French 101

Woke up to another beautiful sunny day and I headed downstairs for breakfast.  Wow, great coffee, fruit and croissants.  We were just around the block from the train station so the kids got breakfast in bed and then it was time to get moving and head to the train station. 

Sitting in the train station in Calais.

I’m finding the latest trips to Mexico is screwing up my French and I find myself crossing the two over, por favour, muy bieno....  It’s coming though and I can see how this is the only way to learn a language, immerse yourself in it.  Already getting the flow but I have to be very attentive to catch

key words when trying to understand people.  We discussed this with the kids and hopefully they will pick up some of the language.  In Italy it will be even more interesting as we’ll be trying to mix French with Spanish it seems.

We found our train and man, is that the way to travel.  We got on the first stop and got off on the last so there’s no stress to make sure we get off at the right place.  A bit of a detour from how we could of travelled but what a great way to get around and see the country side.  Lots of time to read, write and just stare out the window at the beautiful landscapes and towns.

As we travel along the ocean before going inland, we talked with the kids about the world wars and trying to imagine what it would be like in an occupied France.  That, and the battles that were fought all along the areas where the train was passing.  Very likely the same tracks or route that was used back then.  There are many old farm houses and towns that would have existed during that period also.  It’s pretty hard to comprehend but very moving.  I’m looking forward to Vimy Ridge.

French countryside with tiny villages in the middle.

Today’s stop is Arras which is the closest town to Vimy Ridge.  This is actually part of Canada if you believe it, something that my wife informed me of.  After the First World War, this area was gifted to Canada for contributing so much to the war effort and the battle of Vimy.  Sounds like there will be Parks Canada staff there so it’ll be fun to see chat with them.  That will be tomorrow’s endeavour.

So off of the train and a 10 minute walk to

Yet another crazy church.

the hotel.  It was a little out of the way but it’s brand new!  Opened up last month so it still has the new smell.  Dumped off the bags and had a little break before heading into town to find dinner and explore.  The city center is this incredible open area with a huge church at one end.  We found a place outside to eat and relax, wow, what a view and great people watching too.  Met a couple from Ottawa sitting next to us and had a few laughs.  On the walk home the girls found a French bakery and grabbed desert.  We decided it was family movie night so watched a flic and it was past our bedtime...

This was our dinner view!