Back in February of 2013, during a group ski trip, we met a fantastic Olmsted family that lives in Aix-en-Provence, France. We were lucky enough to squeeze in another visit with them, before we all head back to our “real” lives back in the States.

It was so great to put away the to-do lists, put away the camera (relatively speaking ;)), put away the pressure to do and see every church…and museum…and historical site, and just spend time with our friends…in a precious little French town. Sadly, we know these kinds of opportunities are dwindling.

We had a great dinner in Aix, complete with fountain-chilled regional wine.

How disgustingly quintessential is this?!

Why is this stuff so good?!

We have visited nearly a dozen American Military Cemeteries throughout Europe and every single one is simply amazing. They each embody the local region while demonstrating what our country is known for: patriotism.     Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial in Provence is one of the smallest we’ve visited, but nonetheless stunning, with olive trees and lavender providing shade for our Fallen.

After our visit, we took the long way home, driving through the blooming lavender fields through Provence. I expected to smell the pungent fields as soon as we stepped out of the car, but what surprised me was how they sounded! The fields literally buzz with pollinators!

A huge thank you to our friends: for the hospitality, the coffee klatch, the dance parties, and most importantly, the comradery. We were so busy enjoying your company and discussing our repatriation plans that we didn’t even get a group-shot! Maybe next time…in Hawaii, or Washington, or Virginia, or California. Wherever the world takes you! See you on the State-side!

This year, 2 female Olmsted scholars and 4 wives of scholars headed to Corsica, France for the annual “ladies” trip. It was SO much fun! This will definitely go on the list as one of my favorite trips! Corsica was so beautiful and the dynamic between the six ladies was fantastic. So much laughing and sharing and eating and drinking!!

The first day we headed north from Ajaccio (how do you pronounce it?!) to Piana for some hiking and views of Les Calanche (how do you pronounce it?!). It took quite a while to get there because we kept pulling over to gawk at the amazing views.

We finally found our trailhead and set off!

There were also a few spontaneous stops along the hike, because…well…sometimes you just feel the need to strike a pose!

Our lunch stop was also amazing! The food AND the view!

The next day we headed south to Sartène to go horseback riding!! I really didn’t know what to expect here, and whatever I did expect would have gone right out the window anyways, because every part of this morning was a surprise!

Usually when a horseback ride is suitable for beginners, it means that you show up and everything is ready and set and all you have to do is get on the horse and ride. Not here! Everyone had to catch their own horse, groom him/her, tack up, and then do it all in reverse when finished.

Two of the six mounts.

Hard at work!

Old horseshoe on the side of a stone barn in Corsica. So quintessential (it makes me want to gag!).

After a short lesson, we headed out!

“Don’t worry about the cows, they are friendly.”

This is how Olmsted ladies roll!

Everyone was still smiling and walking when the ride was over! Success!

A job well done.

A HUGE thank you to Megan A. for being the fearless planner, Maureen for her tireless and patient translating, Arlene for spontaneous yoga fun, Megan F. for laughing at my jokes, even though they are seldomly funny, and Marilyn for being clever with the (embarrassing) details of any story I shared…and to everyone for being good sports on horseback!!

When is the Corsica reunion trip?!

This year, we visited our American friends in Strasbourg, France for Thanksgiving. Since both of the husbands are the principal cookers in the families, we (the wives) left all of the menu planning to them! Both families decided to abandon tradition and to be open to anything Mr. France put on the table!

Oh wow…did he deliver the most amazing French Thanksgiving (or just plain dinner) we had ever eaten!! FIVE courses…to be exact…each paired with its own beverage. Did I already use the word “Wow!”?

After a mid-morning snack of pretzels, obatzda, and beer, we headed our respective ways to collect bread, wine, liquor, and vegetables…all super fresh!

First course (the only American part of the meal): chestnut squash soup.

Second course: Foie gras with balsamic vinegar, paired with a tasty Gewurztraminer.

In preparation for the main course, Mr. France and Mr. Germany did some flambé-ing! Mr. France was in charge of the alcohol and Mr. Germany, the matches!

Main course: Green beans with caramelized onions, pureed potatoes and parsnips, and braised duck, paired with a great French red wine. 

quack, quack!

It was SOOO good! Look at these clean plates!

Fourth course: a plate of six different cheeses.

Before the final course, we took a little break and sipped some cognac.

Mrs. France, warming her cognac!

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, was the fifth, and final, course: dark chocolate pot de crème garnished with a Macaroon made by Mr. France himself, and mint leaves direct from the balcony!

We are so thankful for the open home, friendship, and AMAZING cooking/hospitality of Mr. & Mrs. France. This was a Thanksgiving dinner we will never forget!

Happy Thanksgiving from France!