France 2013

The first time I went to France was in 2005. My good friends, Nancy and John, invited me to tag along, and I've never looked back. France tugged at my heart from the very beginning...Paris, the small villages, the people and their traditions, the art, the outdoor markets, the food and wine, the fresh flowers. When I'm not there, I think of it. When I'm there, I plan my next trip. It's quite an addiction.  People always ask me, "Aren't you tired of going to France?"  I shake my head in disbelief...tired of France?  Never.There is so much to see and do. It's a big country, with different geography and cultures, sort of like the different states in the USA. Anyway, I'm too embarrassed to tell you how many times I've now visited France!

I leave again  tomorrow for two weeks, flying into Madrid where I change planes and head on to Strasbourg. I'll be meeting Nancy and John there, and we'll stay until Monday. We then have a house rented in the medieval walled village of Riquewihr. We've stayed in Riquewihr once before, and loved it.The entire Alsace region is postcard-perfect. Since it's close to both Germany and Switzerland, we are planning day trips to each of those countries. When our week in Alsace is up, we head to Paris, where we've rented an apartment for the last week of our vacation. While there, we'll be visiting my Alabama friend, Geni, who is lucky enough to actually live in France, and spending the day with her at the ham and antique fair in Chatou. I've been once before, and trust me when I say it's not to be missed! A day trip to the champagne region is planned for later in the week.

I'll be blogging each evening, and posting lots of photographs, as my camera goes into overdrive immediately upon landing!  Please come along for a virtual vacation...you don't even have to leave your home!  And while you're at it, I'd love it if you'd comment on my blog entries.  If you don't want to register as a user, you can click the "anonymous" button, and then post your comment.  Just don't forget to sign your name so I know whose posting!

I guess I should start getting my camera gear together and start packing my bag...tomorrow will be here soon!  See you in France!