France

I promised that I would blog when I was here in France, and thus far I've been a complete and utter failure at keeping that promise! HOWEVER, I'm now into a routine, my computer is fixed and I now have some time to myself where I can try and keep you all up to date.
I arrived in Europe on August 10th. I flew from Vancouver to London and then London to Geneva. Landing in London at 6:50am was absolutely magical - there was a fog on the fields and the sun was just rising... I felt like I was landing in a scene from Pride and Prejudice. I then waited in the Gatwick airport for a few hours with my two huge suitcases (and my travel backpack) until catching my flight to Geneva. The Mercers picked me up in Geneva and we drove over the border into France. Arriving in Seyssel was very exciting for me - the landscape is breathtaking. We live on the side of a mountain, literally, that overlooks the town. I will upload photos of the house and the view in a later post.
My first night I was taken to a 40th birthday party for Alix's sister. Luckily David and Alix spoke English because no one else did! It was quite a cultural whirlwind - lots of kissing on the cheek and eating dinner at 10pm.
Two days after I arrived we headed down to Hyeres for the beginning of family vacation. We were down there for a week and it was gorgeous. It's on the Mediterranean - at least 35 degrees everyday. We spent at least a few hours everyday at the beach, which was a lot of fun. It was nice to get to know the girls in a relaxed setting with David and Alix around.
We then headed to David's parents house in Jumhillac le Grand in the West of France. We stayed in their home (made out of a restored barn!) for 4 1/2 days. While there we were able to do a couple of adventures - the zoo, a prehistoric park and Hautefort chateau.
I was glad when we came home, although vacationing was great. I just wanted to figure out my routine... where I fit in here. And I think I'm getting there! I now have my little 5 speed (a FIAT Panda who I have named "Chi Chi"), my room is all set up - it's coming together!
Now I should probably go join the family for breakfast (just as you're all going to sleep!)
Here are a couple of photos - one of Kiara (almost 6) and Hannah (almost 4), one of a back alley I saw while walking through Old Hyeres, and a little collage from Hautefort.