And so it was that just 4 days ago, we arrived at Nancy Station and amid tears, laughter, hugs and white roses, we shared a longed for reunion with our very own honorary French daughter, Lorene.
8 years had passed since we bid her farewell at Tullamarine Airport, after having her live with us for the best part of a year whilst here as a Rotary Exchange Student. She had arrived in Melbourne as a seventeen year old girl, and celebrated her 18th birthday here in Melbourne. She was what us Aussie's would call a real stunner back then; and let me tell you that she still is!!!!!
In the year spent with us, Lorene entered our lives and became a part of our family for forever more. We have constantly kept in touch over the years by phone and especially via those wonderful inventions known as email and Facebook. It has been a promise we made to Lorene, that we would visit her and her family for a long time now.......one that finally became a reality on October1st, 2011.
Old streets of Nancy.
I have shared with you already how wonderful the weather has been for our entire trip and we are ever so blessed that the good weather followed us here to Nancy, Baudicourt - as well as to each and every other village visited within the region of Lorraine. I know that this may sound a little corny to some of you, but I firmly believe that God heard that we were finally to lose our virginity regarding overseas travel; that he knew how long we had dreamed for this chance and quite possibly also, just how much we deserved and needed this trip away.....and so he said to all his Helpers up there: "And may the sun shine upon them for each of the days of their journey with nothing but warmth, fun and joy".........and you know what?????......so far, it has been all of that and then some!
Pierre-Alex, Sophie, Lorene and Bounty the Dog.
This photo is taken at over 13,000 ft above sea level!!!!!
And so our stay at Auberge du Parc, in Baudicourt has been incredible. We have been treated like family, and have enjoyed the most wonderful of hospitality. It has been great to reunite with Laurence (Lorene's Mum) once again - and fantastic to meet Christian (Lorene's Dad), her sister Sophie and brother, Pierre-Alex for the first time. As for spending time with Lorene, there are no words that truly describe the joy.......nor the intense sadness at having to bid her farewell, just a little while ago, following the sharing of a most beautiful gastronomic feast prepared by Christian and served to us by Laurence.
Each day we have been shown the most wonderful sights, places, famous landmarks and have been provided the most incredible and educational insight into the First World War and the Invasion and devastation of France.
Laurence and Petite Moi!
Monument for some French Soldiers built around outer area of burial site where soldiers were killed - buried alive - as they were bombed whilst sleeping, standing up in trenches with their bayonets in hand.
And so as I lie here, unable to sleep, still emotional that such a long awaited reunion has gone too quickly; I remember to give thanks that we were able to come in the first place; to give thanks for this family being so open to spending precious time with us, and to share their beautiful countryside and villages with us.
Mirecourt - the town famous for Violin and Lace making.
It is important here to be perfectly honest, as I always endeavor to be; and for this reason I must admit that as well as lying here feeling a little melancholy, I also wonder what in the name of Hector am I going to wear to work upon my return, because I am sure that despite the constant walking, this food from the North of France has done nothing to assist the zipper of my work skirt from going up; and remaining up!!!!!!!! (Blood sugars still the best they have ever been however, I am glad to report).
Appetizers.
Entree.
Main. (French Beef served on a bed of French field Mushrooms and topped with Duck Fois Gras.
Desert (A selection of Diabetic Specialities - NOT!!!!!)
And so we will arise at 5:30am (just 4 hrs from now), so that we may take the fast train back to Paris; and then fly to Rome for the final leg of our trip. Impossible to believe that our massive adventure is coming to it's natural conclusion; and that we shall be home before we know it........Never mind, there remains incredible adventures still in store, just around the corner.....and the excitement builds yet again!
Post note: Am guessing my French is going to be of absolutely no bloody good to me in Rome?????????
Love to all, as always.
Jul's and Spike xxxxx
Location:Baudricourt
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