I can't help looking back wondering if I were in France at this time of year, what would it look like?  I dug up some old photos of a winter stroll I did on my own , one ordinary morning in the town of Les Essarts.  

Les Essarts is a quiet town rich in history right at the heart of Vendee, Pays de la Loire region in western France. One really cold morning, while,waiting for my father-in-law for his doctor's appointment, I grabbed my camera and decided to explore the streets.  

How are you enjoying the mid week?  I'd like to be a bit random today so I'll rekindle my attachment with castles.  During a road trip to visit numerous castles driving from the city of lights towards Loire Valley, we did a stopover in Fontainebleau, 55 kilometers from Paris.  This tranquil town lies at the heart of a vast forest.

One of the most fascinating part of the french lifestyle is le jardin potager, the vegetable garden where they plant everything essential in the kitchen to prepare the palate stimulating meals.  

We parked across the street and walked to the village of Saint-Jacques des Blats.  The sun was bright.  I watched my husband and his parents headed for the hills as I remained glued staring up at the church tower  standing prominently above the sleepy atmosphere.   Everything seemed closed at 11AM on a Friday.   The sound of a tractor crossing this square surprised me.  I stepped out of its way to let it pass as the driver greeted me, "Bonjour" with a nod.  I answered back, smiling.  I'm always touched by the genuine politeness in the countryside.   

One rainy day, we drove to a medieval town named  Murat.  The clouds descended on the volcanic cones surrounding the city.  Resting at the heart of the Auvergne mountains, France,  this magnificent gem drew us in for an architectural walk under a drizzle reminiscing the life during the middle ages.

I still remember when I said, "J'ai essayé de monter un chameau, un elephant, mais jamais un cheval." (I tried to ride a camel, an elephant but never a horse).   That sent my in-laws in loud guffaws. I was born in the Year of the Horse.  I even designed a glass etched horse partition but I've never been on one until recently.

I would like to share one of the many special moments during our vacation. One of my ''firsts''.  I happened to be married to a very adventurous man who loves to push himself to his limits. He loves extreme sports.  I, on the other hand, am an indoor artsy ambivert with a love for traveling but has always been afraid of heights.

Through him, I have discovered my adventurous side. He often gets me into some adrenaline pumping activities and I always end up having fun.

Throughout our years together, he made me discover my love for hiking.  May it be in a tropical forest, a cacti cladded island in a salt desert or a deep green community of pine trees.  I have crossed steep paths (almost fell at one time) but have never reached a summit of a mountain.

There's always a first.  

 Puy Griou is a sharp volcanic chimney in the department of Cantal, Auvergne region in France.  1,690 meters altitude, located between the valleys of Cere and Jordanne.  It is accessible from both valleys.