We're Not in Italy Anymore

And that's 100% okay with me! It's amazing just how many things have become acceptable to me living in Naples for just a short 3 months and a week or so. Stop signs are totally optional. Piles of trash normal. The sound of car horns and scooters create sound waves through the slightly smokey air that is (often) pungent with trash smells.

At any rate, after a short hop from Naples to Geneva, we were on our way to Valence, France for a long weekend of anything but work. Well, they both did a little work, but I sure didn't. I was also the one member of the party who took the full day off on Thursday rather than a half day. (Hey- I still had to pack!)

Southern France is absolutely beautiful. We were all in awe on how clean, orderly, and green the views were out the windows as we took the trek. Yes, the Alps were rather impressive as well. Our route became a little scenic as we drove through Grenoble to break up the old stone farm houses. Before too long we were in Valence where the front desk clerk asked us "why are you staying here 3 days?" Apparently there isn't that much to do in Valence so we explained to her that is was a good mid point in the Rhone Valley for all of our planned stops. This apparently was a good enough explanation for her as she reached for some maps and started giving us suggestions for castles.

Our hotel room was fabulously resourceful for space- bunk beds! As the youngin' and also the one most excited about them, I claimed the top bunk as my tower. Of course as soon as I climbed up there, we decided it was time to go find food so I had to mange a graceful dismount.

Exploring the down center reminded me much of the towns I've seen in Southern Germany or Austria. Lots of windows with flower boxes. Cobble stones covered with outside seating for restaurants. We took the recommendation given to us and found Italian food on most of their menu. We had to laugh but were all happy with salads- so what if mine had mini fried raviolis on it. The dessert I had was simply divine and so chocolatey I had to actually drink water. Amazing- right?

After the long day of driving we called it pretty early- big day of wine tasting scheduled for tomorrow.