Oh, The Places I’ve Been

Before I left France, I mailed a box home to my family. Inside this box were a number of things: letters from friends, postcards and coins I’d collected during my travels, a Ramos kit I wanted my brothers to have,  a carry on bag I was returning to my family because I’m thoughtful like that, that map of France I’d pinned places on and, finally, a scrapbook that I’d made of all the places I’d gone and things I’d done since I’d left Canada. I waited. And waited. AND WAITED. for them to get this box because I just wanted all the praise of a job well done. Unfortunately….

Hello Annecy

Last weekend I finally, finally got to make a trip to Annecy. I drove up and met my friend Chynna for lunch, which was absolutely delicious. Grilled bread with goat cheese and honey (her) and a mouthwatering sauce and salmon (me). Homemade fries and salad finished off the meal while we each had half a pint of beer and shared a pitcher of water between the two of us. It was warm out so we ate outside and did what I’ve come to really appreciate in France: ate slowly and talked lots. A two hour lunch and not once did I feel rushed or like we should leave. It was something I had to get used to when I got here and now that I have, I don’t want to let it go!

We walked around the vieille ville for the rest of the afternoon, looking at the swans on the river, the artist on the sidewalk (just photographs, no videos please),  the kids playing football in the park with their parents, riding rented bikes shaped liked racehorses up and down the footpath, eating ice cream from large waffle cones. I went ‘the usual’ for me and got mango and raspberry, a small sampling of cinnamon on top, while Chynna got the full scoop of cinnamon with butter caramel. (I will be going back next time because oh my it was delicious!)

As well next time, we’re planning on biking around the lake, which is a bit of a distance, is supposed to be quite easy as it’s all flat. I’ve also got four/five days off when the kids have their next school holiday, so I’m stalking flight prices and trying to decide which new place I should see next (Barcelona, Madrid and Nice are all within price range) and trying to plan a bit of a trip. Take a break from the mountains and children and revel in the feeling of a mini-vacation.

The sun has finally decided to shine and bring it’s friend warmth with it, so lots of picnicking and running around outside, I’ve been back to shooting hoops on the court next to the playground while the kids play. Yes: lots of things. I’m rather enjoying it.

Things I’m Loving:

+ This song – (I’m late, I know. But Nate Reuss’s voice makes me so happy.)

+ This & this – (They’re not helping me make up my about where I want to go because I want to go both places.)

+ These online magazines – (Because I don’t have enough to read.)

+ This spring outfit – (I would wear that dress every. single. day.)