Well, time seems to be flying...

Well, time seems to be flying as we continue to explore the Dordogne , Provence , and the Cotes d Azure of France. We will have stayed in gites for 4 weeks in beautiful places close enough to the historical tourist sites but far enough away that we don't have to be stressed out driving, with quiet, relaxing places to sleep, and small villages nearby to explore and buy our groceries. We are finishing our week near Marseilles. We are a few steps from the bright blue Mediterranian----disappointed that it is a very cool 17 degrees but so beautiful. There is a hking trail along the calanques (fiords) all the 42 km to Marseilles---we did a 3 hour hike which was superb. Kids are kind of home bodies some days and have taken a couple days to lounge around, swim, read or just play cards and explore the beach. Mike and I , regretfully left them behind (celebrated?) on our own excursions to Avignon, hiking through the roman arena, exploring the markets etc; and then yesterday we took the train to Marseilles for the day. Today we drove to Arles and will be exploring the salt flats in Camargue with a large flamingo, wild horse and boar population. Tonite is the new Indiana Jones movie in french.

A highlight for the kids this week was of course Marineland in Antibes. Killer whales, dolphins etc brought them back to their love of the Galapagos. I always wonder about the educational value versus the removal of these magnificent creatures from their habitat.

The Cannes film fest and the Nice Grand Prix is on now so we were lucky to get a place for next week near Nice. We will be exploring the Grand Canyon of France -- the Canyon du Verdun, and driving into the mountains too.

For the first time on our trip we have no firm plans for the first week of June. We are heading to Italy along the Italian riviera and then into the Italian Alps--hopefully we will find some English speakers because Mike cannot bail us out there. Flight home has been booked ----- June 14th is the end of our adventures abroad but never the end of adventuring.... Gail