Day of rest - so far

We actually slept in this morning - made it until about 8:00. Another of our group is headed out - Gabi is heading home to Plzen. She will visit Memphis later this year and we will have a reunion party.

We have most of our meals here at the house. Breakfast is usually the basic line up: coffee, fresh bread (it arrives about 7:30am), yogurt, fresh fruit, and assorted jams, jellies, Nutella, etc. Used to be that Nutella was only something we had when we came oversees. Now we can get it at Costco. (From Vicki: But it tastes better over here.)

Lunch has either been in a cafe or bistro when we have been playing tourist, but when we have been here, it has included bread (always!), saucisson (harder sausages, like salamis - there seem to be a hundred varieties at the markets and stores), fruit, cheeses, and leftovers from our wonderful dinners.
Today, however, in Gabi's honor, we fixed a brunch. With many helpers, we served pain perdu (French toast) with a topping made from a scratch strudel filling Gabi had made, a frittata, a fruit salad, mimosas, and coffee.

Dinner is always an event. Most of ours so far have been orchestrated by our hosts, and all have been wonderful. Last night, Vicki and I were in charge, however, and prepared dinner. Following the basic format always use here, we had aperitifs and hors d'oeuvres, a salad, a main course of parmesan chicken with wonderful potatoes we picked up in the outdoor market in Guerande (prepared by Mohammed), followed by a cheese course (usually 3-5 options), and dessert (vanilla ice cream with a caramel liqueur and crumbled meringue on top). Seemed to be received pretty well, particularly by Lilly and Delsin, the youngest staying here (12 and 10). Dinners are typically served here about 9pm and last a couple of hours.

I've not been hungry since we arrived; nevertheless, conversation following one meal, or even during, always turns to the timing and execution of the next one!

From Vicki: One of the questions that Gabi has asked several people when they come in from a day trip is "what was the highlight for you?" This morning I asked Dan what the highlight was for him so far; Gabi asked me and I asked Gabi; Gabi asked Reginald. We all answered with the same thought: that the time together at the end of each day, making, serving, and eating dinner, are the best parts. We sit around and have the chance to connect and to talk in ways that we just don't seem to in the states. There's a rhythm here (at least while on vacation) that lends itself to winding down and touching base with those around you. It's pretty awesome.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad