Some of my favorite things

This week, the weather has been pretty turbulent, but we’ve gotten quite a few hikes in still. May is a month with a lot of holidays in France, so the kids have had several days off from school which means time for adventures! When we went back to the Vercors mountains, we walked to a beautiful col (mountain pass) and picnicked at the top. I’ve picnicked so much here now I can’t imagine a week without a picnic–specifically one without multiple courses. I’m living well. On the way down, we also picked pissenlits (dandelions) and orties (stinging nettle) to make into a salad and a soup. I didn’t know this, but after you cut stinging nettle, they don’t “sting” anymore and they make a pretty tasty soup!

On another day off, we went to the town of Vienne, which has lots of Roman ruins. We went to a ton of museums around the town and saw the remains of bath houses, mosaics from grand villas, and one of the biggest Roman theaters ever built. During the time of the Roman empire, Vienne was a very rich city situated next to the Rhone River; its inhabitants tried to construct the city to resemble Rome. Super cool, and again, I’m just always blown away by how old everything is. I know I learned about these things in school, but they always felt so abstract. Getting to see the remains makes it easier to imagine how history played out (and it also makes me want to retake my history classes–I think the info would be a lot easier to retain now).

On one of the days there was school, I went to Laurette’s class and gave a presentation on my life, some American holidays (I talked about Thanksgiving and the 4th of July), and at the end taught a song in English. This was a class of 9 year olds, so a pretty easy crowd because they were just so curious! I could have said anything in English (or in French with a poor accent) and they would have looked surprised (or just confused, because of said poor accent). They also each prepared questions, learning how to ask them in English! So what did French children want to know? The same thing the children I sub in America want to know: Do you have kids? Are you married? Do you have any pets? [Each of these questions are of equal importance to a 9 year old]. I had so much fun! I shared pictures of my family, Pagosa Peak, and yes, even a hamburger (from In-n-Out, of course!). It was a great way to practice my French, too.

Besides the day in the Vercors, later in the week I went on two other hikes. Once above Chalais (the monastery near the house) solo, which was good alone time to recharge. I took a book and a picnic, and after walking around for a few hours came back to Chalais to lunch in the meadow in front of the monastery, which I’ve been wanting to do since the first time I saw it. It was great. Today, we just got back from a short overnight trip to the Chartreuse Mountains, starting from Chalais as well. We walked to a cabin called Les Bannettes, which is nestled in a beautiful valley and is open to everyone! While it usually has a capacity for 6, we squeezed in 10 (5 of us as a family and 5 others who were already there). It was so fun! It reminded me of the Camino: everyone had their big backpacks, muddy shoes, and company to share. We played games and ate dinner under candlelight, and witnessed an incredible sunset and sunrise. We also saw herds of 50+ big horn sheep in the surrounding meadows and peaks. Since it was much higher in altitude, all of the flowers were just starting to bloom. To understate it, it was a beautiful experience.

I’m looking forward to my last few days in France with the Gullon Family! Can’t believe I’m already heading back home, but at the same time I’m feeling ready. I’ve learned a lot, taught a lot (I hope), and eaten a lot, and now I’m ready to spend the next few months with the fam until I leave for a lot longer! Especially to watch my niece Natalie grow (she’s already 7 months old! I hear she isn’t bald anymore and she’s moving around like crazy–but I can’t believe it until I see it). And I do love Colorado in the summer–can’t wait for all the hikes and flowers and warmth. But, for now, I still have a few wonderful days left in France and feeling so fortunate to be here and to learn everyday!

Now here’s a bunch of photos, primarily of beautiful mountains:

Catherine and I helped out at the Senior Center in Voreppe–we helped plant some vegetables with a few of the residents there. Hopefully later in the summer and next year they’ll have some spinach, mint, and radishes! (Among other things)

From one of my favorite city gardens in Voreppe.

In the Vercors climbing up to the col.

Didn’t notice this photo-bombing bee until later, but I’m happy to take his candid anytime! (As long as he stays out of my hair)

Saw (and heard) my first marmot of the year!

Our picnic views

We went to a restaurant for lunch before my presentation and this delectable lemon meringue was dessert. Yum.

Trip to Vienne!

Ruins of a Roman road

Theater that held 13000

The Rhone River

Overlooking Voreppe on my hike near Chalais

My picnic meadow!

Lhassa, the cat. I love his mustache.

Overnight hike to Les Bannettes! There was an entire herd of big horn sheep just below this ridge.

Spring was just beginning up here! I’ll get 3 springs this year: the first here in Voreppe, the second in Pagosa (I hear the mountains are just starting to bloom), and the third in Namibia since I’ll be switching hemispheres! I have no idea what the third spring will look like though…

Our cabin! We made it just in time; it started raining right after.

Pictures couldn’t capture it. One of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen!

The next morning wandering around. Still quite a bit of snow!