It’s hard to believe that we have been in Europe for 4 weeks now. What an amazing experience! We already have so many great memories and look forward to many more through May and June.
As we have been doing a whole lot of nothing but relaxation in Vence these past few days (read: nothing exciting to report), I thought this might be a good time to reflect on the things we have enjoyed, as well as some challenges, on our adventure so far.
For me, of course, it’s been all about the food -- gelato, pasta, delicious chocolate candy and even more gelato! Also...I love pushing strange buttons and splashing in the pool at Stefan’s house, viewing “Bubble Guppies” on the iPad, watching my new favorite film “Bee Movie” with daddy (that Jerry Seinfeld is so funny) and 24/7 access to mommy and daddy (but especially mommy).
Speaking of whom...well, she has enjoyed the visit by her sister (Aunt 'Men') and family, espresso-powered drinks at all hours of the day, tasty French bread at every meal, learning new tricks in the kitchen, morning trips to the market and playground with me, playing Scrabble with random people around the world on the iPad and finally catching up with her book club reading.
And daddy likes the bike rides, ample and decent French wines for under $10, afternoon naps by the pool, the many old stone retaining walls (inspiration for his home improvement projects), using Google Translate to communicate with the locals, watching Champions League soccer matches in the right time zone and, uhhh, giving me haircuts while I’m asleep. Weirdo!
By the way, a special thanks from all of us to our hosts Stefan, Stefanie and their extended family. Without their hospitality and graciousness (especially towards a “terrible 2” like me), none of this would have been possible.
As for challenges…thankfully, there haven’t been many, but here are a few noteworthy ones – the Euro/Dollar exchange rate, navigating our mid-size car through the streets and parking lots of France, the foreign pollen (allergies!!) and the absence of microwave ovens. And although the local markets are fun to visit, Mommy also greatly misses her local Whole Foods.
All in all, it’s been a wonderful experience so far. Thanks for tracking us on the blog – we hope we aren’t boring you too much! We head to Paris tomorrow (Monday) and hope to have some good stories and pics to share in the coming days. For now, I hope you enjoy some additional photos from our experience so far (below).
Love,
Griffin
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| Lecturing daddy in Munich on looking your best when jet-lagged |
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| Enjoying gelato with mommy in Zurich |
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| Waving to George Clooney on Lake Como |
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| Cheering on the Phillies in Genoa |
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| Daddy still smiling midway through 45 mile ride through the Alps |
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| Mommy and daddy at dinner in Antibes on Easter (no broken dishes at this meal) |
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| With those crazy Donohoe girls in Vence |
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| Curling up with a good book by the pool in Vence |
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| Looking with mommy for the soccer ball that rolled over the cliff in Gourdon |
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| A Vence salon (of sorts) named after mommy, who some people call 'Nini' |
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