Bonjour from France!

We made it! After enduring a brutal flight, and hopping from Frankfurt to Paris, we all connected at the airport. Scott found me first and we had a celebratory glass of vin blanc. Then we stumbled upon Andrew and Patrick who had picked up our vehicle - a Mercedes mini-van. Only one big problem: 4 adults, 4 bikes, too many rows of seats. Andrew explained that there was no way we could leave it behind and had exhausted all angles. Scott and I took over and finally, after going to a different Eurocar rental desk, convinced our boy Eussi (after reorganizing his closet and swearing to the trustworthiness of Americans) that we would not leave it with him and would return to get it before turning in the car. It basically came down to us refusing to understand the word "impossible"(said with a French accent), and saying we would write a letter to his boss and try to get him a raise! (He refused a bribe).

After loading up we headed across Paris and made a clean get away. We all noted the really cool small cars - something us Americans might want to look into again! In addition lots of windmills generating clean, sustainable electricity.

We headed south on the A10, stopped for dinner and made a plan. Dinner was an adventure that included lots of misunderstanding, body language, and saying words in English, but with an Inspector Clouseau  accent.  Altough, Scott and Andrew hung pretty well.After a little wine it all made sense! I knew there was a reason I loved France. Most language teachers, I'm sure, would agree that just speaking louder and with an accent will aid in comprehension. Right Madame Hamer!

We decided to stay for the night in Salbris - very quaint, cute and cheap - and wake early and make a dash for the stage start in Talousse. 

!