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IMPORTANT - Meeting events!
I am trying to gauge interest in order to plan events. I was planning to leave the daily activities very flexible to avoid the issues on previous meetings where people have had differences in opinion about where they want to visit and how much activity in a day was 'too much'. Nevertheless, from the posts on other threads, I feel that many people would like 'a programme' of some sort.
I have therefore added a few possible events to the summary spreadsheet ( http://ow.ly/gmbCZ). IF YOU ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO THE FRANCE MEET UP AND HAVE NOT ALREADY ADDED YOUR DETAILS TO THIS SPREADSHEET PLEASE DO SO.
These include possible evening events (including the Saturday restaurant meal mentioned on another thread). Please can you can indicate the evenings that you would be interested in attending. The evenings at our home we will try to keep as low cost as possible with a view to sharing the catering costs etc. We can either share drinks costs or have a 'bring your own' policy.
The events I have added are:
A trip on a traditional Gabarre along the Dordogne. The cruise is 55m in duration but could be combined this with a trip to one of the Chateaux that fringe the Dordogne and maybe one of the 'les plus beaux villages de France' ( Domme, La Rocque Gageac etc). For the more energetic, you can hire canoes on many of the rivers in the Dordogne (the nearest canoe hire to our home is in Cubjac).
A trip to see the prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux. This could be combined with a trip to the La Rocque Saint-Christophe and maybe Maison Forte de Reignac to see how caves dwellings have been contructed since prehistoric times and then to see a fully furnished fortified cave 'chateau'.
A visit to Sarlat for the weekly market. Sarlat is a beautifully preserved medieval market town with more listed builings per square km than any other town in Europe. This visit could be combined with a visit to one of the Chateaux on the Dordogne ( Castelnaud, Beynac, Milandes etc)
A visit to the chateau and gardens of Hautefort and a visit to the caves at nearby Tourtoirac.
A visit to Brantôme (the 'Venice of the Périgord") and its abbey and then to nearby Bordeilles to visit the Chateau.
It would be helpful if you could indicate your preference (using A, B, C etc) and how many in your group. Also, where there are several options (such as the chateaux along the Dordogne) please indicate by giving the name of the Chateau you prefer to visit.
If you have any other suggestions please feel free to add them in the final column. We'll try to plan a schedule around the events that are most popular but you are, of course, welcome to meander on your own and just join those events or evening get togethers that appeal.
Kathie
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I have added another column to the spreadsheet so that anyone who is looking for someone to share or who know that their B&B for example still has spaces can indicate this. This may help those who are still looking for accommodation.
(Thanks to Cindy for the suggestion!)
will be adding my name to the spreadsheet this evening. Can't see it now on my phone. the 'field trips' all sound interesting,especially the caves,boat trip. thanks for your hard work.
J
As a keen kayaker I'd like to ask if anyone else would be interested in a kayaking trip.
My husband has just expressed his interest in joining in this CS weekend and as we're both fairly experienced kayakers we could look after of a small group of people interested in a paddle on the Dordogne. Good swimmers only though!
I've added a kayaking column on the spreadsheet.
Helen
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@ Yves Kayaking,
For just a day's outing you just need comfortable clothes like a pair of jogging trousers and a water and windproof anorak. It's best not to wear cotton clothes as they keep the wet but anything in Lycra, Polyamide sort of material is all right.I expect the people renting out the kayaks will have all the safety equipment necessary.
If you'll be in Quimper before the trip you could perhaps try a trip on the Odet -contact us -we have kayaks. I won't be home but Yann will. He'll be driving to the meeting so we won't need a lift but thanks for the offer.
Next time you're in Quiper come to see us.
Helen
Kathie,
Thanks for putting this list together. In regards to your question of bringing your own drinks or including them in the cost sharing of the meal, I would prefer the former, since I don't drink any type of alcohol.
Becky
Hi Kathie
Well, it took pulling some strings, but I've arranged for a FULL MOON on the 25th!!! Talk about an awesome event for all of us...let's hope the night skies are clear.
How perfect is that?
Cherie
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Hi Tina
Cindy and I will be coming from Iceland, then staying in Paris for a few days, then taking the TGV to the meet up.
There might be room where we're staying for the meet up (25-29/30), and if you want to do Paris (April 22-25th) we're lining up that place probably today.
