Surprises around every corner

(rest of the photos coming)

Today we got a late start to our day.... some late nights, and long, hot days caught up to us so we slept in a bit.  And it was cool this morning, which was wonderful.  We didn't have much of a plan and I was starting to think we had exhausted all possible discoveries within the immediate area so I was preparing myself for a long, windy drive through the Country with nothing much to see.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind that at all, because the area is truly beautiful.  I love the country roads and the tiny villages that pop up around every corner.  But I wasn't expecting to see "new", exciting things.

I suggested that we head towards the town of Crest, where they have a really old (1300's?), huge tower that you can climb up, and promises a great view at the top. 

On the way, we had to take a detour because there was some biking event taking place.  From our new route, we bumped into an interesting village so we stopped to check it out.  There were a few tables set up, selling fruits and vegetables, and sausages so Rodger bought some sausage.  The village was really small but so quaint.  When you walk through these places, it is typical to think "oops, I can't go that way, it's someone's private entrance".  The walkways are so small it seems that way, but they aren't private... it seems no one has much privacy at all, at least not by their front doors.  Open your front door, step down, and you're on the road.  At one point, I had to remind Simon that he was rock-climbing on someone's house... "how would you like it if someone walked up our driveway and started climbing up the side of our house?"  So strange, and so different than our typical homes.

So the tower in Crest was awesome.  It ended up being way better than we anticipated!  It was so interesting, and as promised, the view was amazing!!  Totally worth the visit.

 

 From there we headed to a village that Rodger had briefly read up on in one of our books, called Mirmande.   I had no expectations of it, but when we got there, it was this gorgeous little place set on the hills, overlooking the countryside.  Turns out it is on the list of "most beautiful villages".  So, so pretty!!  There were a few little shops to wander through... pottery and local products and wine.

 

Rodger ignored Kate, our GPS friend, and took the scenic road home, which added at least 45 minutes to our drive... lovely, but too long.  We were starving!!  Ah, who needs lunch anyway, have some grapes and warm water! :-)

When we got home, 2 different neighbours rang the doorbell within 5 minutes of each other.  (Had they been talking about us while we were away?).  I hadn't heard the doorbell ring in this house before, so I didn't even know what it was at first.  The woman 2 doors down came, bearing gifts of huge zucchini. She didn't speak any English but she had a teenage daughter along to translate enough to say hello and tell her how long we are here, and to thank her for the gift.  Then the next one was an older man from 2 doors down the other way, and he also didn't speak English.  But he brought some photos from Vimy to show us, as well as some history and information on the war.  He wanted to express how much he loved Canadians for helping France in the War.  He shook our hands and put his hand to his heart while he did it. So sweet.  It was pretty helpful to have the kids there to help communicate with the neighbours.  They are doing a great job with their French, and have been super helpful on this trip.

It turns out I was wrong.  There were plenty of  new, exciting places to explore!  So all in all, this was a great day!!