A little more information

I was cranky with the computer last night and didn't really give much explanation about things or details about our experiences, so here is an add-on, without photos -should keep me from getting cranky!

First of all, my more correct info about Andorra. Andorra was declared a free state in the 9th century and then became an independent principality that is dually controlled by Spain and France. The two "princes" are the president of France and the Bishop of Urdell. It was nestled into the higher altitude of the Pyrennes (with ski resorts nearby). It is a very small country (181 sq miles or kms) but actually had a few cities. But there, in really the middle of nowhere are tons of stores, shopping centers and car dealerships. Andorra's claim to fame - no sales tax. We were just stopping there for lunch and when our credit/debit VISA didn't work at the restaurant (fortunately I had an alternative VISA since they didn't take AMEX - I had put that card in my wallet at the last minute as a "just in case") which made Jim curious, so after lunch he went to several ATMs and the debit card would not work anywhere. Once we were in France, no problem. Our only theory is that the WellsFargo system must not recognize Andorra.

It has been quite nice, after wandering on our own for close to three weeks, to now have somebody else in charge of charting our course. Janet and Gilles put great thought into creating an interesting and visually stimulating zig-zag from Barcelona up to the Paris area. They have given us so much information about the regional differences (history, politics, culture, food, geography, etc) in France. We are getting a good exposure to the language, with the aid of "Juliette" - their GPS system in the car. We are now fluent with such things as "turn right" "turn left" "you have arrived at your destination" and "take the next exit". We know that this will be of great use to us in the future! My four years of French from High School have made snippets of appearances - I enjoy capturing bits and pieces of conversation.

More about the bed and breakfast in Carcasonne. Janet had found it on line and booked it, then a few weeks later sees it featured on the French Home and Garden TV station. Every inch of that house (built in the 1700's it had been vacant for 10 years and was a wreck with no roof - they showed us the before pictures) was so beautifully restored/re-done; every room beautifully painted and furnished; garden incredible with flowers everywhere and so many comfortable places to sit/lounge. She made delicious pastry and jams for morning, along with sliced fruit, yogurt and cheeses, and served us outside. We loved chatting with them about their decision to change their lives and make this move. He had done all of the work on the house while she was responsible for all the decorating and furnishings. They have a 15 year old son that wasn't too thrilled initially, but has adjusted. Their families and friends thought they were crazy, but now enjoy coming to stay. She did say that they need regular trips back to Paris to get their "city" fix, but have settled into the country lifestyle and love it.

Off to breakfast....then on to our next French experience.