Covid-19 and Our Return to France

 

Some rosé champagne at the airport helping to get into the mood for our return to France 

We left our converted 1929 barge Rabelo in Saint-Jean-De-Losne, France in the fall of 2019. We purchased her in 2011 and have been cruising the canals of Holland, Belgium and France at least 6 months a year ever since. That is until Covid-19 struck and the world came to a halt. We’ve been more fortunate than many in that our family so far has remained healthy.  All of us have been extremely cautious and (age permitting) were vaccinated as soon as possible.  Anxiously waiting for France to open up to Americans in order to return to our second home, when we were ready to depart, with flights booked and suitcases packed, France went to level 4.  The US recommended against travel to France.  After a brief discussion (Tom was determined to return to Rabelo) it was agreed we might actually be safer in France considering all the safety measures being taken there.  Many phone calls and texts later no one had dissuaded us from our plan.  We would stay out of the larger cities (I had to forgo my Paris fix this year).  Our time would be spent cruising the more rural areas of France.  And so our departure date finally arrived.

Those who have traveled with me know all about my famous packing skills.  We had four suitcases and 2 carry-on.  One suitcase each for clothes and the balance for Rabelo.

We got up at 3:45 am, were loaded and driving away from our house at 4:30 am.  With no traffic it was 45 minutes to the airport.  We hadn’t been able to download boarding passes and were concerned about delays.   It was 30 minutes from arrival at the airport through check in and security.  An amazing feat.  We were able to use the Delta lounge, relax and enjoy a light breakfast.  Many people in the lounge were maskless, eating, drinking, and talking on their phones.  We were tucked in a corner away from most of our fellow travelers.  Boarding at Delta was easy and each passenger was handed a sealed hand sanitizing wipe so we could clean our personal space.  We took off on time for our first flight which was taking us to Houston,Texas. We were given a choice of two snack boxes.  I was pleased to see gluten free items in each box.  We weren’t going hungry on this flight.  The second leg of our flight was Texas to Paris (Charles de Galle airport).  

Our second flight was on Air France.  There was a friendly couple seated in front of us.  The husband would not wear the mask over his nose  I spoke to a flight attendant who nicely asked him to wear his mask properly.  He said his glasses fogged.  I was so nervous I spoke again to a flight attendant.  It turned out the larger business class cabin was over half empty and we were able to change seats.  With no one near us I could relax and the rest of the flight went smoothly.   

Entering France took a long time.  Numerous flights must have landed concurrently.  We stood in line for an hour.  Fortunately the lines moved, everyone was respectful and wore their masks.  

France is working hard to keep their people safe from Covid.  Masks are worn indoors.  Everyone in the markets are properly masked and keep a respectful distance from other shoppers,  In order to eat at a restaurant all customers are required to show proof of vaccination or a PCR test.  Even eating outside  proof of being Covid free must be shown.  It’s comforting to know that the people dining around us either have been vaccinated or have shown a negative Covid test.  When we finally went to a boulangerie it was impressive how respectful people were in giving other customers their space.  

Our captain Philippe was there to greet us at the airport.  It was great to see him and everyone was happy.    It was a four hour drive to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and our boat,    As always Philippe has the boat looking clean and beautiful.  He had placed flowers in our dining room and a lovely plant on our table outside.   

      

We love the food in France.  Going to the boulangerie is an important part of our routine.  Being Celiac (which means no more treats for me), Tom and Philippe still need to eat.  I’m afraid I will be cheating a little bit.  I don’t know how long the cheating will last or how big a price I’ll pay for those little bites.  

A few pastries to tempt us. 

 

Our first boulangerie in Seurre since our return to France

It’s good to be on the move again.  This is Tom’s view from the pilot house.  

A nice sunset.

I took a break from the kitchen to enjoy the sights as we cruise the River Saone.  

We tied up in Seurre for one night and went for a nice walk.

Food is an important part of our life in France. One of Tom’s favorite dinners we call grazing.  Salad, a selection of cheeses, fruit,  a fine bottle of champagne, and Socca in place of a baguette.  Life is good!

Due to technical difficulties I apologize for my blog format. I can’t figure out how to get to my blog site back onto my computer.  Thus I’m working in my iPad which isn’t nearly as easy.  

I look forward to hearing from you.