Jamie – 26 August 2011

Today we went to a real hole…

.. and it was great. Grotte de la Cocalière is one of the most visited caves in Europe and about a one hour drive north of Uzes. We set off in our newly returned car, working perfectly now, and even Jane (the auto-navigator) sounded excited that we were all back together again.  We walked for a kilometer underground following an old (try 140 million years) underground river, and it was easy to understand its’ popularity.  The temperature was a very pleasant 14 degrees, some 20 degrees cooler than above ground and we all enjoyed our hour exploring stalactites (the rocky spikes that grow down) and stalagmites (the ones that grow up). A cute train took us from where we emerged back to the entrance.  We were not allowed to take photo’s but the below picture from their website gives you a sense of its beauty.

Grotte de la Cocalière

We have also been working on the right cerebral cortex of our children, with thanks to our lovely neighbour, Maude.  Maude is a local artist who – between paintings – runs private art workshops.  She speaks almost no english and lives in a true artist studio – hidden up a long dark stairwell and littered appropriately with easels, brushes, paintings and a wonderful view down the valley.

We had intended for the two hour lesson to be just for Foster and Mylo, but Sari recognised a good thing and insisted she too have the opportunity to express herself with some paper, paint, scissors and glue.  We were very impressed with their end work, which also serve as fantastic reminders of our time in Uzes.

Foster's work of art

Mylo's pastel lizards

.. and Saris' take on modern fashion.