Cherie
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Hello Tina
Hanny (Alfrieda) is not able to come now. Look forward to meeting you.
I have been off the site for other reasons than yours but, even if CS has changed, the members of this group and various others of the Over 50's & 60@s don't seem to have, even though there may be less posting.
Anne
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Hello Vves,
which days you will make camping?
Galina
Kathie and all,
I will, like some others, stay more time in the region after the weekend. In this sense I would prefer those attractions that are nearer St Pardoux, like Brantôme, Hautefort and Périgueux, for later I will go for some days in the Périgord Noir. However I think some collective visits would be nice and fun like the bagarre ride and the Sarlat market. I am open to anything while whith the group.
In Istanbul we had options each day for there were too many attractions for only one weekend. Different groups gathered around their preferences and changed their composition from event to event allowing more intimacy amongst people.
Kathie could propose a schedule based on the interests revealed. Or arbitrate a schedule around the main attractions for people to adhere - even though transportation is an issue here.
Cheers.
Roger
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We'll make sure to not let you sit near the emergency exit on the plane.
Cherie
First of all many thanks to the kind person who has reinstated the headers. Linda (Merck) - who is clearly a much smarter cookie than me - sent me her saved copy but then I logged on to find someone had beaten me to it!
Kathie
So you don't have to go looking for what Kathie is talking about (because it is on another thread) here is the spreadsheet link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aiyo5-wUEmgEdC1CUWFST0M0V3dzRFFkclJLalNETGc#gid=0
Becky
Go 49ers
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Maybe folks could update the spreadsheet with their travel info (date in and date out) and need for accomodation? I may have beds available for some of the nights from the 25th through the 29th.
Here it is (assuming I did it right):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aiyo5-wUEmgEdC1CUWFST0M0V3dzRFFkclJLalNETGc#gid=0
The spreadsheet has now been updated to show the (hopefully, final) schedule for the weekend. I am still trying to arrange a guided walking tour of Sarlat. Fingers crossed that any further changes should be minor. I have based the events on the most popular of the suggested activities.
I would be grateful if you could make sure the spreadsheet is up to date with your personal preferences. I need accurate numbers for the organised group visits. The visit to La Rocque Gageac has been added as this is the place where the Gabarre cruise departs and returns. It is such a beautiful village I am certain that most people would want a wander and maybe a stop for a coffee etc. while admiring the view of the Dordogne.
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It looks like a wonderful time, Kathie.
Cherie
updated the spreadsheet. So,looking forward to this trip. Can I help in anyway?
Judy
This is just a quicks 'heads up' that I won't be attending most of the day time events; my hubby, Richard, will be organising those. I wanted to let people know in advance because I remember Dilek had a lot of complaints from people at the Istanbul meet up because she wasn't able to attend some of the events.
I invite anyone who is event-less during the day on Friday the 26th (might be a good down-day for some of us) to come over to the house we've rented in the next town over from Kathie and Richard and hang out by the pool and get to know each other.
No particular time set right now, just a notion. I don't know what the town is like, but maybe a few ingredients from the local provisioners and we have a picnic? This could be very informal, very make-shift and very spontaneous.
And since alot of us will be arriving in town on or before the 25th it would be nice to be able to communicate about having dinner that night -- doesn't have to be fancy, but it would be nice to do something together after travelling.
Since I have NO idea what the lay of the land is or what is possible I'm flying blind here but trying to put ideas out there!
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Perhaps this 'eventless' event could be put on the spreadsheet as an alternative to the visit to Périgueux (which I am interested in attending BTW). And the dinner as an evening event itself that is independent of the daytime events of this day.
Roger
With so many talented cook from all over the world, would be soo interesting to prepare a meal together!
Cindy and I et al have a kitchen....
Cindy, does that work with you?
Actually, Emi, we've been talking about a brunch lunch potluck, or a b.y.o.b. (bring your own bottle) wine tasting that mid day.
What does everyone prefer?
Cherie
Friends:
I think calling what we have in the house a "kitchen" may be a bit of a stretch -- I don't know. I think that getting ingredients may be the bigger issue.
I also think that keeping it as SIMPLE as possible on Friday is best -- cheese, bread, charcuterie. Think lunch. If we cook we have to clean (I have several hundred dollars in damage deposit riding on how clean we keep the house).
