Our Trip to Montpellier

First of all, thanks to everyone who reached out to me concerning my Mammaw.  It was really a hard week and I am happy to put it behind me.  I read all of your sweet comments, so thank you for your support and thoughts! She was a wonderful woman that I will never forget. 

Reflecting back on happier times, we had so much fun in Montpellier a few weeks ago! 

First of all, the drive from Egletons to Montpellier could not have been more beautiful. I think that is why the 4 1/2 hours went by so fast!  The leaves were just starting to change and we stopped in a cute tiny town called Murat (in the Auvergne region) for lunch with the locals.  (We got many stares because we clearly did NOT belong there! haha)




Friday night we had our fancy anniversary dinner at La Girafe (thanks to Natalie for the suggestion) and it was the best duck I've eaten to date!






On Saturday, we walked around and explored the city before meeting up with all my virtual BLOGGER friends!!! Chez Boris was the perfect backdrop to an afternoon well spent.  I can't think of another way to describe it except for it was good for my soul.  I know that sounds dramatic, but for the first time I was sitting alongside women and friends who were going through the SAME emotions, struggles, and situations I was facing.  It felt so nice to finally talk to people who understood what I was going through- the PROS of living in a foreign country, the homesickness, the language barrier, the difficulty in finding a social life, etc.  If all of us women lived in the SAME CITY, I think I could stay in France forever.  We spent hours talking (IN ENGLISH) and getting to know each other.  It was comfortable... like we had known each other for years.  The ex-pat bond is so unique and strong and after leaving that lunch, I finally felt like I wasn't alone.  I had a community supporting me... my own little set of cheerleaders and encouragers. That was made even more evident to me last week with the loss of my grandmother and being so far away- so thank you ladies! 








On Sunday, we slept in and drove a quick 10 minutes to the Mediterranean Coast for a walk and some lunch.  The beach was so pretty and peaceful and we are already planning a trip back next Fall so we can take little Stella :)  The promenade where we had lunch was sprinkled with merry-go-rounds, young families riding bikes and roller blading, and elderly couples enjoying a long, lingering Sunday lunch.  We had some yummy seafood with a view of the ocean and left Montpellier happy and so very content. What a wonderful weekend!