Our first work exchange: La Fontenille

Bon jour!

After a wonderful seven days in Provence with Mr. and Mrs. Whyte they drove us three hours into the French countryside to our new home: La Fontenille in Ventenac-en-Minervois. For ten days we'll be helping in the kitchen, painting, cleaning, and random tasks (pictured: installing rooftop solar panels), for 4 hours a day (except weekends) in exchange for a lovely room at the chateaux, three wholesome meals a day, and, so far, all the wine we can drink. Plus great company. Sundara and David are generous, interesting hosts who prize good music, and work hard keep their home and garden beautiful.

We began work on Thursday then had the weekend off. Saturday we took the pair of mountain bikes to go explore the Canal du Midi, which is only a block down from the house. Originally built as a transportation route between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the canal now seems to be a favorite of retirees lingering over lunch on their house boats, as well as for people of all ages who cycle and walk along the water. Pedaling beneath the highlights and shadows of the plane trees, life in the French countryside is pretty stress-free.