I also don't want to interfer with Kathie and Richards cocktail party and dinner party that Friday night...
As for Thursday night, we're all getting in late afternoon (at least alot of us), and I think that finding a local restaurant would be best. The trick is locating one and getting rides. The towns in which we are residing (St. Pantaly d'Ans and La Boissiere d'Ans) seem to be devoid of much food stuff -- Cubjac appears to be the nearest place so we may need to coordinate a time for dinner on Thursday such that either everyone who wants to can go out with us has a ride or that we find enough ingredients to have a SIMPLE meal at the rented house.
I'm game for anything! Just trying to get us prepared so that we know what we are getting in to. Maybe Richard and Kathie will have some suggestions.
I agree that that with all of these international people a meal with contributions from all would be great, but I think that kind of adventure is better suited to a larger town where ingredients may be more readily accessible.
Also, I'm just not up for cooking on this trip -- I am a big cook at home -- in France I just want to EAT!
Just trying to keep it simple!
Looking at the spreadsheet again it appears that I may have misinterpreted something --- it looks as though there is a barbeque at Kathie's on Thursday night? If so, that takes care of that!
I'm just a nervous nelly about being in a rural spot without a car and not knowing my way around!
Thanks for your forbearance!
Cindy, doesn't anyone you're sharing your house with have a car?
Roger,
I think that most of the cars will be at Kathie's. We might have to send out Em on her bicycle to get food for us. There is a stream next to the house, perhaps we can catch a fish.
Becky
I though Yves does.
Cherie
Becky, I will. But remember: slowly....
Of the folks in our house only Yves has a car (and Odile is with him). That's why we need some help from the other house with transporation. I think there will probably be plenty of cars, we just need coordination.
Kathie is working on this.
It would be wonderful do that on either the Friday or the Sunday if people are interested...
Richard, can you clarify the dinner activity for Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights please?
Merci.
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Kathie:
Thanks for the clarification.
Since I literally have no idea how or where to get provisions I'll leave real meals for you guys to imagine, such as Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights.
The Friday mid-day invite was simply to suggest to people who are not going to Perigueux that I am open to having them over to hang out by the pool to chat.
I'm very much game to eat what others cook, but I really don't know what the kitchen sitaution is at the rental. From the picutures it doesn't look very promising -- just simple.
Can you tell us what the grocery shopping situation is in the area please?
Thanks Kathie. I know that ultimately we won't be stranded and that our fellow travellers will make sure that we get from place to place! And you have my phone number and email in case we are MIA for anything!
Cindy
In my local CS group, when we are coming back from a Sunday bike tour at lunch time, we stop at supermarket.
Each gives around US$ 10, we buy provisions/beer and go to nearest home to cooking meeting.
Simple, cheap, funny and very connecting!
Tasty also... the later, the tastier...
For grocery shopping, our nearest supermarkets are Intermarche in Hautefort and Carrefour in Excideuil. However, Perigueux has a huge retail park with two super stores (E. Leclerc and Carrefour). There is also a Grand Frais in Perigueux - for a more extensive range of fruit and veg offerings, spices, non French foods etc. There are two or three bakeries in the vicinity and a small provisions store nearby but the latter has a limited range of produce. Cubjac has a bakery, butcher, post office, small provisions store , two bars a pharmacy, doctors surgery... Most towns and larger villages have a weekly market - Cubjac's is on a Friday morning - a very pretty setting by the river.
Reply to Roger's post re: Perigueux..I am interested in seeing Perigueux on Friday as an alternative. However, I might need a lift and you might not be close to where I am staying.
B~
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Tina, the town in which the rental house is is La Boissiere d'Ans. Here is the listing for the house:
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p551068a
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Just looking at the spreadsheet and there are a number of people that
have said 'yes' to La Rocque Gageac and the gabare cruise but no to the
Chateau Castelnaud. If you are relying on others for lifts then we will NOT be returning at lunch time to pick people up as it's simply too far for a round
trip (hence why we have arranged the day in such a way). You will need to
do 'all' or 'none'. Likewise for Sarlat / Lascaux on Saturday...
...hi, roque gageac is about 5km from chateau du castelnaud...personally, i think beynac is more interesting and maybe chateau de milandes - josephine baker's place...a bientot...
