Beaujolais

One of the director's of my program here in Lyon approached the participants in the program a few weeks back about the possibility of going to work on a farm for a week harvesting grapes. I jumped at the opportunity because a. I didn't know what to do with myself for the two weeks that I had off of school and b. I could of course use the extra cash.
Sunday night Charles, Diana, Allegra and I (fellow Oregon students) departed on a 20 minute train ride to Villefranche.
We had dinner and got to know our fellow vendangeurs, who were all very nice and awesome people who we got to know pretty well throughout the week. The next day we worked until our backs ached and our fingers couldn't possibly cut another branch. I've never worked so physically hard in my life and I have to say that it felt great. Dad, you would've been proud.

Allegra picking grapes
We spent the rest of the week working until we were exhausted, singing Disney songs, taking walks, eating delicious food, laughing, speaking lots of French and learning lots of new words (personal favorite: Chaleur - it means heat but can be used to describe a warm-hearted person), making some funny language mistakes, and getting to know some of the best people out there.


Such a beautiful place.

One of my favorite parts was when Charles played his guitar.

Friday night Diana, Allegra, and most everyone else left. Staying at the Gros Family farm was just me, Charles, Valentine, Alex, Julien, and Christian. We worked for another family until Tuesday night and left Wednesday night.

Amazing people.

It was kind of muddy...

...and a little bit wet.

On Sunday we didn't have to work, so we packed up a delicious lunch of Marie's (the mother of the Gros family) homemade bread and fresh fruits and veggies. The six of us as well as the Gros family and their kids ventured off into the hills for a hike and picnic. It was the most perfect day. Weather wise and everything wise. The whole time I was in Beajolais I was so completely content. It would have been impossible not to be. In the future, I would not object to owning a farm. It's the life. And what a great way to raise children!


Mom, I think you and Marie would make great friends. If you come visit we'll definitely go on a picnic/hike with them.


Just breathtaking.


Lucky dog.

The week and a half I spent here was arguably the best week and a half of my life. I just loved it and can't wait until I get to go back in November.