It's Been A Long Haul

I’m starting this blog in Frankfurt as we wait for our last flight which, of course, is delayed. It’s been a long day. SLO to LAX, LAX to Frankfurt.  We’re getting closer to Marseilles.  There is a nine hour difference between California and most of Europe and I’m feeling every one of them. We’re already pushing 30 hours of being awake.  The flight from LAX to Frankfurt was long and uncomfortable, especially in cattle class where the space between me and the person in the seat in front of me is about 14 inches. I could count his hair follicles. Thank heavens there’s no charge for drinks.

On to our arrival in France.

Getting to our house last night was an experience not to be forgotten.  We landed in Marseilles, picked-up the rental cars, and headed to the house which is in the minuscule village of Les Vigneres. The sunset was beautiful, but  it meant it was going to get dark soon. If only the plane had been on time. Getting to the rental house looked pretty easy on the map and Google maps said it would only take an hour from the airport. Of course, what Google maps didn’t say is that they don’t light highway signs in France.  After several  unsuccessful attempts to find the A7, the scenic route became the default. By this time, it was completely dark. Two cars, driving in a caravan, trying to find a farm house near, but not in, Les Vigneres.

By luck or divine intervention, we found the village; ancient and beautiful in the warm glow of the street lamps. It was both welcoming and yet completely deserted. Though a window we saw the light of a TV. Should we stop for directions? There is not another living person in sight. After yet another U turn, a car behind suddenly appears, flashing its headlights.  It then pulls up next to our car and stops.  I’ve angered a native!  A man jumps out and says, in French, are you looking for Mas Agrade? (the house we’ve rented) . Are you the Americans? It was the caretaker of the house looking for us.  I breathed the biggest sigh of relief of my life.  He instructed me to follow him and in 10 minutes we were at the house. We were saved.