They make coffee in a bowl and serve it with bread, butter, and homemade jam. While not a nutrient filled breakfast, it is delicious to dip the bread in the coffee.
The house is gorgeous. From my window I see down the mountain to the Mediterranean sea. The rooms are decorated beautifully. In my room is a marble fireplace and an old chest of drawers. Throughout the house the walls are decorated with art, such as this tapestry.
We did not make it to the river due to the possibility of rain. Also, Berengere was preparing a special lunch I wouldn't want to miss -- the Swedish nanny of her children from 10 years ago was coming. We set up garden dining by the pool, and Berengere and grandma worked in the kitchen. According to Martine they are known for their cooking, beautiful home, and good looks. I concur.
We had the French 4-course meal: main plates, salad, cheese, and dessert. At the end of each course everyone wipes their plate clean with bread. Provence cooking involves more vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini) so I cleaned my plate too.
During lunch they shout, talk with their hands, laugh -- they are extremely expressive. While this is fine dining, there is nothing pretentious about it. It's simply enjoying family, friends, and food. It reminds me a bit of my Thanksgiving. From the left: the Swedish couple, Sophie (17) grandma, Xavier (16), Laure (11), Raphaele (11), Jean Baptiste (21), Benoit (19), and Berengere.
After lunch the young people and I played an intense game of Risk. It also involved quite a bit of shouting. Benoit is so involved he must stand.
During the afternoon several visitors stopped by: Grandma's cousin with two of her grandchildren, Berengere's cousin with her three children, and Berengere's sister and her husband (Geraldine and Jacques). The kids jumped in the pool and played capture the flag. I, however, had to find Wifi and square away the last details of my trip. Tomorrow I reach Nice, the final destination of my tour de France.
I am devastated to leave a place, a people, an experience that I fell in love with, an experience unique to me that no one else had. How will I carry it with me?
For my last dinner, we again had a 4-course meal in the dining room. I get to know Berengere's sister and husband who live in Montpellier and speak great English. Like my family, their family is hard-working, well-traveled, and loves to have fun. I invite everyone to NYC, but I'd especially love for the children to come. I am so lucky to have met them.
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