Category — California

We are back in California.  The luggage is unpacked. The kids are in school. We are back to “normal”.

We spent our weekend having a very American experience: YMCA Family Camp. Three days of wholesome outdoor family fun including two nights sleeping in a cabin with 8 creaky bunk beds and no lock on the door. All this plus a toilet that required a flashlight to find in the dark. We loved it!

There were constant reminders that we aren’t in France anymore:

• The pile of forms we needed to sign promising not to sue anybody
• The vat of fruit cocktail masquerading as “fruit”
• No smokers or lingering cigarette smoke anywhere
• Super peppy and smiley camp staff
• Referring to tie-dye shirts as “art”
• Dinner started at 6, ended at 7, and kids were in bed by 10 – on a Saturday
• No drivers tailgating us on the way there, but plenty of passing on the right
• No wine…

While every place has its good points, no place is “better” – at least not for us. It was great to go to France. I’m so glad we did it. But it is also good to be back home!

A huge thanks to all the readers and commenters who took this journey with us. It enriched our adventure to be able to share it with you.