A cool looking bridge with a gorgeous sunset.

Opening the door to the guesthouse!

After a peaceful sleep in Pierre’s guesthouse, we toured his family’s farm and home. Both Pierre’s parents and grandparents live there. One building we saw was built in 1441 and was made with twigs and mud! It was so amazing that it was still standing after all it had been through and seen.

House and barn built in 1441

Pierre's farm and free stall.

The grandpa was hilarious and the grandma was so sweet. The grandma told us a story that nearly brought me to tears. She was born and raised as an only child on the very farm Pierre works on now. Her mother died when she was six and when he father was sent to WWI, leaving the her to take care of the farm by herself at age 13.  She simply worked hard and kept praying to keep everything together, make enough food for herself, and send her father home safely. What a life story. Made me realize, how easy we all have it and need to remember that family, food, and faith are all that we need in life. When one goes missing, rely on God and hard work to make it through.

The awards Pierre's grandfather won years ago from showing Holsteins.

In the afternoon, Christian, Pierre’s father, brought us into their home to eat lunch and visit some more. The food was, well, interesting. The first course was steamed asparagus with a hard-boiled egg and goose liver patte. Not my cup of tea but I could see how it would taste good. The main course was a delicious steak with baked celery root. I loved it! It was full of flavor and simple combinations that just tasted awesome.

Sitting down for lunch with Pierre's father, mother, and brother.

 
For desert, we had custard like filling atop of a thin buttery almond crust with seasonal strawberries. I could have eaten the whole thing. To make it even better, we enjoyed four types of wine during this meal. That’s how the French do things. Wine, wine, wine.

Christian then took us to his sister’s vineyard that makes great wine in the region. What they had that was special was natural caves where they store and age their wine over the season. Going in the caves was like taking a trip to another world in another time. On our way out we saw a few old mansions, picturesque fields of poppies, and typical French countryside. Pictures do a whole lot more justice!

Vineyard building. Random mansion in the country.

Lastly, we stopped at a Maine Anjou beef farm. The farmer has been specializing in a special part in the Maine Anjou market and sells meat to restaurants and bulls to farmers who want red and white hair.

We said our goodbyes and were off to our third leg of the trip in Germany to visit my cousin Little John and his family. After a few funny stories on the toll road, Monique (the French GPS) guided us to our destination in nearly six hours. Watch out Germany!