Saturday, July 10, 2010

A Day of Contrasts

July 10
Den reminded me at breakfast that it was 4 years ago today that I was diagnosed. We talked about how our lives changed then, and about the uncertainty of a long life. His advice? Fill up the life you have.

And we are. Today was one of extreme contrasts. It began in Lyon, the third largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille. We took the funicular (tram) up the hill above old Lyon to see the Basilica. It was one of those things we thought we should see, since we were here, but Catholic houses of worship are not high on Den's list of must-do's. However, we were sure glad we did. It was the most impressive structure imaginable. It took 200 years to build and the interior is entirely decorated in tiny mosaics, all in tribute to Mary. Extremely interesting, both from a historic and architectural point of view. We stopped off at the Saturday market to watch the locals in action and bought a loaf of pain complet.

Our GPS was not in our good books today--but I believe our troubles had more to do with the directions we were give than the technology. We had to tell her to shut up a few times. After a lot of driving, mostly in the wrong direction, we arrived here at this little out-of-the-way spot deep in the heart of Provence. We have an apartment here on a vineyard for a week. It is way out in the country, at the end of a dirt road.I think we are going to like it. It has a nice pool, lounge chairs, everything we could possible need to cook our own meals, and a resident cat. Den got directions to get to a local market in the morning, a half hour walk through the countryside to the nearest village, and a chance to stock up on bread, goat cheese, and local produce.

So--definitely a day of contrasts-- from the urban morning rush in Lyon to an evening listening to the insects in the trees. By the way, Andrea, what are those buzzing things?

3 comments:

  1. Oh good a cat! Now Dad won't miss Mandy and Teddy Ha-Ha

    Fill up the life you have. Solid advice.
    I'm trying...next week I have 3 options: chasing steelhead on the Heber River, fishing offshore of Ucluelet or spending 4 days camping in the Kootenays!

    Everything is great here with us! The garden is doing excellent (stinks with how much compost I put in there). Chantal got back from Kamloops on Wednesday, she fired her realtor and hired a new one and organized the movers..all our stuff should be here on Monday!
    I'm working this weekend and we're going to your house for a BBQ with Laura and Foster tomorrow night. I'll check to make sure he got the diagonal correct on the lawn Dad ;)
    So happy you guys are having such a great time and everything is working out. Do you have a new favourite wine yet?
    Love Graham and Chantal

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's good news! Sounds like everything is going your way--probably because you two make it happen! Heading back to the pool now. It is tres hot here. We are having a day "at home" ton rest up and do laundry. Great spot, amazing part of France. Au revoir! Xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi you two! Wonderful to hear you are having such a good time AND that you are having warm weather. Love those newsy posts. Imagine Graham zeroing in on the cat. Personally what jumped out at me were the words bread, goat cheese and vineyard (no doubt a derivative of the word wine). Looking forward to seeing some photos and hearing more about your adventure.

    ReplyDelete

Leave us a note. We would love to hear from you.