Three more days . . .

It always takes so much to get ready for any trip. Not only do I have to consider my vacation needs, I have to be sure all I am leaving behind is in order and is likely to stay that way. The dog and the dog-sitter, the houses, cars, the water heaters, the bills . . . Really it's just endless!

But, today, for the first time I can see the end of the tunnel, and since the tunnel ends in France, I am starting to get excited about this next leg of my fantasy.

My base will be Duras, a charming town of about 1,200 people in southwest France, about an hour east of Bordeaux. It's a wine-producing area and has more than 100 vineyards where you can taste and buy wines. They also have a Maison de Vignerons, which is a shop just ouside of town, where you can taste and buy the wines from many of the producers all in the same place. I think I will make a stop there early in the trip so I can sample some of the local brew. As much as possible, really.

Duras also has a castle that I hope to tour as well as several restaurants and shops--all walkable from the townhouse I am renting in the center of town. The best feature of this townhouse is a rooftop terrace, where I plan to do some soul-searching or bird-watching or sunset-gazing soon. I will post pictures of myself engaged in these various pursuits in a later blog.

I have been working with a real estate agent named Rosalind, and her partner Louise--British expats who've lived in Duras for more than 20 years. I have been identifying houses on their website as well as others and sending them links for several weeks. They are making my viewing appointments and organizing my days so I can see as many houses as possible. I think there are 8-9 at this point, perhaps there will be others. I like not having complete control over this part--I will be led around and shown the area by presumed experts--I hope to learn a lot from them.

Joe is totally behind this fantasy thing. He knows how strongly I feel about this part of France and he is indulging me by allowing me to venture forth to see what happens. The other day we were talking about this house hunting and he reminded me that I came home empty-handed and somewhat disheartened from my last attempt. His solution, and I am quoting him: "if you can't find what you want, don't be afraid to go up a level and SPEND MORE MONEY." Seriously, where do you find a guy like that?? I am soooo lucky!!

So, I've been studying my French and I know enough to make polite small talk. On Saturday I am off.

Next blog from Duras!! A bientot!