Mar 2009

Pierre, live and in living color, was featured on national news in France yesterday.

Both he and Arnaud, who just recently finished their global wine tour, were interviewed in this very house and cast on France Television 3.

A star was truly born. Check it out for yourself:
(and practice your French while you are at it)

You can learn more about their trip and catch some terrific photos from around the world at: www.vinsdesglobes2008.com

And as for me, well, I am just lazily learning French and playing ALOT of backgammon with the famille Caizergues. I will humbly admit that I have beat the house champ, Fanny, three times in a row now :p

Here are some good 'ole family pictures of our Saturday tournament. I , of course, had to introduce an extra level of competition to our afternoon repetoire. And the end result: I lost by a landslide. Even 16 year old Manon kicked my butt. Way to go Bernardo!

Let the games begin:

Manon vs Cristina

Pierre acts too cool for school:

And well Fanny... just who is Fanny?

You be the judge!

Bisous from France,
Cristina

Welcome to the wonderful world of Handball, the thrilling European game of 7 on 7. Carcassonne surprised the nation last night when they put the number one team in it's place...last :-P

The 27 to 23 victory came after 60 minutes of a hard fought battle. Pierre emerged victoursly with 4 amazing, show-stopping goals, one of which the lovely Cristina Bernardo caught on tape.

So-ahem, ahem-drumroll please....

He runs, he passes(not), he shoots, he scores!!!!!!

And did it all thanks to me!

Please hold your applause for end of the match.

Bisous,
Cristina

Montpellier, right drop on the coast of Southern France, is rumoured to have 360 days of sunshine a year. And in my experience so far...that just might be true.

Pierre, Fanny, and I took a little day trip to the famous little city, and the sun was shining away it's pretty little face. We took a few hours to explore it's well-known little winding streets:

and even stopped for a fruity colored drink at the city's central stage: the Plaza of Something or Other.

The plaza eerily reminded me of the many Spanish sites I had seen before.And I admit I was pressed for a response when Pierre asked "so how is France different from Spain?"

But then you hear the accordian sound, see a stripped shirt go past, and catch an "oh la la" or two, and puff you are back to Southern French reality. Ok maybe not the "oh lala" part...but I did have an almond croissant and man was it lovely.

Next it was time for a french snack at this lovely cafe:

Though we didn't actually stop there, I just took a lot of pictures because I loved it :P

And off we drove back home. Pierre, Fanny:

and I:

And caught a glimpse of this for Tongoat:

bisous from France,
Cristina