Grenoble thoughts!

Hi folks, sorry for the lack of internet, it was being really strange and in Italy there are strict (and expensive!) laws about access.


Woo hoo!
Today we slept well and even got up in time for breakfast! Not that the included brekky of toast and cereal was anything to rave about but at least it was free. Also finished packing a bottle of Rioja and a bottle of Cava to give to the Laforets in France. It seemed like the least we could do since Grenoble is a good break for our wallet. Then we took a mix of metro and trains (rather easily!) to the airport, which was in a very sketchy industrial area. The airport itself is grand, though, and our gate even had a chocolate store that had some delicious free samples! NOM!

A short while (and a nap) later we arrived in Lyon, and Sue was right there waiting! It was incredibly unreal to see a face we recognized, and also to be in the backseat of a Ford Escort that Sophie’s sister Isabelle owns. She very nicely drove us via the scenic route to the house they are renting in the mountains, which was not any small feat as the roads are steep enough that I started questioning whether the transmission would die on us. The location is absolutely incredible though – beautiful view of the mountains from their BACKYARD, with cows and chickens and all sorts of things roaming about. People in America are all fussed about organic food – this is the real free-range deal!

And MAN! We took a walk around during sunset and it was so different than any of the cities we’ve been in. It’s very much like the French Catskills, if I had to compare it to anything. The house thankfully has electricity but no phone signal or internet. It is so gorgeous though, and the family cooked us an incredible meal for dinner. We had guacamole, baked chicken, potatoes au gratin (a dish that originated in Grenoble!), a wide array of cheese, and handmade chocolates and yoghurt for dessert! I think I can safely say that it is the best food we’ve had in Europe thus far. I mean, Spain does Rioja and ham very well, but we were largely underwhelmed in general. This was true comfort food when we definitely needed it. Plus the beds are comfy and our room isn’t filled with strangers. So we went from a typical hostel experience (albeit pretty positive) in a big city to a family house in a place no train can access. A pretty fantastic trade I think! I’m excited about tomorrow and my stomach is hugely pleased so it is a great success. Time to sleep!