ENGLAND

This could also be titled: Be careful what you wish for.

I was looking forward to a break from being in a country where I don't understand most of the language, but now we are in a country where I (usually) understand the language, and it rains most of the time. I now know that it would be difficult for me to voluntarily live somewhere without a lot of sunshine. Oh, how I miss my California weather!

On the plus side, we are enjoying the wonderful history and beauties of England. After we made it across the English Channel on a ferry (car and all!), we found some interesting views from our "flat." On one side, we have a view of a castle:

On the other side, we have a view of a marina. It also has a lock, and it is fascinating to watch ships go through the lock.

As I was walking recently, I found some swans in the marina. They were obviously disappointed when I didn't have any food for them.

Eric and I just signed up at a "Leisure Center" nearby where we will be able to get some exercise, no matter what the weather is like! It also has tennis courts available. We recently went to a drop-in tennis night and had a good game of doubles. I was so happy to get back to doubles -- I have really missed it!

For Thanksgiving, we went to a restaurant and tried to get some traditional U.S. food. We were not very successful with that, but we both had decadent desserts:

A few days later, an American (married to a man from the UK) invited us to a more traditional Thanksgiving meal, so we didn't miss out at all. Eric had his pumpkin pie, and I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed some chocolate pie (not usually my favorite). Since it is apparently impossible to find typical graham crackers, she made the pie crust with English biscuits, and it was very tasty!

TOULOUSE: Au revoir, not goodbye

Before we left Toulouse for six months, I wanted to capture and remember the spectacular view from our 19th floor loft apartment during the morning, afternoon, and evening (24/7). Google + enhanced this photo for me:

More daytime views:

Sunset view:

And, night views:

During the three months I was in Toulouse, I kept trying to schedule a bike ride over the Garonne River, with either Eric or a friend. For one reason or another, it didn't happen until the last weekend before our move. Eric and I rented some bikes, ride over the river, and played tennis at a local outdoor public tennis court. It was great!

VERSAILLES

Years ago, we tried to go to Versailles but it was closed; I think it was a Monday. We ended up seeing the gardens which were wonderful! This trip, we made it into the Palace of Versailles. I enjoyed the Hall of Mirrors.

                                         

  I think I might like a library like this one belonging to one of the princesses!

Now, this is a bedroom!

Another beautiful organ:

Even the train leaving Versailles was amazing. I kept looking at the ceiling.

PARIS!

In order to move to the UK in November, we HAD to go to Paris to turn in our paperwork for our 6-month visa. Of course, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We walked by the gardens at the Louvre and walked across the Seine with love locks attached to the sides of the bridge.

Of course, we had to walk by the Eiffel Tower...

And we went out for a wonderful dinner (French food, of course) and enjoyed the view of the Eiffel Tower at night.

MADRID

When Eric had to go to Madrid for a short Monday morning meeting, I jumped at the chance to join him. We added a full weekend to our trip to enjoy a little of Spain. Thanks to Rick Steve's travel advice, we found a hotel in a great location overlooking the Puerta del Sol, the Times Square of Spain. It was a little noisy having a balcony overlooking this famous square, but it was well worth it to be in the center of the action.

In addition to finding some delicious new food, we went to a flamenco dance, took a bus tour, went to the Prado Museum, and walked to the Royal Palace.

Did I mention the food? The first night, we had a sampler meal, and it included a dish that I later found out was thinly sliced, fried eggplant with honey generously drizzled all over it. It was so good, I had to go back to the restaurant the next day. It was a struggle to describe it to the waiter since I didn't know what it was, but it was well worth it! I also had some hot chocolate (very thick!) and churros (not as sweet as in the US). It was delicious!

French class completion!

Here are some of my class-mates from my French class. We are a varied group from Brazil, China, Italy, Chile, Japan, and of course, France (our teacher). Others are from Kenya and Spain.

Back to School

I am half-way through my intensive 4-week French class. After our 3 1/2 hour daily class, I come home and spend the rest of the day trying to figure out what I was supposed to learn during class. I am the only American (Americaine) in our class, and everyone else seems to catch on fast. I guess it helps to have experience learning a language.

This is what I see as I exit my class each day; it is the Capitole. It is quiet in the morning, but by afternoon, the area is filled with people and activities. I enjoy my walk home after class each day!