Alesia

One thing about being in the French school system is that the history and geography that the girl learns is very different from what we were learning in Nova Scotia at the same age and, even though it is much older, in many ways it is much more tangible. So, at the end of grade 3 the girl is learning about the Gauls, the Romans and Vercingetorix so we can drive about 1.5 hours northwest to Alise-Sainte-Reine to visit the Alesia the site of the Roman victory over the Gauls in 52BC. Take that Columbus in 1492! (yes, I know things on the other side of the pond go back much further than that but now you can't get that ocean blue thing out of your head can you?) 

We had a beautiful day to visit and were able to enjoy some demonstrations of the protective gear and weapons which were used at the time.

The museum part is very well done, with lots of interactive displays about the history and the study of the site - although I must admit these guys were kind of creepy.

The park consists of two parts - the interpretation centre and an archaeological site of a Gallo-roman town about 3 km away so we stopped at a little park to have a picnic lunch and were carefully watched by Vercingetorix himself.

Our Neighbourhood

Did you know that one of shops in our neighbourhood was in the finals for La Meilleure Boulangerie de France last year. It is hard living so close to a shop full of wonderful bread, desserts and the most delicious waffles I have ever had. And then, they make these crackers covered with cheese and poppy seeds...to die for! I wonder if he would share the recipe before we move?

Of course, that is not the only boulangerie nearby. Plus, there are bookstores, clothing stores, flower shops, an asian market, a small grocery store and lots of restaurants and pubs all within walking distance (I am talking 5 to 10 minutes - something many Greenvillians couldn't even imagine!)

Here are a few of the sights on the way to school - and the milk vending machine, just put in your money and fill your milk bottle or, if you don’t have your own milk bottle you can buy one there - glass or plastic! It is straight from the farm, unpasteurized milk with the cream which floats to the top.

One of 4 bookstores within about a 5 minute walk.

The Milk Machine

The Obelisque with the Post Office behind on the right and McDo across the street on the left. 

Another Boulangerie! On the left-hand side you can just see the giant meringues through the window.