On the way back from Mont St Michel, we visited the last working bell foundary in France (for at least the last 200 years). Out tour guide spoke English and French really well – so the tour was conducted in both languages as we were the only group on the English language tour :) It was fascinating to walk around a working factory, amongst the dirt. The photo is of a bell that was cast at the end of June, which they are slowly removing from the mould.

It doesn’t rain in Normandy – it is the sunning crying. However as it was approx 10.30 at night, it was the moon. There is nothing like a good BBQ – and being prepared for the weather. The head Chef was Jean Pierre.

There is a sign near where I took this photo that stated that Suisse Normandie is a little paradise. It is not far wrong. This is where Mr and Mrs Mirey (the not so recently married couple) lives. It is a beatiful area of every so hilly country side. It derives the name Suisse because of its hilliness!

Helen and agree with the intent of the sign proclaiming it to be a little paradise. In Normandie you’ll certainly eat and drink well1 Pommeau, Camberet, fine seafood is just a part of daily life!

We saw three stages of the tour de France in Lorraine, Alsace and Germany.

We saw two starts (and received lots of ree stuff)at Lunéville and Gérardmer, one King of the Mountain at Col de La Schlucht.

There was lots and lots of people and we waited a lonng time but the atmosphere and the caravan kept us going. We had shining sun, rain and cold winds – but it was all good.

At the last start Helen got some good close ups of the riders which we may post later. We screamed to get Stueys attention; while we got our knod we didn’t get his autograph on our waiting cap!

Such is the life of the Tour De France. Next time we go; we will chase the mountains in a motor home and satellite TV!!!!!!!!!!

On Sunday we had our best position for the start of the race – as the cyclists had to go by in order to get in the position for the start.

We arrived at 8am in order to get a good spot – and the race didn’t start until 12pm. Thankfully it did not rain, or have a cold wind like the previous days. During this time (it is amazing how fast it goes), a number of the sponsors come around and give you giveaways such as coffee (we have 4 small bags to bring home), hats, banging sticks which you inflate, lollies, phone cards etc.

Prior to the race commencing there are a number of presentations for junior cyclists, the caravan with all the sponsors leaves An hour before the start, as well as the cyclists signing in.

We did take an Australian flag with us – the only one we saw on this day. We didn’t get anything signed (Stuart O’Grady went to the other side of the road – must of been the flag), but we took some great photos. It was fantastic!

HK

Karlsruhe is a bike and public transport city. It has excellent bike paths and excellent public transport. It was very enjoyable – Adelaide could be like this!

Helen, Chrisophe, Vanessa and I along with more than 1 million others watched this stunning spectacle.

Maybe Kym should get a new job? He just fitted the suit. Must be all the good food we have eaten.

Christophe gave us a guided tour of the fire station where he works. It includes ambulance services as well as some of the services which we know are provided by the CFS. Very different to the South Australian set-up.

>HK

We went on a Segway tour of Paris. The segway was better than the information provided than the guide.

HK

We have eaten soo much French food, I know I have gained weight. We have eaten:
Frogs legs
Duck Gizzards
Sea snails
and a variety of sea food for which I can not remember the names. Not forgetting, crossants, french bread (ah), normandie butter, vast quantities of drinks. looking forward to going to the gym!

BTW – this meal was fabulous!

HK