France

      Well Feb 15th and am in Ireland for a few days. Nice to see me family. On me way to France and have landed in Paris. Have a room for 2 days at Hotel du Levant, Breakfast included. Has a nice balcony on top floor. The Seine River is near by.

      Tour took me to Eiffel Tower, was asked did I wanted to go to top. I said no as I do not like heights. Nice supper was Duck with pumpkin stuffed Roulade, asparagus with tofu in oyster sauce, cauliflower soup with walnuts, and good Bread. Bottle of Bourgeons white wine very smooth.

      Breakfast the next morning was German pancakes, with lemon sauce, bacon, eggs, cottage cheese, and coffee. Did some walking with tour guide. Just to many people for me Sat outside with Bread and cheese and wine. Back to hotel took a nap. Second day here with a fine breakfast.

      Took a tour in a Horse Buggy ride, Seen Bastille monument built in 1370,was a major defense ordered by Charles V Louis XIVC had most torn down, except the Bastille kept as a luxury prison. Stormed July 14th 1789. Later torn down four months later a rebellion. Allot people lost their lives.

      Visited Chateau de Bagatello, built around 1860. Nice restaurants but too expensive. Also the Chateau de Versailles built 1668,then 1789 royal court for Louis XVI and Marie Antointee. They later were captured and lost their heads. Sat outside by a Paris Cafe listen to some French music. Supper was a grand seafood supper, a nice wine and watch people go by. Very interesting.

      Well traveled to Orleans along the Laire River in a rented car, very reasonable. Will spend night in La Mans. Hotel Mascotte Les Sittelles. Has everything even with a Balcony. Supper was Basque and Bean soup, grilled veggies with tuna fried eggplant, zucchini, tomato stew. Dessert Strawberries in Honey and wine. Glass of Cheateary de Yguem.

      Stopped at Mont Michael for a sandwich and soft drink. Im here now at St Malo on the Gulf of Saint Malo on me way to Brest for the night. Hotel De La Paix. Atlantic Ocean one side Douressant an Isle not far.

      This area is called Brittany, of course WW2 Brest was destroyed and rebuilt. Southern France two big to cover each town but I try. Have traveled to Nantos for a La Trappe Beer and a sandwich..

      Well here in Southern France A lot of vineyards. And Im in Politiers, scene of the 100-year wars. Occupied even by the Arabs. At the Chamber d' hotel (bed and Breakfast) of pancakes, eggs, bacon, with strawberries.

      Went and visited La Roche famous fortified port. Allot of beaches, got a bathing suit and a short wet down, as water is cold. Staying at Hotel François. Has everything needed Pub and a fine restaurant. Atlantic and Bay of Biscay can be seen from Balcony. Lunch was a nice Ham Sandwich, potato soup and a soft drink. Had a Brandy Highball, very relaxing.

      Walked on the beach for a while bit chilly but nice to relax. Supper after a walk was starved. Had clams oysters, Lobster and a nice Bass cooked in wine sauce and spinach. nice veggie salad, soup. Dessert was Chocolate mousse. Couple glasses of Closflorid Blance Pessac, very light. Sat on Balcony fell asleep.

      Another day on me way through Limousin Valley. Grapes every where. Not as I visited Bordeaux by the Lat River. Will stay at Hotel le Fasan. Beautiful. The Lafite vineyards have been here since 1868. And are of the Cabernet Sauvegon type. Excellent wine.

      After a sandwich of tuna and a Local Beer and ice cream Sat outside with a glass of St.Jean des Graves white wine. Area occupied by Celts, Romans, Vikings, Vandals, Normans, Brits, Germany and Arabs. Great culture. Before bedtime had Chicken Basil with red cabbage, sausage and chicken gumbo soup, nice green salad. Strawberry pie dripped with Honey, and house wine.

      Took a big glass of milk and some French pastry outside on the patio. Took glass of Lourviere Blance Pessac to room. After a excellent sleep, headed to Dordogne on the Garonne River. to Lourdes dedicated to a 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous. Dates back to 1858 time of Napoleon iii. Seen picture of her very lovely child. Stayed at Hotel Gallia Londres. Nice place Near the Sanctuaries.

      Lovely picture of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Nice supper of veal cutlets Basque Bean Soup, veggies with onions, mushrooms and goat cheese. Apple pie and coffee.

      Well now off to Toulouse. As I drove the country side so alive with people an their animal sashayed Hotel Sofitel has pub restaurant very pleasant. After quick lunch of Oyster soup and some wine. History goes back to 8th century from Romans Franks, Arabs and Germans. Visited the Jacobin Monastery.