10 days still to go, but we are all packed (at least the Grannymeister is...)

Bonjour folks!

I wanted to get this blog up and running before we bon voyaged so that anyone who wants to follow us had time to get organized and familiar with blogs.

A little history... when I was accepted to study at The Academy for International Law at The Hague in Holland I asked grandmother if she would like to visit me.  Grandmother, "Let me think about it."
I encouraged that while she was thinking about it, maybe we would have the chance to see a bit of France on our way. 

As it came to be, watching me study law (not a popular spectator sport, slightly less exciting than drying paint) was not nearly as enticing as the motherland hence, the Grannymeister and Chrystie Tour de France was born.

A big thank you to her many grandchildren and daughters who contributed to her shopping fund.
Notably, Steph & Mike, Hailes-b-Hailes & Cody, Cody & Darrell, Brent & Leah, Debi, Ronda, Shelley and Karen (apologies if I have missed anyone).

Here is our itinerary if you care to follow along:

July 11 - 15 Paris (We have tickets for the ballet at the Paris Opera House, will be touring the Palace of Versailles and the Monet gardens, a semi-private tour of the Louvre and very excited to be in Paris for Bastille Day - the 4th of July for the French).

July 15 - 18  Amboise in the Loire Valley.

July 18 - 21 Nice in the French Riviera.

July 21 - 23 Lyon where we have tickets for Diana Krall who will be performing at an ancient Roman amphitheatre.

July 23 - 25 Reims in the Champagne district and home to the monarch's castles.

July 25 We will spend one night at the Chateau de Fere, a 12th century castle on a 50 acre estate outside of Reims.

July 26 - 27 A valiant and victorious return to Paris, where Gramma flies direct to Vancouver and I train on up to The Hague.

I promised her a long time ago that her and I would go to Paris together, and while it has taken this long to do so, better late than never.

Thank you to all those who have shared in our excitement - hopefully we can keep you updated as we go.

Merci boucoup!
c