Veux-tu m'epouser? (Will you marry me?)

So it started out as a Saturday similar to any other: 

-Get up around 10am, unable to sleep because our internal clocks tell us that we have to wake up early to go to work/school

-Eat breakfast: coffee, fresh milk, toasted baguette, lots of butter, and savory jams

-Watch music videos on TV in our pajamas because we both agree that they just don't make Saturday morning cartoons like they used to anymore.

Our Saturday afternoons usually consists of a sandwich and a pastry at the local bakery while walking around "downtown" and window shopping.  However, Benoit announced that he would like to do things a bit differently that Saturday, and let me be the one to say, "And OH BOY DID HE!" 

He told me that the Castle of Clisson was a rather nice thing to see that day, even though there was still snow on the ground and according to the thermometer in his car, it was a total of -7 degrees  C (which is approximately 19.4 degrees F).  But nevertheless, we hopped in the car and off we went to some castle that I didn't even know existed about a half hour away from where we live in Nantes.

"I know you're hiding something from me Benoit!"  He does look rather guilty in this picture lol.

So considering that restaurants in France are only open between 12 and 2pm and then again from 7 to 11pm, we decided it would be a nice idea to find a cozy place to eat on the way.  For some reason, of which I have now totally forgotten, I had always dreamed of eating at what would be known for us as a "truck stop" type restaurant, but "à la française."  As word may have it, these "restaurants ouvriers" (literally translated as  "manual laborers' restaurants"--I know it sounds a lot prettier in French), you can order an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for 10 to 12 euros and the carafes of wine are on the house!  What more could you want? French food and free wine--sign me up!

As soon as we saw small road signs advertising for such a "restaurant ouvrier," Benoit quickly made the detour so that we could have lunch there.  Ironically, the place was called "Le Gros Cailloux" which translates in English to "the big rock" (one of Benoit's nicknames amongst friends since he is a stone mason).  Although no one seemed to be eating there, we took the name as a sign and decided to go in.

Bad choice.  The bread was stale, my pâté was frozen, Benoit only got one beef shish-kabob, my frog legs were dripping in oil, and my chocolate cake was way over cooked.

Lunch for two at the worst restaurant that I have ever eaten while in France: 52 euros (approx. $70)
However, the experience and milestone that was patiently waiting for me: PRICELESS

My frog legs that day: the picture looks a lot better than it tasted, trust me.

After the terrible and EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE restaurant that Benoit insisted on paying for himself (note: The French may be considered chivalrous in their demeanor, however, that would definitely not be the adjective to describe them when it comes to money--I guess they have to have at least one flaw lol), I was not feeling very reassured about our Saturday "promenade."

We arrived in the city of Clisson which is known for its Italian inspired architecture.  We first visited the Church and I was surprised to find (and my Mom can now even vouch for me) that it was at least 20 degrees colder inside the church than it was outside.  Nevertheless, we lit a candle for my Mom, walked the perimeter inside the church leaving Benoit to critique the stone work, said a quick prayer, and left shivering!

Our Lady of Notre Dame Church in Clisson

Of course, admiring the magnificent chocolates and fresh pastries.  You really can never get enough.

And here we are at the "Chateau de Clisson" (Clisson Castle).  We bought out tickets from the lovely, old ticket woman who was sitting next to her little electric heater, gently telling us that she was so delighted to see such a lovely, young couple take interest in the castle and its history, especially on a day like today where the snow scared everyone away.

Benoit was rather quiet while visiting the castle that day, wondering off by himself and admiring the snow that lay on the ground.  I thought he was still upset about the terrible restaurant we had eaten at like I was.  

Then, we suddenly came to a landing looking out onto the small town of Clisson and we stood for a few moments in silence, admiring the charming little village that lay under its cold white blanket.  The wind was harsh that day and I was doing my best to concentrate on the simple beauty of what was in front of me in order to drown out the frigid air.  

And then suddenly, Benoit took both of my hands, firmly turned me to face him, and looked at me every so lovingly deep into my eyes and said, "Laura, je veux te demander une question." (Laura, I want to ask you a question).  This is where I started crying.  I mean not just crying, but playing the American card and saying "oh my gosh oh my gosh" and not be able to catch my breath because I was so cold and obviously I was crying too much haha.  Yes, I know, how romantic on my part right?  Here I am, standing in the middle of a medieval castle in France, Benoit in front of me, about to be proposed to, and there I am crying lol.  Ok so anyway, back to the romantic French side of the story.  "Veux-tu m'epouser?" (Will you marry me?) Benoit softly asked as he pulled out a small box where inside neatly perched the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.  On a fine golden band, there sat a ruby surrounded by 8 diamonds (yes I counted lol).

My answer: "YES! Oh! I mean OUI!"

(to be continued...)