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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Dec 7, 2007 1:18:47 GMT -5
We're leaving for London on Sunday - can't wait! We will be there through Thursday (going with a friend to some furniture auctions, etc., as he knows the ropes and says he can help us find some things for the house in France). Then on Friday, by BA over to Bordeaux (the one-carryon, including purses, will be interesting!), drive to Aubeterre (about 90 km), and meet with the architect about the outcome of her battles with the local planning authorities (basically successful, so now we can get to it in a few weeks).
We will go up to Paris on Tuesday morning, spend the afternoon and evening there (trying to avoid the urge to cram in five days worth of activities; will instead do some "window licking" - still love that expression! - and just enjoy the holiday decorations). Then back home via the 2:20 p.m. flight through ORD on AA - so civilized, and allows us to stay in Paris, not at CDG, for our one night.
So - I'll have to take the computer because I have to babysit some work stuff (the "price" of taking more time off), and will at least look in from time to time!
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Post by Shoesy on Dec 7, 2007 1:30:10 GMT -5
Becky - It sounds like you're in for quite an experience. I'm sure the furniture auctions will be exciting, and I hope you find something for your "house in France". (I love the sound of that.  ) Have a fantastic time ! I'm certain that you'll take advantage of every minute that you're away.  |
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Post by sistereurope on Dec 7, 2007 8:08:40 GMT -5
Have a great trip Becky - good luck with your building plans and furniture shopping!
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Post by Happygoin on Dec 7, 2007 8:31:07 GMT -5
My goodness, this really is a whirlwind trip, isn't it. Oh well, a little Paris is better than none at all. Have a safe and happy trip!
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Post by Anne on Dec 7, 2007 9:23:13 GMT -5
Have a nice trip Becky ! I am sure that furniture shopping will be great fun and I hope that you will be happy with your house renovation . I assume (hope) that it is the architect who is dealing with the local craftsmen ? These guys can drive you crazy, I've dealt with some often enough in my house  ... |
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Post by andi on Dec 7, 2007 9:27:59 GMT -5
Sounds like an exciting trip Becky! Hope you have a safe and happy trip and that you find everything to be in good order for your house. Have fun in London too.........bon voyage!  P.S Window lickers in the UK are people who drive with their seats forward, chest up to the steering wheel LOL! |
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Post by sandy on Dec 7, 2007 9:41:19 GMT -5
Have a nice trip becky!! Will we see pictures of your French house?
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Dec 7, 2007 10:49:36 GMT -5
Sandy, right now it's completely gutted and looks like a warehouse so not very interesting!
Andi, that's too funny! (I know what you mean though - these would be the little old people who are looking through, not over, the steering wheel!)
Anne, our architect is English but has lived in France for many years. The friends who introduced us say that she gets great work from the local craftsmen because she speaks such beautiful French that they have to respect her (I suspect much of the reason also is that she is extremely organized and businesslike, so she gets them paid on time!)
My favorite story so far about the local craftsmen is the stone mason - she told us about him, said he's the best and in high demand (people she uses are booked at least six months in advance), and that he is so good that he accepts jobs only if they "interest" him. So, basically she had to "apply" for him to work on our house but fortunately he has agreed - perhaps because she is intrigued (and I'm sure has discussed with him) about the question of just how old different parts of it really are (for instance, she uncovered an original late 16th century fireplace in an area that she had thought probably was 18th or even 19th century).
Well, at least by now I assume that the birds that were nesting in the second floor bedroom have raised their brood and moved on! There won't be much to see or report, but we will enjoy it anyway.
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Post by annettecinca on Dec 7, 2007 11:39:02 GMT -5
Becky, have a wonderful time! How can you not--antiques shopping in London, and then being able to see the progress of your house! How exciting!
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Post by geordy on Dec 7, 2007 12:36:03 GMT -5
Have a great trip Becky, Paris for a day..what a concept! I suppose you'll have more short jaunts there once the house is done(if these things ever really get done :  I assume you've read the Mayle books? |
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Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on Dec 7, 2007 12:54:19 GMT -5
I hope you see lots of furniture you can visualize where they will sit in your French home.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Dec 7, 2007 13:22:35 GMT -5
Geordy, I do know the Mayle books but my real "guidebook" for getting the house was "A Castle in the Backyard" (written by a couple of professors from University of Michigan, who bought a house in the Dordogne village at the foot of the Castelnaud chateau, back in the 1980s when there was no way to do the research on the internet, etc.). It's a delightful book, in large part because of their account of their experiences of village life - which they (unlike most of us!) got to experience in depth because they could be there for two or three months every summer due to the fact that they are teachers.
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Post by geordy on Dec 7, 2007 13:28:49 GMT -5
Via Christmas card I just found out a freind's parents just got a vacation home in Normandy(they are Dutch) She said come visit! And she might actually be there frequently since she and her family have moved back to England! |
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Post by greyghost1 on Dec 7, 2007 13:55:56 GMT -5
Becky, look forward to your trip report. Maybe you would also do a short London one? Aren't you staying in that apartment near St. Barts?
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Post by willow on Dec 7, 2007 13:56:30 GMT -5
Sounds like a wonderful trip you have planned!
Have a great safe trip and bring back pictures of your French home.
Happy furniture hunting!
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Post by sandy on Dec 7, 2007 14:02:09 GMT -5
Yes Becky, show us the pictures anyway, it will be nice to see the "before" and "after", like in the TV shows.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Dec 7, 2007 14:04:23 GMT -5
Betsy - I'm not sure how much of "London" we will see (Joe will see more, because he's just not that interested in looking at upholstery fabric, etc., LOL!), but I will do a short report. Among other things, our friend is going to make reservations for us at his favorite Indian restaurant, which will be fun. And we are getting the Landmark Trust flat near St Barts (the larger of the two they have on Cloth Fair), so I'm sure at least one night we will run into Harrods for the gourmet take out stuff (my favorite way to have "dinner in" when staying at a London flat!).
Anna - not sure about pictures at this point (as noted above, it pretty much looks like a warehouse inside because it's been completely gutted and nothing has been replaced yet!). But we surely will have a few from London, or Paris, or whatever!
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Post by greyghost1 on Dec 7, 2007 16:38:04 GMT -5
Have a good and safe trip Becky. DO let us know the Indian resto name, if its good. I just read a review on a new Japanese resto in London: Sake no hana @ 22 St James..supposed to be very good.
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Post by Darcy on Dec 7, 2007 20:20:39 GMT -5
Have fun, Becky, and thanks for the rec of A Castle in the Backyard. I'd seen it on Amazon and wondered about getting it.
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Post by rssilverandlight on Dec 8, 2007 0:36:08 GMT -5
I know you won't forget the photographs ! ;D |
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hahahha