Trôo, France ... Its great to be back!!

This here is my third visit to Trôo to see Linda Uncle and Aunt...Max and Sylvie. 

Keeping with the theme....Food...they fed us well! Max is an excellent host, chef and tour guide!

Not much has changed in the last 10 years. These caves were inhabited by the poor back in the medieval ages (11th century), but now are home to artists, writers, poets and folks seeking a peaceful existence in the French countryside. 2 hours by train, 3 by car from the busy pace of Paris.

If you wish to see some really cool pictures of Trôo...

See my earlier post from 2009 and 2010 here:

http://papiandgigi.blogspot.com/2009/03/amazing-weekend-in-troo.html

http://papiandgigi.blogspot.com/2009/04/troo-part-deaux.html

http://papiandgigi.blogspot.com/2010/08/kyle-and-andrea-meet-more-of-family.html

Linda and Sylvie outside their house built in a cave (house over 100 years old). 

Max, Sylvie, Ella and Linda!

Cave and house next door.

and what is looked like a long time ago!

Out for a walk through the many trails and stairways. If you like to explore...come to Trôo

Stairways to the next level of caves.

Terraced Gardens

Introducing the Sheep/Lamb Whisperer!
If you are at our house on our dock, Linda Can call the Dolphins!
In France she talks to the Lambs!! (not so silent!)

Linda in front of a field of Colza (English: Rapeseed) of which they make oil out of.

Inside a local artist home.

A trip to Montoire to see some Castles...

and 11th century church

renovated in 1547!

We had the church to ourselves. Linda started singing and the acoustics were incredible!
Linda sounded like an angel!

Max, Sylvie and Linda at the local outdoor market

Back in Paris for a Family Dinner at "Le Vaudeville"

Many  of the Fullenbaum, Symchowicz... (Linda's) family members gathered to meet over a fabulous dinner they treated us to. Many thanks for the effort of intentionally coming to see us. Even though we don't see much of each other in person, there is no doubt that we all cherish family time together. What fun we had laughing, telling stories and swapping family photos!!

Next stop...back to Trôo!

Avignon...and More Food!

Dinner at Numero 75 in Avignon, France.
My lovely dinner companion...my beautiful wife! or as they say in French
"Ma jolie femme"!
(gotta love this Google translator)

an avocado creation...hated to eat it it was so exquisite!

Next morning we took a stroll through the streets of Avignon

Spring time in France!

Food and shopping...a favorite pastime! 

Back to Food! Lamb is for Lunch!

The best tasting lamb I have ever eaten!

Serving it up!

Nothing like family!

Nothing like Christien's Pear Tart either!

 Farm House Hospitality and the $100 Omelet

Linda's Uncle Christen, Aunt Francois and Aunt Ella!

When it comes to family there is nothing like spending time! And how the French spend their time is over drinks (red wine), dinner and dessert! When we are here they literally roll out the "fatted calf" and make us feel special. These are special people! Generous beyond generous! Only the best for us!

This is a truffle. Christen dug it up under a tree somewhere. Black Truffles go for $95 an ounce. Francois made us an omelet with eggs from their chickens and with truffles. I figure this is at least a $100 omelet!!

When I buy a bottle of wine in America, it is usually a year old and I drink it that night. The French will buy cases of their favorite and put it in their wine cellar. As more and more bottles are consumed the older the wine gets served saving the best wine for last! Hey that's Biblical!

Growing their own olives and making their own olive oil has its advantages. Home made olive bread!

Next up, Duck Pate' … Fabulous

some sort of "dried" duck....Christen aged. Tasty!

Linda's cousin Maroussia sampling the Wild Boar stew....unbelievably tender and oh the taste !

 Pears with homemade whipping cream and home made Apple Tart

and yes.....More Cheese!

and to finish the dinner and to cleanse the palette … home made Limoncello!

What a day, what an experience!