C'est magnifique!

Once again Lori found a great place for us to visit. If the Law career ever gives out, she could become a top-notch travel agent. We were looking for somewhere close to Paris so we wouldn't have to rent a car or get on a plane. Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay was just over an hour away on the SNCF, which is part of the suburban rail system in Paris. The closest town is Le Perray-en-Yvelines. It was so peaceful and quiet, it felt as if the monks still lived there.

The food was incredible. We had the 6 course tasting menu on Friday night. It included tuna, wild boar, monkfish and foie gras. When you add the amuse-bouche, cheese course and pre-dessert, it turns into a 9 course meal. I loved the way the cheese was served. They wheel a cart to your table and you select as many as you like. I loaded up on the chèvre. Needless to say, we were eating for three hours.

Construction of the Abbey began in 1118 and thrived until the 18th century when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It's recent incarnation began in 1988 when it was purchased and turned into a wonderful hotel and restaurant. On Saturday night there was a wedding reception in one of the halls. It's an incredible place to host a wedding. This is one time that I truly wanted a) a better camera and b) more skill as a photographer. It's a photographers paradise. My 10 year old, 4.0 Megapixel, point and shoot camera just doesn't do it justice.

Next weekend we are off to Rome. Lori has to go to Dubai first but I'll meet her at the airport in Rome. I'm sure we'll have no trouble finding each other in one of the craziest airports in the world.

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