So, mates! Here are my plans for what to do in France for two days.

1. There's a huge festival happening just north of here in the city of Dax. I'll be there tonight, as will you!
2. A family friend around these parts is the foremost expert in 17,18 and 19th century French wall paper reconstruction. She's invited me for tea at her Chateau and will give me a tour of her home. Perhaps she'll also let us see the dungeon. As far as I know, her Chateau was once the home to a Baron and also provided shelter to those pilgrims on the road towards Santiago de Compostella.
3. Last, but not least, Luigi and I will traverse the Pyrenees in my antique French farm car. Supposedly there's a train from 1912 ready to chug us up to one of the many summits. Get ready for a spectacular view of the region!

If you have any suggestions, or questions - send me a message!

Posted by Matthias at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Just arrived at the farm! Flew to Orly, Paris from Schoenefeld, Berlin and had to jump in a bus to get to the Montparnasse train station. From Montparnasse, it was about a 4 hour train ride south to Dax. While the trip is familiar to me, I always enjoy taking the high speed train (TGV) and seeing the vineyards, farms and cities along the way. I jumped out of the train at Bordeaux and filmed what I could of the station - I thought perhaps some of you are thinking of going there, why not give you a sample. My dad picked Luigi and myself up from the train station in our family deux-cheavaux and off we went to the country side.

The sun is just setting off the west end here and we're about to sit down to a feast of local cheeses, pates and wines. Bon appetit, quoi?

Posted by Matthias at 07:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Bonjour mes amis

I'm hitting the road and taking off for France and Spain tomorrow. Destinations in France are Paris, briefly, and South France near the Pyrenees. Why South France near the Pyrenees you say? Well, my father purchased a 15th century farm house down there and it has served as my home over the twenty years of moving. It's an intimate place that I'm looking forward to sharing with you. My brother Alex and I frequented the local summer camp here and mixed and mingled with all the local French children. It's an amazing place that doesn't change much. The foods, wines and people will absolutely provide for a great experience. I'm also really looking forward to seeing my parents again, as it's been about 6 months since last seeing them in California.

Alright. I have to pack! I'll let you know what I've got planned once I get there.
A bien-tot!

Continued...

Posted by Matthias at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)