The thing that staggers you when you first come to France is the fact that all the French speak French—even the children. ~ Olivia de Havilland

After several false starts, we are now very much alive in Die. We flew to Barcelona, had an excellent dinner, slept, took the TGV high-speed train to Valence, France, rented a car, and drove to dinner at what I can only describe as an adult Party House. This is a shockingly beautiful part of the world that, two days ago, I only knew as a place on a map. Still, it is hot and humid and I am still recovering from both my bladder operation two weeks ago and my trans-Atlantic flight two days ago so I am whooped.