The Med in January

The sea can be rough in January. Driving back from French class on Thursday the 27th Dave stopped the car and took these pics. The pics are taken from the coast road facing east toward St. Raphael between St Aygulf and Les Issambres. This is a very scenic route however in the summer with touristas it can take 3 hours to travel 40km. If the pics were taken facing the opposite direction St. Tropez would be in the distance.

Cat's away Dave will build shelves

So Alanea went to Poland and Dave went to a Galette des Rois party on Monday evening held by the ASR Cycling Club. What is Gallette du Rois you ask.

Partial definition

The Galette des Rois or Cake of the Kings, commemorates Twelfth Night when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts for baby Jesus. A single porcelain fève (charm) is hidden in each galette.Epiphany's date is on 6th January but you can find the galette in every boulangerie in France during nearly the whole month.

Very cool, Dave found the charm in his Galette but gave it to the club Pres. tres politique.

Dave is having his 1st real life experience with French bureaucracy, more on that to come.

Monte Carlo Casino

Dave went to Monte Carlo by himself yesterday. He said he was going to a meeting of the Monaco Venture Capital Assoc. but he only took a picture of the Casino. He bought Champagne and Foie Gras for me. I will share with Alanea but Dave won't eat it. Sure is a fancy place Chiens Interdit!

Mimosas blooming Jan 18. 2011

Dave and Alanea take me walking up to the Domaine de Plane sometimes. Today the Mimosas are in full bloom and looking very yellow. Spring is coming in the Var. The days ar 30 minutes longer than they were on Dec 22, 10. We only walk half way up the hill because it is steep and there might be a Sanglier waiting behind a bush. Our neighbour went picking Mimosas later in the day.

The Abbey

Dave and Alanea took me to the Abbey of Thoronet. I was indognitio hiding in a napsack because there was a pas de chien sign but Dave got me in, enjoy the pics this is a very old place.

Just when I thought I had seen everything!

I see a lot of things hanging around with Dave & Alanea but when I saw this ring that doubles as a bottle opener I thought "Now there's a reason to repeat your wedding vows". Imagine opening a Coors Light with the flick of a finger. Actually France has many odd and curious things that make no practical sense but add immeasureable to the culture. Come see for yourself but don't say I did not warn you.

6 km 40 minutes

I watched out of the window for 160 lb. fat boy Dave, then he took me for a walk. He was very happy about the run and says he is feeling better every day that he can ride his bike or run. The pool is close but it will open when it gets warmer. Today it is 13 degrees and sunny. I am going with Dave and Alanea to Monaco tomorrow. Dave is going to a Institute of Directors meeting that he was invited to but I cannot go. I will post a few pics of Monaco when I return.