On one of the three pleasant days we had in Brittany, (I mentioned prematurely that weather in Brittany is similar to that of San Francisco in a previous blog) we took a ferry over to Isle De Brehat, a beautiful tiny island without any cars!

We arrived and then rented bikes. Kai was SO excited to have his own bike with gears and Deva took it all in from the backseat of Greg’s bike. There were lots of cobblestone streets and hills—-the views were fantastic!

As we approached a tiny little hill with a view, we noticed there was a picnic table. We were all set to unload and feast in a civilized manner when Greg insisted we keep going and try to make our way down to the beach. The kids, hungry and reluctant, saddled up again, and we found a grassy path that we could hike down. Once down we found ourselves on a beautiful pebbly beach, with out another soul. Except for the tamed Seagull whom Deva and Kai fed their bread crusts. They giggled, convinced that the Seagull had ketchup on his beak from their sandwiches. Deva in blissful abandon, stripped down immediately after lunch and went frolicking about the sea. Kai said, “I am DEFINITELY not going into that cold water” and waited until a wave soaked his trousers through, to strip and then have a proper swim. For the rest of the day he rode his bike in his Euro-styled skivvies—rather attractive with Incredible Hulk socks pulled up to the knees!!





We visited two tiny seaside churches on the island, the population so small that every member of the congregation had their names carved into their church chairs. I guess “placies” doesn’t work there, better to save the arguments and assign seating. However it’s a serious bummer having seating set in stone, or wood rather, to that fifteen-year-old hoping to end up next to so-and-so for the “peace be with you” bit!!

After five hours of cycling we were winded, red faced and sweaty (remember we actually had sun!) when we found the shops and settled down for a refreshing drink. I think we are definitely a cycling family. After 20 minutes of walking, Kai usually starts complaining of being tired but after five hours of cycling, he’s rearing for more. Of course he now expects gears! But I’ll trade gears for his whining any day!



And speaking of gears, my mother-in-law certainly speeded up a notch! She was kicking bootie on the island paths of her Motherland. Go Fran Go! I think she’s fallen for Brittany because she said on more than one occasion that she wants to go back every two months to have her hair done. And she’s even keen to take her hubby cycling with her! He’d be a fool to turn her down too, because she’s looking pretty dang chic with her new French hair do!



And last but not least, as we approached the dock on our way back to the mainland, begging to collapse on the standing-room-only ferry, our little seagull friend came to bid us adieu. (It was of course the same one OBVIOUSLY, because it had ketchup on its beak!) It was really the strangest thing—-this seagull actually did a little gliding show for us right above our heads. She just held herself above us and rode the wind, baby. And each time you thought she was finished, she came back for more! And finally when her thrill was over, (it lasted a good minute) the whole top deck of the standing-room-only ferry applauded her in thanks and praise for that tiny glimpse at her freedom and a terrific finale’ to an already amazing day.

Cheers & Ciao for Now,

Gina