Tears and Tour de France

We awoke relatively early this morning to get sorted and drive mum to the airport.  There was no traffic and so it was an easy and quick 20 minute trip.  The boys did their goodbye hugs and kisses and Mum and I went in and got her all checked in and boarding passes all the way to Auckland where Dean and Emma will be there to "accept hand-over" of precious cargo...........It was then time for me to say goodbye - this is always the hard part................there were tears from both of us, and from Connor as we drove off too - we are so appreciative that mum could join us on this journey abroad and make amazing memories with us that will last a life time.

We then headed off to a wee village called Salon de Provence for an explore and for petite dejeuner or breakfast as we call it -  and of course we found some cool buildings

And wierd we add ons to buildings -

Cool tree water fountain

Another cool entrance to the square

and some art -

We thought this was pretty cool - they are power boxes kept underground.........

We then headed off toward Caviallon and came across a wee village who was having a medieval fete and so we stopped for a look -

And a play...............

We then made it to Cavaillon - a few hours before the riders were due - so the boys headed up the hill to explore - there were great views of the surrounding valleys and villages such as Gordes.  They also had great views of Mt Vermoux where today's Tour de France would finish.  This is often one of the more recognized stages and a rider died here some years ago, the only rider to die during the race.

We grabbed some lunch and then headed down to the race route for the caravan.  Now, prior to today we had no idea what "caravan" was or meant and so when we were checking the websites and it said caravan start, we assumed it was the riders......we were very wrong.  The caravan is the huge procession of advertising vehicles that cruise past, many giving away freebies..............wahoo - it was liked a Christmas parade - only different!!!!

The loot the boys got today -


We then found a nice spot on the hill where the boys could play with the soccer ball and we were close to the road for the action - we could also see the riders coming across the bridge.  It was a bit sunny and very windy so here is some cute guy with his pink brolly.........

The crowds lining the streets awaiting the action. ........

There were loads of vehicles for all the teams - I liked the Skoda cars as they had LeTour de France on them -

Here are the first riders through - man they were flying...........

This is the second group through - they were quite some time after the first group - we figured that the flat fast riders were through first as they were trying to get a lead before the hills came and the hill specialists come gobble them up................this is a novice account!

They have loads of spare bikes - it is a shame when needed they can't always get through -

More riders - the kids were very excited -

Check out Loki''s face

What a great sight - so please they came near Marseille which gave us the opportunity to go and check it out.

We then headed out of Cavaillon and to a cool little village called Fontaine de Vaucluse - the source of the water - it was freezing and was just off the mountains - this did not deter the Fraser children however, only the adults................but first we headed to check out the village and the shops

An aquaduct that graces the town -

Connor also swam, but as I had stayed in the village to do a bit more shopping, he was already out by the time I arrived with the camera.  Connor is always first in, first out - Lachlan takes a wee while to get in..............but then will happily stay a while.

Mum's last week with us

Mum’s last week with us in Marseille and the weather is scorching……I think she is wishing she had headed home on the 8^th July as was her original plan - temp in the 30s each and every day…….still the plan is for a cruisey last week.

Lots of time has been spent down at the port swimming in the harbour which is just 5 minutes’ walk from our apartment to swimming.  Not really an area you are meant to swim, but lots of swimmers and so close - perfect for us! 

When we arrived home it was semi-final time in Euro 2016 and France was playing Germany in Marseille.  Karl and I headed up to Le Panier bar/restaurant area and met up with JC (Karl’s work colleague) and family to watch the game - very exciting especially when France scored not only once but twice to secure their place in the final.  It is their first win against Germany in a competition game for over 20 years - wahoo.  After the game was crazy, there was tooting, yelling and fireworks (we think) through the early hours of the morning - not so good for those of us who want sleep!

France were then in the final against Portugal in Paris.  Mum and I went up to Le Panier to watch the game and the atmosphere was great, although the French were nervous! Unfortunately they lost 1-0 in extra time - it was a very quiet night in Vieux Port. 

Monday was washing day for the sheets and the towels - off to the laundromat we go…………….easy peasy to do these things there as we only have a wee washing machine and our clothes line is a clothes horse in the lounge - not so good for the bigger stuff. Also a good opportunity to get some school work done! 

Tuesday we took the boat from Vieux Port to Point Rouge as mum was adamant she was going to go for a swim in the Mediterranean - and she did! Point Rouge is perfect for her as it is only about waste deep for about 100mtres out to sea! Safe and sound! 

We headed early afternoon as Connor and I had a haircut - Connor decided that Marseille was not the right place for long hair and I decided I had better get my haircut while mum was still here and I could get it done in peace while she looked after the boys.  Mission accomplished! 

Down at the port we saw two of Karl's favourite things - the view of Notre Dame cathedral and Heineken - and a picture of them together!

Tuesday night Karl and I headed out for our last date night for the trip! Great dinner down in Vieux Port - and great entertainment on our way with a great busker who was really worth stopping for.  He was a great singer and for his second song that we were there for he sung “Hotel California” - one of Luke’s favourites - and he did it great.  We did comment that if Dean had been with us, dinner would probably not happen and we would be getting a dozen beers and sitting down to listen to the busker for the evening! He really was good.

Wednesday and mums last day - we decided to head to Castellane Market.   First however, as it was slightly cooler, we thought we would take the boys to the park for a play.  As the boys met up with some other kids the park took longer than we thought and so by the time we got to the market they were packing up - oh well! 

 Connor's "kiwi cap" was getting a bit small, so he brought a new one!

Then we were homeward bound and off to have Haagen-Dazs for afternoon tea.  Mum was keen to take them there after the drama we had going there the last time.  The boys were being naughty and ended up losing the treat of Haagen-Dazs while mum and I had ours - the boys coped well with this, but mum not so much! 

We then headed home, mucked around until it was dinner time when we headed out to Pasta Lala, our favourite restaurant just down the road.  The wind has really picked up and it was super windy as we sat at the restaurant holding our glasses so they did not get blown away.  Meal was fab as usual - great last night with mum. 

On mum arrival she had a photo with the boys - and here is the one just before she leaves......
8 weeks later!

After two months over here with us I asked mum was her top five things were:

WAS MEANT TO BE TOP FIVE, but she needed six:-  

Marseille

Cassis

Staying in a castle

Barcelona

French Tennis Open

Ireland

“Awesome time, great being with the family”

Farewell mum - see you in 7 weeks.

Connors birthday and heading back home to Marseille

Happy birthday Connor - wow a 7 year old already! How did that happen.  You are a great kid, lots of fun and an awesome character. We were up bright and early at 3am to head to the airport for our flight back to Marseille.....................we then had some chill time and headed to Connor's restaurant of choice for lunch - Pasta Lala just 20 metres down the road! And it was delish as per normal............

 Being back in Marseille we were back in the head - yay - a balmy 32 degrees after the chills of Ireland was a bit of a shock.  We were all tired and Connor was keen to have extra tech time as his birthday treat.........................................and so rather than going to the beach (which was the initial plan) we stayed home and chilled, the boys playing tech and us watching tennis.................................. it was then cake time!

 A pic with bub who is braving the heat staying for Connor's and Lachlan's birthday -

 Family pic with the birthday boy...........................

Connor was super excited as he got money from most people for his birthday - most of which he has spent of course - here is the captain america suit he got from my mum - and the cool shoes he brought with money from Aunty Tina.  He also brought some avengers walkie talkies and from Uncle Dean he used his money to buy some lego and some cool sunglasses.  He has, so far saved the money from Grandad Taxi and us.  Nana's money was given early and spent in Hong Kong!