by the pool. It is hot and so quiet here. I've never been in such a tranquil area before....if I have, I didn't appreciate it :-)
While Mike was away the boys and I went for a walk in the Olive Grove. After dinner the boys went for another swim then they made darts and had flying competitions. I think I love this place as much as Paris!
Day 2
Today we went to Lourdes. It was a long day as we took the scenic route there (through the mountains) which was four hours. We didn't stay long but we all loved it. It is very commercial in the village but the Basilicas are beautiful and seeing the Grotto very exciting. We didn't queue to go in but we got close enough to see the statue of Our Lady. We all got our little bottles of water to bring home plus a big bottle of water for our trip back. I could have sat there all day just watching. It's amazing to see so many people arriving - the healthy and sick. I'm going to go back when I return to France.
On the way back the boys were sitting in the back of the car discussing the 'Holy' water. We discussed the fact that it wasn't truely holy but maybe healing....if that was what God intended. (There probably is a better explanation) George later asked for a drink of the healing water. After he and Ben had taken a drink he said "now Ben, we pray" I turned and saw the little man with his hands together in prayer and his head bowed :-)
Day Three
Today we took a day trip to Barcelona. First we visited Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the unfinished church that Gaudi designed. We were all incredibly impressed in the detail and just how stunning the church is. (Although George did seem more interested in the workman and the tools for part of the tour.) After that we drove to the Christopher Columbus Monument.
We left with the usual souvenirs and the boys with the obligatory football memorabilia. So far Spain has been the hardest place to drive in. They seem to have their own rules when using roundabouts and if theres a gap...you just go for it. There's the quick and the dead :-)
Day Four
We had a lazy day today. Ben went down to the Boulangerie to get our Baguettes for breakfast then the boys had a swim. (It was 30 degs here today.) After lunch we drove into Perpignan to have a look around. We stopped off at the supermarket and came home for another swim, do some washing and start packing up.
It's sad to leave such a lovely place, we have all enjoyed our week here....it sort of feels like home. :-(
- comments
Meegan Hi everyone, wow you are all having such an amazing time and what a special adventure. The places you have seen and been to. I like the sound of Cases de Pene - sounds wonderful and relaxing ... almost like out of a movie. Everything in Pirie Street is fine ... no problems or adventures to speak of ... only a lot of rain. Enjoy every moment and thank you for sharing your adventures with me. Meegan
Catriona Hi Meegan Great to hear from you. I thought of you yesterday when we were in Barcelona looking at the little mosaic ornaments. What an amazing place, I'm only sad we didn't get to spend much time there. I now have a list of all the places I need to go back to. Thanks for the Pirie St update...we're surely not missing the rain :-) The boys say hello and see you soon!