Thursday, June 30, 2011

Spa at Eugine Les Baines

The Queen and I took a drive from Condom to a hidden gem known to locals as the place to take "the cure".  A spot invented ages ago, where people may go to treat ailments with thermal water. There is a lingering stench of sulphur from the baths, but the pristine spa with its inviting aroma of lavender makes up for it.  The spa's brochure offered over 200 treatments, all divine in their own right.
The one the Queen opted for was much enjoyed.
The hotel on the premises caters to gourmands and dieting folks as well.  The "minceur" menu was intriguing, but the queen and I opted for the more rich menu offered at the Relais hotel with a Michelin chef. After all, what's the point in being in France if you can't indulge in Champagne, Fois Gras and bread!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

T.S

"In the room the women come and go speaking of Michael Angelo"
I suspect this lovely French man is reading some Eliot with his coffee.  

Friday, June 24, 2011

Armagnac Bottles

Armagnac - Cognac's often forgotten, yet far superior brother. Distilled from wine made of armagnac grapes in the Gers region of Gascony.  It is a distinct kind of brandy that enters your mouth with a kick and leaves a lingering fire of flavour.  They first began distilling the spirit in the 14th century and it's high demand keeps the small time producers in Gascony busy.  I met the owner of a distillery in a tiny restaurant; his name was Hugh (pronounced in French: EW) He was an arrogant French man who proudly shared his bottle of Armagnac from Larrisangle (a petite town 5 minutes from Condom) with us.  It was a real treat to have my first taste of the ancient drink in the French spirit with the organic manufacturer.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Queen of the Almond Tree - An Ordinary Day



Cherry Picking in her neighbours orchard.  Delivering flowers to the new summer arrivals. A trip to the tiniest town I have ever seen - Fources - where she searched through the goods brought in for the Sunday market. She purchased the king ancient carving knives as a gift, and a rather obtuse 17th century Armagnac bottle for the kitchen table.  Never a dull moment with the Almond Majesty.  

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Queen of the Almond Tree

Queen of the Almond Tree

I just arrived in France, specifically in the Gers region in the South; where my mother has created her own slice of Franco-Paradise.  The following blogs will be dedicated to the intense beauty around Lassus- the name of the Farm house - and trips around Condom; and of course, the Queen herself.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mega my Love


(March 15th 1999 - May 31st 2011)

"I am the soft starts that shine at night"