"Home Sweet Home"

Before continuing with the brief and somewhat injust descriptions of the beautiful sights and wonderful moments Benoit and I shared on our tour of Brittany, I must say after sleeping in the car, living out of a duffle bag, and not always having access to a shower, "There is no place like home." (Hi Molly and Bethany!!)  Here is a picture of the living room/dining room of Benoit's apartment.  Benoit says I should consider where we live "chez nous" (our home), but as my school year approaches in Angers, France and the increased number apprehensive looks continue to appear on the faces of fellow traditional Catholic French family and friends concerning our current living situation, I am careful not to get TOO COMFORTABLE living in his apartment.  

Anyway, here are some pictures of "chez nous," (notice particular details in the decor--beautiful handmade table cloth from my wonderful, beautiful, and loving mother, newly updated and running quickly and efficiently as ever Mac computer thanks to "Gadget Dad," and the fleur-de-lis wine accessories graciously given to me by Molly (Benoit thinks they are very elegant gifts and not in the least cliché!--luckily, he has nothing against the old French monarchy, which held the symbol of the fleur-de-lys).

It is interesting the see and witness my way of adapting to this rather simple style of what we would call "French living."  As I often say, I feel like I have been transported back in time, into the era of the 1960's where gutting a fish is a common day ordeal (see below),

and inviting friends and family over to see and admire your newly purchased, top of the line electronic washing machine (also see below).

In addition to these "flashblack in time" experiences, which in a lot of ways are rather exhilarating, funny, strange, and refreshing all at the same time; Benoit and I have been invited to numerous luncheons over the past few weeks, hosted by his partents or parents of mutual friends.  Of course each lunch is served over a period of 3+ hours consisting of an aperitif, 3-5 course meal (depending of the family), with a conclusion of coffee and chocolate afterwards.  A common senerio would include coffee on the terrace/patio, men with their brandy and cigars, woman smoking their "Virginia Slim" cigarettes in their elegant summer attire, prosing the idea of a possible friendly game of croquet.  Common question I then ask myself, "Where the heck am I?"  However, despite the strangeness and frustraction of such "twilight zone" sitations, I must say, "It's a Wonderful Life." :)