Day trips in France

Sorry for the erratic publishing of posts this week. I didn't have internet connection for a while, but since my last post, I'm now back in the UK and procrastinating on getting back to essay writing and exam studying. At least when I was away I had the excuse that it was the Christmas holidays, so I didn't feel guilty about not doing any work whatsoever. But I had an incredible time with my friend and her family, and am so grateful for having the opportunity to experience their culture in such an immersive way.  I had never eaten that much food in my life- and believe me when I say that I eat so much food- and it was all so delicious, like having brioche with nutella for breakfast, cooked meals at lunchtime as well as at dinner, which usually had cheeses after and then a dessert. One of my favourite foods there was this really nice chestnut dish, which I really fell in love with. I have no idea what it is called and I doubt that you can buy chestnuts in a jar in Australia, so I feel like it was a holiday love that I'll always look back with fond memories.

But not only was the food and people great, but so were the day trips to different towns. One day, we visited La Rochelle which is very beautiful with it's fort on the coast with Medieval and Renaissance architecture. We spent the day going to a restaurant for lunch and then walking around the streets until visiting the aquarium. I haven't visited an aquarium in years- I can't even remember the last time I went to one (other than where my formal was held for high school, which doesn't really count, considering I didn't get to see any fish really)- so it was lots of fun and I loved seeing the jellyfish, turtles and sharks the best.

La Rochelle port

There was another beautiful city that we visited, which is located in another region of France. Blois is located on the river which also has a castle and really stunning churches and buildings that look like a fairytale could be set there with its adorable cobbled streets. My friend and I spent the day walking around just admiring the sights, braving the cold before getting hot chocolates in a small cafe just down the hill of the gothic cathedral.

Blois streets 

I just had such an amazing time and still am in awe that I got to spend the Christmas break in that absolutely wonderful country.