Day 4 (Monday, 12 October 2009)
From Jim’s journal:
Paris to Brantome: Breakfast again at Café Paul (for those not on the “romance package”). Then a little window shopping as we await our trip to the Dordogne (formerly “Perigord”). Nancy’s search for a heating pad is without success. In the early afternoon we make our way to Gard Montparnasse for our rail trip to Angouleme. We reach Angouleme at 16:15 and Peter and Ben are waiting for the drive to Brantome on the Dronne River (Le Perigord Vert). We debark at the Hotel Moulin de L’Abbaye, a Relais et Chateaux Hotel—an old abbey mill converted to a hotel. After freshening up, we begin our daily ritual of cocktails (19:00 hours) followed by dinner at 19:30. Bill has brought his scotch and Rick orders the wine. Four small Hors d’oeuvres are served during the cocktail hour and we are already close to being full before dinner begins. Dinners routinely consist of starter, entre, sorbet (sometimes), main course, salad (sometimes), desert and petit fours. The wine flows generously. We eat fish, lamb, beef, wild boar, pigeons, chicken, duck, sweetbreads, snails, mushrooms picked locally, and many vegetables. I believe monkfish is the main course on this day.
Lani and I are so excited that our close friends from Orinda will be joining up with Peter and Ben for a “most excellent” walk in the Dordogne. We have the map, the itinerary and internet access to help us follow along on the journey. Kisses and hugs all around.
Dear Peter,
It looks as though you have pulled out all the stops for this group! I hope they live up to your expectations in every respect except the sobriety part. It pains me beyond belief not to be there as your trips are some of the best traveling ,walking, eating and learning experiences of my life. I hope the group has a fabulous time. We already look forward to the reunion in December.
xoxoxo Lani
Dear Lani and Buzz
Well, we just finished a wonderful dinner here at our first stop. The Inn is wonderful(I wrote much more but this damn French computer ate my message!). More tomorrow.
Best,
John
The French will eat anything, and take four hours to do it.
The photos are spectacular, and the scene is so perfect for the start of your adventures. How about the wines? Anything remarkable yet? How was the first walk? Too many questions?