A week in France with my mom. We flew over the Atlantic — the plane had headrest monitors powered by Linux showing our position — then took a train through Barcelona to Cerbère on the French border. Loved it there. Little hostel right by the water.
From Cerbère we made our way inland to Caunes Minervois to stay with Steve and Marilyn: a wonderful little village with cobblestone streets, a 14th century house, and a Roman aqueduct. They were incredible hosts — cooked rabbit with a 2000 vintage opened at 9am, decanted at 5, served at 8. We also drank a 1996. Best wine I’ve ever had.
Day trips to Carcassonne’s La Cité: the church, stained glass on the ceiling, narrow streets, and views overlooking the city.
We also made it to Paris. The line for the Eiffel Tower elevator was long and it was rainy and cold, so we walked up instead.