We made it to France yesterday, after a somewhat interesting visit with our dentist in Stuttgart. He always gives me a hard time because I got very anxious when he had to pull one of my two baby teeth a few years ago. We ended up talking about how I have a hard time dealing with doctors, after he asked me if I had any issues with lupus. To my knowledge, I don’t have lupus, but I might have had it for years… I haven’t seen a doctor since 2010.

He asked, because I have an inflamed, red area in my mouth, just under my bottom teeth, that troubles him whenever I visit. He asks me about my health every time I see him. In the past, he’s asked me if I have Chron’s Disease. I’m pretty sure I don’t have that. But anyway, he pressed on the area yesterday and gave me a bruise. I told him a little about why I am so reluctant to go to doctors, and he told me that he, his brother, and their father are all prostate cancer survivors and “everything still works”. Wow… He is half German, half American, and in some ways, is very German.

I ended up looking up lupus and am alarmed that I might have some of the symptoms… which causes me to stress. But then I decided that I need to enjoy France, because it’s been two years since we were last here, and boy have I missed it. I mean, I had no idea how much I have missed France!

And while the town where we’re staying isn’t super exciting or special, unless you’re into Goethe, I did choose a lovely hotel with a restaurant that has a Michelin Star. We have been eating in grand style, too… This morning, we had an insane breakfast with the most delicious pastries I think I have ever had. And then for lunch, we had Moroccan food that left us pretty stuffed!

We did some shopping and walking around… I took lots of pictures. We’re really only about ten miles into France, but it feels like another world. The French are not nearly as anal retentive as the Germans are, so we’ve felt practically free. It’s awesome.

On the other hand, I already miss the dogs. This morning, we saw the most adorable beagle. He was so friendly and sweet and just wanted to talk to us. He even gave me an “arroo!” He reminded me of our sweet, departed Zane, who was super friendly and lovable. I still miss him every day. We also saw some super cute pygmy goats. I have missed the world… especially when it includes friendly animals.

I think tomorrow, we might head further afield to see what else we can see in these parts. I hope we can come back to France again soon and spend more time. I had forgotten how much I love this place.