le meilleur lieu : Provence

I am writing on Thursday night from the rental in Ansouis with the British News on in the background (luckily Europe looks at what happens in the USA). First of all, I am doing well. I have had the chance to relax by eating, reading, and biking around the town. I can't believe that this time last week I was studying/taking finals. Why does the University take SO long to post the final grades?!? I am trying to sum up the last three days in a few thoughts and it is very very hard so I think I will share my top two highlights of each day.

On Tuesday, it was my dad's birthday so I planned a special morning for us. After a night of no sleep for me, we left at 7 am and went on a run around a lake called Etang de la Bonde. We ended up running for two miles and I only stopped once! I am pretty sure he was pleased with the planned run. My other favorite part of the day started at 7:45 p.m. with a toast, Champagne in hand, to my dad and his celebration of birth. Then, we had reservations to a restaurant called La Closserie which was only a few doors down from our place. WOW! What a meal! I enjoyed some sort of bacon and coffe concoction which was green, an amazing risotto with a tomato sauce, tasty wild shrimp and vegetables, and a strawberry sorbet. The amazing staff surprised us all by putting a candle in my dad's dessert for his birthday. Two and a half hours later we finished off our cafés and walked back. What a 'legit' French meal that was! Below is a photo to a nearby market and a photo of my dad with his birthday dessert.

Wednesday my brother, aunt, and uncle went to Marseille and enjoyed the city for the day. We took 'le Petit Train' to the church on top of the hill called Notre Dame de la Garde. The most amazing views of the city was up there. I got the chance to buy my first Bible in French. I got the New Testament and Psalms and I am very excited to use this in the next months to come. Below is a photo of of my aunt and me in front of the church and a photo of the view of Marseille from the church.

And today, Thursday, was a special day in itself because I got to tour the castle in the small town we are staying in, 'Château d'Ansouis'. The owners of the castle brought our group through the castle. This castle was originally built in the Middle Ages and then another castle was built right by it in the 17th century. But then in the 18th century, the two castles were joined together into one. Did I mention that the whole tour was in French and I had to translate for the family? You could never guess that the castle is the highest point in the immediate area so we got some more amazing views. I rate this castle as high as Versailles in Paris and it was spectacular to learn about and see the fashion of Provence. My other favorite part of today (and all week) is riding the bikes around the area. My dad and I have gone out on quite a few expeditions to explore the area and we have found some very tranquil places. Exactly what you would think of the 'campagne', countryside, of France. Below are photos taken from the castle.

Pretty soon I will part ways from the parentals and thinking about this gets me a bit nervous. Prayers would be great for lessening these worries. I want you to remember, even though I am in a different continent, I am ALWAYS here for you. I am just a facebook message away, an email away, or a skype call away so contact me and I will help as much as possible. Well, I hope you enjoyed my update. Au revoir!