Hôtel de Hobson

We've loved having people come to see us in France, stay at our summer house, enjoy the surrounding villages, spend time with Elliot.

It's been great to share this experience with others, and once they have been here, hear them question how it is we are not pinching ourselves everyday. It is a good 'wake-up and smell the roses' call for us. 

First cab off the ranks in June was Em and Stew, or Emmy and Stoo for E.

He loved the company, extra attention and new interactions. And so did we!

June was H.O.T.

Our time was spent in the shade, in the pool and with plenty of Aperol Spritz's.

July saw the much anticipated arrival of Granny. More company for Elliot, presents, extra cuddles, story time, bed time, and some new (weird) nursery rhymes... "tick-tock" !?Granny had a wonderful 4 week stay, visiting a bunch of villages nearby, seeing the lavender, shopping in the markets, treating us to lots of lunches and enjoying some nice warm days around the house too. Aunty Amy made two treks down to Provence from London to see us, also armed with presents and the enthusiasm we needed to keep E amused and entertained. And let's not forget the babysitting ... WIN!The five of us took on some overnight adventures thanks to Granny's credit card, with short stays in both Uzes and Lyon, enjoying fabulous hotels and Michelin restaurants.Jetsetter Dymo came and stayed for 18 hours while en route to London. It was just enough time for E to learn his name, in this instance we went for Andrew, he got 'Drew' or 'Man', as we thought Dymo was too close to Dino(saur) and there would be some confusion with that.We managed to squeeze in some Jambon and Melon salad, a few Aperol spritz's, a couple of beers, a cheese plate, 2 bottles of wine, a very late night, a little hangover, a trip to Gordes, 2 swims and a bunch of grapes. Thanks for coming, Man.

At the end of Summer Em made another trip down to see us, the weather not as hot, but it was a welcome change for us all. Whatever inspired us to take on a mammoth walk to Goult through the hiking trails with the stroller, down 2 pints each, and then walk home, only heaven knows. We also squeezed in lunch at the Bistrot and another few bottles of Rosé in the yard. These girls are inseparable - every trip is their last catch up before being home in Sydney, and yet they are now planning a "last catch up" in Belgium, and another in London!

In a rather cool September Nanna and Pop made the long trip over to see us too. E happy with a steady stream of visitors was now getting the hang of playing tour guide, teaching guests how we play our games in the yard, play in the car and shed, showing off the grapes, the figs, the olives, visiting the chickens, the rooster and the donkeys.

We toured the local villages, took a day trip to Cassis, enjoyed the Bistrot a few times for lunch, and a few other times for coffee/beer.

It all ended with 2 lovely nights in Paris exploring the city and what was our last night of babysitting until 2018 in which Alison and I managed a dinner out in Saint-Germain. Bliss...

Having visitors has been terrific. It is great to both create and share some of these memories with others. E has thoroughly enjoyed the company and still asks for each and every one of you, somewhat randomly, we just know he has loved it. 

The worst thing about having a house with no guests is we that we are confronted with the amount of butter we are getting through ourselves. It didn't seem a problem when there were guests here! 

We hope you have all loved Provence as much as we do! 

Scott.