Day 18: Marc and Monica in Venasque!!!

Very hard to get "the DANimal" going in the morning...now that he's 21...

 Until you use the proper incentives:)))

 On our way to visit Marc and Monica Deconinck (past owners of Le Bilig in Auburn...our favorite restaurant!!!) in Venasque...we stopped by the lovely Provencal town of Gordes...where just 8 years ago, Steve bought a super straw hat that he proceeded to lose within a few days, and I bought some white truffles for a great price...only to find out by our B and B host later that evening, that I was scammed...they weren't truffles of any quality at all...they weren't pillows either (if you get my Trains, Planes and... reference).

Nonetheless, it is a sweet view, and perhaps only exceeded by adding a few male models in the frame.

 or not......Then we came to the Abbey of Senasque and lavendar!!!  Lots of lavendar...enough for Peggy to be lost in the aroma...

 I remember being here also with the Burlinghams, and enjoying a small picnic from nearly the same spot...

 A variety of views might enhance your perusing pleasure...so here goes:
 and 1 more:)))

 The little flowered village of Venasque, where Marc and Monica both live and work, is a lovely hillside town with a central fountain...

 We had such a blessed time reuniting with them and hearing of their experiences.  Having run Le Bilig for 15 years or so, and then having a year here, with 6 months traveling, helped them grow together through many joys and challenges.  They are dear friends, and I will be praying for them often...as I know they will be praying for our family as well...

 As we departed and headed back to Grenoble for Ben's train in the morning, and Danny's goodbye party with Rafael in a few minutes...we looked back on this lovely village and know that God has Marc and Monica right in the middle of His will!!!

Pictures of Dan and Rafael, from Brazil) will likely replace this verbiage soon...and soon is now...
Rafael is from Brazil, where he earned a scholarship for his first year at the University of Grenoble in Engineering, Computer Science and Communications....(reminds of Kevin a bit...which could be why he and Dan are fast friends.)  He is now doing an internship at the largest local employer in the area...ST/Ericcson, where by working a bit, he can pay for his Masters...through next year.

 The other great thing about Rafael is that he looks like the Brazilian version of our Godson....Paul Wertheim!  Do I hear any amens???

 So two great things about this last night in Grenoble....the first was enjoying time with Rafael, and that came in a close second to having my first "Kebab"...Grenoble style.  It is supposed to be like a Gyro but take a look at this beauty

 Filled with tasty lamb skewered on a spit (just like a Gyro) but encased in a pocket that far surpasses any simple pita...this was a pannini styled, french crusty bread, fully loved with exactly the correct burnt flavor in every bite....are you kidding me?  and only 4 euros....

 And to wrap up the evening, Rafael and Dan launched us into an Irish bar for the international feel of French, Irish, Brazilian, American and Polish...it was a final goodbye for them, and a cold Guinness is not a bad way to end a lovely day in any language...

Tomorrow Ben is on a train to Lake Como, we drive there with all the luggage which we store in the hotel, and then pick him up at the train station...since all couldn't fit in a Greyhound Bus... let alone our mini/micro/nano car...love you all and remember to pray for the Deconinck family...specifically for direction, wisdom, peace, family and joy...blessings to you all...