Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sentimental Sunday

Last week I said I would show one picture per week for three weeks of our trip to Iceland, France and England. Well, I lied. It's going to take four weeks. You see, our trip to France was really separated into two parts and I wanted to highlight one picture from each part of our trip . So, here is the picture from the first part of our time in France:



During the first part of our trip to France, we were fortunate to be staying with a family that lives in Buthiers, France - a tiny village of 600 people north east of Paris. We became acquainted with the Plet family in May 2007 when we hosted their eldest daughter, Laeti, during her 10 day visit to the US as an exchange student. Laeti is a wonderful girl and we enjoyed her visit immensely. When Laeti and her family learned that we would be traveling to Europe in July of 2007, they invited us to visit and stay with them in Buthiers. We were anxious to accept. At that time, our plans were to go from Iceland, to Scotland and then on to England. Fortunately, we were able to rearrange our airline tickets and we decided to skip Scotland in favor of France. The photo above is the 200+ year old stone and stucco Plet family house. The house and the town itself is picture perfect and like being in a fairy tale. This photo was taken from the second story of the barn that sits in the back yard of their home. (This is actually the back of the house). Beyond the barn is a lovely meadow. At the time that we were visiting, Mr. Plet was renovating the barn into a gorgeous house that the family was anxious to move into since it was larger and more modern than the original house. Needless to say, having the experience of living with a French family was a once in a lifetime experience and for me, it was the best part of our trip. Next stop... Gay Paree!

9 comments:

Terra said...

that is beautiful! I have to admit I am a bit jealous. What a wonderful experience with so many great memories! Maybe you will get to go back someday and stay in the new house!!

Gamma Sharon said...

Wow... what a beautiful setting. It is so interesting that they have a house in their family for 200+ years and know all the history behind it.
Amazing!

Pam said...

Terra - We were so lucky to have an opportunity to visit with the Plet's. I'm sure it is something I will remember forever. And I'd love to go back!

Sharon - It was a lovely and idlyllic setting. I felt like I was in a dream.

Gamma Sharon said...

Hey Pam, I think I read that wrong the first time... but 200+ year old home is amazing.

Alex the Girl said...

So much better than staying in what my daughter calls a rent room. You skipped Scotland? What a perfect excuse to go back.

Celine said...

Woohoo! I had no idea you had been to France!
How cool! :)

Pam said...

Alex - As for Scotland, it's kind of a long story, but we did actually spend a few harrowing hours in Scotland on our way to France. Maybe I will post about it sometime. But yes you are right. It is a perfect excuse to go back. I really liked the little bit I go to see. LOL!

Celine- Yes I have been to France! I had wanted to go since I was 12 years old and starting learning French in school. I took French through my first year of college. Of course, I can't really speak it, but a lot of it came back to me while we hosted our exchange student and then while visiting. It is my dream to live in a foreign country (for an extended period of time) before I die and France makes perfect sense since I have a foundation in the language. Plus, I LOVED it! Paris was wonderful.

Celine said...

Awww I'm so glad you love our country so much
It always feels good to hear! :)
Next time you visit, be sure to let me know! ;)

Pam said...

Celine - I do love France. I had such a wonderful time there. And the Plet famille was so welcoming and showed us such a great time. I've been trying to convince them to come and visit us here, but so far it hasn't worked. I will definitely let you know the next time I am in France. (Wow! That sounds good!) I have no idea when it will be, but you never know. And likewise, if you are ever in the Northeastern US I hope you will let me know!

 

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