A LA GITE!

Our epic fall journey began with a trip across the new Bay Bridge.  Coincidentally, we departed the same morning it opened.  We were a little worried that either the opening would be delayed, or that it would be clotted with sight-seers, but b y the time we left it was smooth sailing.  The ride was quick and easy, and the new white structure as dazzling.

The first stop was the Vendee in the south of France, where we enjoyed a week of Jeanne's warm hospitality, and the delightful company of Ann, Claire and Anne.

 Above, a view from one window; below, the view from another.  We shared wonderful meals a la Jeanne, in warm weather.  There were lunches outside, dinners inside, and walks in between. 

 One day we spent a convivial afternoon at Odile's home, enjoying tea and cookies, and a walk through the gardens to see the new pasture, which replaces the fabulous potager -- vegetable garden -- of past years. 
 

Every day, and every evening, was a joy.

Merci a Jeanne, et tous nos amies!

And then it was over.  We packed our bags, packed the car, and left the Gite at 5 AM to drive to La Roche sur Yon to deliver the rental car and get to the train station for our 6:20 train.  All on the dark.  We were most of the way to Nantes before the sun came up.  We made it to the airport in time for our 11 AM flight to Munich.  Once there we had a full 5 hour layover, a bit of a chore since it turns out that Munich is at best a 2 hour airport.  But finally, we arrived in Ankara around midnight, beginning almost a whole day of sleeping, not so much from jet lag, which had mostly worn off, but because of the very long day from La Gite to Ankara.