Friday, June 4, 2010

We left Brittany and came to Aix

We had a spiffy time in Brittany (Bretagne, Breizh)... this was the first time that I've ever rented a car in Europe, and I must say it is certainly difficult going back to trains and walking, in a way, because of the freedom having a vehicle affords the traveller. We would have been thwarted significantly without our Peugot Partner to help get us around... it was a bit nerve-wracking, at first, what with the unfamiliar signage, etc., but it soon became relatively easy to zip around. While we were driving around, Melinda discovered the radio station of her French dreams, Radio Bonheur, which plays all oldies, all the time (100% Chansons Francaises!); I haven't heard that much accordion since the Walter Ostanek vs. Frankie Yankovic battle for polka supremacy.

We managed to get as far as Carnac to see the menhirs... we also saw Kermaria an Insquit, with the marvelous Dance of Death... we went to Guingamp (home of Radio Bonheur), Quimper, Roscoff, St. Pol de Leon, Morlaix, and many more places. I will update the list when I get home... after the 16th. Brittany was delightful, and I recommend it as a holiday destination for anyone wanting a chance to visit an authentic region of France.

We give thanks to the Cudennec family, without whose generosity our trip would have been impossible... Nicole, for suggesting the possibility in the first place; Josy, for making it happen; and Joel, for welcoming us to Locquirec so warmly.

Now, we are in Aix, preparing to take in some of the delights; today, we are going to get a tour of Cezanne's studio, ane, later, we are going to a ballet. A full enough day, I think.

I need to sign off; the time is ticking down on this computer... until the next time...