That's why we are seeing La Rocque Gageac and Castelnaud on the same day. Unfortunately, Monpazier is 100kms from the meeting location but I believe some people are heading south after the weekend so it could be a good 'add on'.
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Thanks, Cadence.
See you in the kitchen at La Boissiere d'Ans vacation house!
Cherie
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You just answered my question.
Wonderful, Yves!
MERCI for offering your car to bring in any supplies for our "potluck".
The kitchen description:
American Kitchen
Dishes & Utensils
Cooking Utensils
Refrigerator
Freezer
Oven
Stove
Coffee Maker
Toaster
Stove
Dishwasher
Microwave
Read more at http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p551068a#6VRpqRqPThpW7iuU.99
Indoor seating for 8, outdoor unlimited.
We also have:
Television
Ping Pong Table
DVD Player
Stereo
Books
CD
Games
And:
Iron & Board
Heating
Washing Machine
Internet
Wood Stove
activities guide
firewood
Hair Dryer
local maps
restaurant dining guide
vacuum cleaner
Living Room
parking off street
linen rental possible
LOOK Yves: off street parking!
Read more at http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p551068a#6VRpqRqPThpW7iuU.99
I think Cindy did a dandy job finding such a wonderful, comfortable place for us.
Cherie
Funny: they mention a ping pong table and firewood (always nice to have an evening fire) but NOTHING about the swimming pool!
Cherie
Really envious and sorry that I can't be there until Saturday. I will be at a disadvantage as most people will have met and made friends by the time I get there. Have a great time - I am still trying to find the menu for Saturday so I can email my choices to Kathie!!
Anne
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LOL!!
Go ahead: be exhausted! I feel the same way.
If it weren't for Cindy, I'd be a blithering idiot. ;D
Word has it we all get a wonderful break next month in France!
Looking forward to seeing you there..let's relax around the pool...
Do you play ping pong???
Cherie
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glad to see Emi from Brazil And Tina Potter are going.
Judy
Judy, I am glad to meet you there :)
It will a memorable good meeting!
Friends, remember 1st and 8th May are holidays.
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AND my 59th birthday!
Cherie
I have arranged for a guided walking tour of Sarlat at 11.00 am. The cost is €5.50 per person. Sarlat is the first town in Europe to benefit from the preservation of historic buildings and has more listed buildings per square kilometre than any town in Europe - so it should be interesting!
The morning was already pencilled in for Sarlat (it is also market day) with Lascoux in the afternoon - so no change to the agenda per se.
Thank you Kathie!
Sarlat in the morning and Lascoux in the afternoon, really really interesting!
Emi.
Kathie
I was just talking to Cindy.
We're both looking forward to a nice, relaxed, and leisurely la Dordogne.
Your Sarlet in the morning and Lascoux in the afternoon sounds perfect.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful arrangements.
Cherie
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Are we going to have time for this event?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7e1qIsOgrc
Cherie
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f s...
sorry, the prior msg was an attempt to post via tablet... weird result...
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Well, I must be weird because I thought I knew exactly what she was saying!
Cindy
It's almost tomorrow....I'm excited for you. Are you more relaxed or more nervous now?
And how are you feeling, better I hope. Can't wait to meet you, hopefully at the train station in Bordeaux.
Have a wonderful time up near the
North Pole...and if you see Santa or Rudolph tell them that they skipped my house, again!
Becky
Becky & Cindy
I know you will be setting off on your travels before me - enjoy the journeys. Looking forward to meeting up with you all soon. Safe journeys & wonderful experiences.
Anne
Cherie
I will, if you will. Or maybe not!
Anne
Anne:
Thanks for the well wishes. This is going to be quite the adventure.
Happy travels to all.
Cindy
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Merci, Yves!!!!!!!
I just got home from my Bon Voyage Party!
I'm packed and ready to go...can't wait to feel France!
Cherie
heheh...
Bon voyage!
(we are exactly like the video, non Cherie? Each of us starting our flight, from a different peak...)
Good point, Emi!
Ready??
JUMP!!!!!!!!!!
Cherie
Flying out of Boston this evening -- wish me luck!
I hope you won't have trouble bc of the manhunt. By tonight it should be over. Hopefully.
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Bon voyage - see you soon. The trip starts as soon as you leave the house!
Anne
Rain is forecast for some of the days. Umbrellas.
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