Part deux!

Blog tues may 17th

We took the car back today to Perpignan. We had planned to spend the day investigating the area but it was so hot and the girls got bored. So we caught the bus back home to Banyuls. We enjoyed a light late lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay and Derek and I ordered the tapas platter to share. It came beautifully presented on a plate with chilled shrimp, salami (charcuterie is available everywhere) some potato things and a bowl of fish. The heads were removed but it was a shiny plate of what we think was sardines. Derek and the kids wouldn't touch them but I did. They were pretty good! Just now Derek and I left the girls at our house while we walked the 2 small blocks to the corner store. We bought a litre of milk (not chilled comes in a container like apple juice), a litre of juice, a bottle of champagne, a bottle of our favorite local red wine and a bottle of Banyuls sweet wine. Total bill: 12 euros! Can you believe it?!? No wonder we are going through so much of the wine - you can't afford not to!

The weather is really good right now. Plus 28! So we will lounge here in Banyuls for a few days before we plan our next adventure. 

I have washed a load of clothes and hung them out to dry (no one uses dryers here). The cats that prowl the streets are howling and we watch them sitting on the rooftops at night! I hope they don't try to steal our clothes as they flap in the wind like a kitty toy :)

It's amazing how utterly relaxing this life can be. We wake up about 7 am or so. Then I usually go for a run (but not too far or fast - no one seems to run here but I have that triathlon  when I  get home and I would love to complete it (though I am realistic that I will not be breaking any records). We eat a simple breakfast of coffee and croissants (they are still hot from the bakery run the girls do each am) and then we walk around to explore. 

I love it here!!!

We just found out that my Mum and Dad are going to meet us in Paris - so excited! A favourite client of mine just passed away recently (I'll miss you Margot) and it is a reminder to "carpe diem". So I am grateful for this time as a family to remember what is important in life. I realize what amazing daughters we have. They are fun and silly and crafty and clever. It drives me a little crazy sometimes and yet I admire them so much.  Derek too! Time flies and I think at home I get so busy just being busy that I forget to stop and look and marvel at the wonders around me. 

Have a great day my friends!

Xo

T