We arrived in Dublin, travel weary after a six and half hour plane ride, our energy low, but our morale high. We spent our three hour layover conversing with Irish chocolates and coffee. We boarded our plane by an exterior staircase, like we were boarding our private jet to our French adventure. There was a small hiccup. Due to a shift change, we had to wait for the next available employee to bring us into position to take off. Toulouse was only an hour plane ride away. The excitement was building! When we arrived in Toulouse, the weather was rainy, but nothing could squelch the excitement of being so close to the Chateau.
Through the city into the countryside, the Pyrenees Mountains began to appear in the distance. The mountains this year remained snowcapped and mystical. As we entered Les Cabbannes, the back of the Chateau came into view through the cloudy sky. We entered the village square and climbed the well-traveled, Tour-de-France route that leads to the most magical place in the midi-Pyrenes, Chateau de Gudanes. For those who have been here before, it was a return to a familiar and nostalgic place. Since, some of us are already a part of the Chateau’s history, it was with great excitement to watch the newcomers experience their first glance at creating their historic imprint on the Chateau.
Karina and her family, welcomed us with open arms, and immediately we became part of the Chateau family. After viewing our fabulous accommodations and dropping our baggage, we left the chill of the cavernous Chateau for the warmth of the cozy kitchen. With a fire burning in the wood stove, we enjoyed a candlelit dinner of paella that was cooked by a village local whose mother used to be the cook at the Chateau. Fresh bread, regional bread, cheese, and wine contributed to the energy and comradery around the table. It was the perfect ending to a long day of travel. Although weary from the days travel, we took the time to sit and share our time together and talk about the anticipation of the week to come.
– Ali Schultz & Kevin Paap
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Wow, what a beautiful chateau! Was that a picture of your rooms you get to stay in? Is the group returning there again next year? If so, I may have to start planning now!