Dijon and Onward: Fleurey-sur-Ouche, Velars-sur-Ouche, Pont de Panay, Lantenay in the Ouche Valley

We always enjoy our time in Dijon.  We went to pick up my latest painting at the framers.  This piece was inspired by Edvard Munch's painting The Scream.  It was Tom's birthday present as he had requested it.  Tom also needed a haircut.  We found a place, took a chance and made an appointment to return in an hour.  Rachel gave Tom such a great cut that I decided to get my hair cut as well.

Showing off my new hair cut.

Tom shows off his new hair cut.

We always tie up at the same place in Dijon.  Our view of the island and wildlife in the marina makes it worth staying a few extra days.

Our view on deck.

Every year we apply for VISA's to stay in France for 6 months.  We must present a letter from the Sheriff's office that we are not criminals.  We must have proof of health insurance coverage abroad.  We must prove that we won't be a financial burden to the country, etc, etc, etc.  This time we wanted to stay 19 months.  It is a process.  We began with a one year VISA which was issued by the French Consulate in Los Angeles.  The process was the same as a six month VISA, which we have done a half dozen times. We are pro's at getting VISA's from the French Consulate in Los Angeles.  We just need to read the requirements carefully because they always make little changes.  They know us now at the Consulate.  Once in France, because we had applied for a one year VISA, we were required to present ourself to the proper government office within 90 days of our arrival.  Appointments are necessary.  That interview went well.  From there we made another appointment for a physical which included a chest x-ray.  That was a fascinating morning.  We stood in line with all the immigrants seeking residency in France.  We had our chest x-rays taken and waited some more.  Then we were called into an office for an interview and "physical" which involves answering questions confirming that we are in good health.   Everything went smoothly, and we were deemed healthy.  We eventually did receive our one year VISA.  That was exciting.  But we want to stay beyond our one year VISA.  We will again present ourselves to the Prefecture de la Cote d'Or in January to extend our VISA for another year.  For anyone interested in obtaining a one year VISA I recommend you speak French fluently or have someone who can come with you to interpret.  Fortunately, our captain is French and a tremendous help in guiding us through the bureaucracy.  

Walking around Dijon we need to keep our eyes open as there are such interesting buildings.  Sometimes the views are partially hidden behind other structures.

One of the sights on the side of a building in Dijon.

If you are looking for expensive American junk food this is the place to go.

On our walk from the boat into Dijon

Our favorite bakery in Dijon is Mon Gran Pere.  Every day we walked by numerous bakeries to go here because everything they make is so good.

Rabelo in a lock.  It's a tight fit.

When Rabelo is in a lock there are only inches to spare.

We had an amazing meal at Fleurey-sur-Ouche, Burgundy.  I only managed to photograph the starters.

Tom's calamari starter

My starter was made-in-house:  foie de canard.  Melt in your mouth delicious.

Every town and village has a monument to honor those lost during WWI and WWII.  The French have not forgotten what war does to families, villages, towns, and country.  I am going to start posting pictures of more monuments.  They touch my heart.  We always stop to read the names of the fallen.  We've see first hand how all the men in countless families were wiped out.  No one wins with war.

Fleurey-sur-Ouche War Memorial

A wonderful walk along the Burgundy Canal

A clever painting on the side of the VNF building

A private Chateau in Lantenay

We never tire of the scenery as we walk along the Burgundy Canal

It's always fun seeing friends as we cruise along the canal.  Apres Tout is a hotel barge which provides their guests with the experience of a lifetime.  Scenery, gourmet food, amazing cheeses, wines, and interesting tours with a private guide for up to three couples.  No, I don't get a commission for encouraging you to check them out.

The Burgundy Canal is beautiful.

We found cherry trees and picked enough to bake Cherry Clafoutis.  Gatherer Tom here.  We also marked on our charts where the pear and apple trees are to be found.  In the fall we'll be picking those fruits as well.

Springtime and we are seeing all the new families

We always need to be alert.  It is unusual for us to see a rider on horseback.  What a beautiful place to ride.

The golden afternoon light in the countryside of France

In the Ouche Valley we stopped for a few nights at an anchorage we'd never been to before, but passed by many times.  We had to reserve a table for dinner in advance.  For €17.50 you get an Entree, a Plat and Dessert.  That night there was only the owner doing everything herself.  While the menu was very limited (and she accidentally served me the wrong meal), it was all delicious and we enjoyed the evening.  You can see Rabelo tied up in the background.

Philippe joined us for dinner.  It's a lovely spot.

Boeuf Soleil.  The starter with a tomato salad on top was light and perfect for a warm evening.

Bouleltte Maison Salade.  I hadn't ordered the meatball but was glad that's what came.  It was probably the best meatball I've ever had.

My latest work based on Edvard Munch's The Scream.  Oil paint and then machine stitched on top.