After several of whirlwind days of train stations, bus rides, and cafeteria food, we touched down in what could be aptly describe as the “French quarter of heaven.” Thanks to my aunt and uncle who graciously connected us with their friends, we were warmly received into the house of Alain-Michel and Segolene.
As soon as they picked us up at the station, we knew we were in good hands. They drove us to their home, which is a lovely, old, restored farmhouse in the Loire Valley countryside. From here, we passed about three days learning what the good life really is: warm sunshine, long meals, drives in the countryside to visit chapels and chateaus, shopping at outdoor markets, feeding the donkeys in the morning, going to vineyards for dinner, and beautifying the local caves in the neighbors. We tried all sorts of new foods from rabbit to escargo to duck–even donkey. We drank wine and ate cheese at every possible opportunity (which is often). We learned world history through the histories of cheese, wine, and quilting. And at night, we slept like it was our job, peacefully in a canopied, soft bed, listening to the frogs sing us to sleep.
After all of this, I have to wonder why so many people put up with the hustle and bustle of life, going crazy with appointments, keeping up with the neighbors, breathing dirty air, eating mechanically “enhanced” food, when this other kind of lifestyle exists in the world. I must assume that most are just unaware of its existence, because I have a feeling that once you’ve had a taste, it’s hard to go back.
~Jessie, April 22nd, 2007
