Fourth in Fance.

Today we pulled into France.  We’re nearing the end of the “touring” phase of our trip.  I’m so excited about all of the good people I’ve met and the great friends I’ve made.  It will be difficult to leave them behind.

Our hotel in Beaune, France is what I like to call a “baby makin’” hotel.  It’s more on par with a quaint little B&B and the rooms have a very romantic charm to them that is altogether unmistakable.  This is the first hotel where the members of our group have been individually escorted to the rooms.  We felt very fancy!  Welcome to France!!

We were turned loose on the quaint, wine-making village late this afternoon for some shopping and café sitting before our date with a very handsome and mysterious wine tour…

We walked down to an old Abby and sipped wine by candlelight before being served a spectacular three-course meal.  I love France.  In honor of our country’s birthday the owner busted open two bottles of champagne at the conclusion of the meal as we sang “Happy Birthday” to America.  The fun did not stop there.

Yesterday, in Switzerland, I was distraught at the fact that we didn’t have anything planned for the 4^th.  Anyone who knows me understands that it’s a tradition in my family to be on Tiki Island watching the Moody Gardens fireworks display at my Aunt Linda’s or at Lisa and Brads.  So…I might have had a slight panic stricken moment of homesickness at the thought of not having a real 4^th of July that was so severe that our tour guide may have ended up searching high and low to find us some sparklers for tonight…might have…it may have happened…don’t judge me.  I’m an American.  Aw, Jeez, I’m a freaking TEXAN at that!  Double whammy!

The end result, however, was pure magic.  We all walked, as a group, to the middle of Beaune’s town square.  We circled up, sang a very emotional version of “The Star Spangled Banner”, and lit our little sparklers.  I’ve never been so proud to be an American.  By the time we finished our hugging and cheering and sparkler twirling even the locals were cheering and shaking our hands.  What a magical evening.  I’ll never forget it.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  I miss you.

                                                            Peace, Love, and Travel,

                                                            Reba

Check out this roof!  This was a working hospice in Beaune from the early 1800s all the way to the 1970s.

This room of the hospice museum reminded me of Harry Potter's potion classes.

Another Judgement fresco with Jesus sitting atop a rainbow.

Ferris Wheel in the middle of town.  Too cute!

Wine tasting with the family.

The wine tasting and dinner where held in an old Abbey where monks used to make wine.

Mmmmmm. Delicious!

We were taught to hold the cup to the flame to see the clarity of the color.

Our last test was a really sweet syrupy dessert wine...Lawrence loves sugar...his dad said it was okay.

Our entire evening was lit by candles.  It was our most beautiful and dramatic dinner yet.

Sparklers!!!

Me and Alexi.

Our fearless leader, Lisa.  She got me the sparklers.  I love this woman.

The youngins.  Derrick, Jack, Lawrence, and Peter.  These boys have become quite a team.

Sweet American kids having a French 4th of July!  Nothing better.  God bless the USA.