The good news is that our house does exist! It's pretty much as we imagined - very rustic and authentic, but nicely done up. It's spread over 3 floors with a bedroom on each floor (including Caitlin's little attic bedroom) - and some pretty steep staircases linking everything up. Here's a couple of shots showing the house from the road (which is up a hill from the village) and the view from Amy and Sarah's bedroom (which is quite stunning looking down to the valley and across to the Pyrenees).
We celebrated our first night here with a flash french dinner of poached eggs on toast - thanks to the shops being closed for Easter. Shopping so far has been a bit of a challenge actually. This morning Lance was sent to the local store for some washing powder and returned with some odd tissues that you put in the washing to (supposedly) stop colours from running! But he did buy some lovely pains aux chocolats and baguette from the boulangerie.
First impressions from the family:
Amy: "It feels like I'm living underground" (because the stone walls are so thick)
Sarah: "I like the chocolate chicken" (a gift from the owner for each of the kids - good to see France is making an impact!)
Caitlin: "The stairs to my room are steep but I like it" (which is true...they're more like a ladder)
Heather: "We're going to need a roster for dishwashing" (no dishwasher!)
Lance: "Who packed the gingernuts? No one!" (unbelievable).
Kia ora; nice to hear you all arrived in one piece; if you don't count the bits Amy lost on the way. I could always send you over a food parcel of essential items... like gingernuts and washing powder! we are pleased to hear you had a safe journey and look forward to the next update.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter
Bruce/Beirne Whanau
Surely you packed THE 'gingernuts'?!!!?!?!!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that you survived the marathon journey over despite missed connections etc. The house looks lovely - what a stunning view. Good to hear also you have located local boulangerie; a must if one is to survive in France. I'm sure you'll soon be dipping croissant in your cafe au lait and gingernuts will be but a distant memory.
ReplyDeleteCathy, Hugh and Poppy
Well done Walker Juniors. We start today on our train epics and if we only miss one train I will be pleased. Wonder if we have stairs as steep a Caitlins. That will be great for Dad.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a great time in New York - sure my legs are 3 inches shorter from all the walking. Only one mishap when Dad went out the wrong Subway exit. But we did find him!
Love Nana Pen & Grandad Bas