|
|
I never would have guessed that staying in one place for over two weeks would be so very pleasant, but it has been. This area of France, on the cusp of the regions of the Dordogne and the Mid-Pyrenees, is chock-ful of amazing places to visiting and is rich in natural beauty. I had thought we would want to stay I a town for part of the time, but I think at heart I must be a country girl. Hearing the birds sing so beautifully and listening to the language of the country has convinced me that birds sing in French - except maybe for crows and ravens.
What was the most exciting place we viisited? Probably Le Roque Saint Christophe. Its habit ion for thousands of years on a cliff face only ended in the Middle Ages, and the ingenuity of medieval man in creating livable spaces using impressive machinery was fascinating.
The churches were our touchstones. Each village, town and city has its own church, mostly, it seems built in the twelfth century. It is a mystery as to why there was such a surge of church building then, which means that we must return to investigate!!
We look forward to the visit of our hosts to our city of Whittier, California, where all buildings are newer than their home, which at two hundred years of age, is quite new for this region.
It is so true that travel adjusts all sorts of priorities and points of view- happily for me. I love French culture. I love their language, their priorities, their deep respect for nature and for historical preservation. I have much to learn and will begin planning a return trip as soon as I get the vast set of pictures organized when I return.
We are so grateful to our hosts and indeed to all the peoples of France. We have been treated so generously during our time here, and hope to have a chance to return the favor.
Au revoir, countryside- we shall return.
