Visitors

It took some time, but we finally did get visitors from Finland. A nice big house in the south of France just wasn't the right incentive.  I know people would have come to our wedding, but since we could not yet afford it, the big party is still to come, along with a church wedding. However, it now seems like a cute baby is enough to lure you down here.

Anna-Liisa was the first, then Tuomas and family, and a week ago, it was Tao's turn.  I don't count Andrey in this, since we didn't have the house at the time he popped up in town. Anyway, maybe the word will spread that the trip is worth it?  Of course this area is not as known as the Riviera, but it's a nice place anyway.

The sea water may not be as blue as in Nice, but the sand is nicer. We also have rivers with clear water to swim in or canoe on; a number of hiking trails in the mountainous region; an array of medieval villages;  caves with impressing concretions (and one of them in our own village). Lots of things to see. Montpellier is a beautiful city, with a large pedestrian area in the old town, lots of shops  of all kinds, restaurants for all tastes, cafés with big terrasses open all year long, and a lively night life (which I am not acquainted with anymore).

You have to know that we live about 40 km from Montpellier. It's close enough to be able to enjoy the city life from time to time, while living in a (mostly) peaceful environment. Since I stopped working, I've been embrassing this countryside life. Everyday I go for a walk along the river and fields, with Joe in the pushcar. I feed the ducks while he tries charming every old ladies that pass. I haven't had the guts to try and pick dandelion and other wilds salads on my own, although I've been shown once how to recognise them, but I have brought home feral asparagus, black locust flowers for deep frying (a local delicacy that Tao had the honour to try ;)  ), and elder flowers to make syrup. I'm now waiting for the elder berries, to make jam with, as well as blackberries.

Anna-Liisa was here a couple of days, but it was raining. She did manage to go for a sightseeing tour in the village, including the caves, all by foot. And the rest of the time, she was playing mom with apparent delight.  Tuomas and co did a lot with Senja's relatives in and about Montpellier. They spent half a day with us, and we took them to another river than the one crossing our village, our usual swimming spot, complete with waterfalls and old stone bridge. The weather was warm enough to dip our feet in the water. Later we went back and strolled along our river. With Tao, staying less than 24h, we had a marathon day. From the station, we walked across the main square to the old town, through the most typical small streets to my favourite restaurant where we had a nice meal in the sunshine. We took the tram back to where the car was parked, then drove to a small shopping mall. The boys went their own way, and we went looking for clothes  (THAT was good, long time no shopping with girl friends!). Then home for a tour of the house, and a relaxing drink. Finally the compulsory tour of the village/duck feeding :).

You see, whether you want to play tourist, or just relax, there is something for every taste. And I do miss you all, especially after those visits, when all the fond memories have been brought back to mind. But but I can't afford to visit you at the moment, and anyway, it's your time to travel a bit :) So see you soon!