Summer Trip to France and Spain 1919

By Lucas and Elizabeth Bouchard

July 25, 1919 3:30 pm L

It was hard to leave the family today; we all had a wonderful time, but especially Jack. At his age, he won't retain the events long term but I feel like he is changed forever by the experience. And God willing, he will return as he told his new Grandmere. I promised her to keep the art alive for him and through that, she will live forever.
We are approaching Lyon and will have this evening and tomorrow there.

July 26,1919 10:00 am. E
Dinner last evening was a bit somber as all four of us were thinking about those we left behind. But today, we have all made an effort to put on our happier faces and look forward to the trip ahead. Lyon, is a beautiful city. At one time it was the center of the Roman occupation of the Gauls. This morning after breakfast we went out to the ruins of the amphitheater that the Romans built in Lyon. It was a fun place for Jack to climb and run around. I think Lucas secretly was in his element chasing the little boy around and ensuring that he didn't hurt himself climbing around on the stone structure. Later, we went to eat lunch along the river; the city is built along two rivers and a number of cafés line the river banks providing lovely views. Later we went to visit the Basilica of Notre Dame. Every city in France appears to have a church honoring Our Lady; each one more lovely than the last. Unlike most that are grey, Lyon's is white and with the blue sky behind it, it is strikingly beautiful.

We will be having our dinner on the terrace of our room. The city is well known for its lights, and the sparkling river views. The concierge suggested that we have our meal outdoors to enjoy the splendor of what promised to be a warm starry night.

July 27, 1919 11:30 am L

We said goodbye to the beautiful city of Lyon which competes with Paris in many regards. We are back on the train headed to Avignon. I have taught Jack a little song which he has been practicing in anticipation of seeing the famous bridge.

Sur la ponte d'Avignon
L'on y danse l'on y danse
Sur la ponte d'Avignon
L'on y danse tout en rond

On the bridge of Avignon
They all dance They all dance
On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance in a ring

July 28,1919 8:00 am.E
Another amazing city we have come to. We first went to see the bridge so as to satisfy Jack's excitement over the bridge and his new song. That we followed by a walking tour of the town and lunch in a small bistro with outside seating. In the afternoon we made our way to the Biblioteque Ceccano, the library built in the 14th century by Cardinal Ceccano. Laura and Jack had never seen a library other than the one in Hope Valley that Lucas and I had opened, so they were quite taken with the majesty of this one. The ceilings are wooden beamed with elegant painting in color and gold. Most of the books are from antiquity and the smell of leather and old paper permeated the rooms. We spent some time in the gardens outside the library where Jack could play in the grass with a couple of children that we came upon there.

July 29, 1919 6:30 pm E

Today we spent our day at the magnificent Papal Palace which served as the seat of the Catholic Pope during the 14th century. It was surreal to be walking the halls that the Pope had walked in the 1300's. We spent the day in the area so that we could see the palace at dusk which was truly a site to behold.

July 30,1919 9:00 am.E

We are on our way to the coastal city of Marseilles where we will be staying for three days. Rosemary has made us all bathing costumes. I have dared my darling Lucas to wear the horizontal striped outfit just like the one she had made Lee for their trip to South America. I will have to try to keep a straight face as he and Jack don their bathing outfits as Jack is excited to splash in the sea and will be desperately disappointed if his Papa doesn't take him in. Laura and I have some sort of frilly bathing dresses with pantaloons to wear. Oh my.

July 30, 1919 9:30 pm L

We spent the afternoon at the beach mostly wading at the edge of the shore with Jack hopping over waves and having a grand time. I wanted to sink in the deep water and hide the atrocious bathing costume that I was dared to wear. But alas, I had to stay with Jack, so my stripes were on full display. Laura and Elizabeth had the better end of the bargain as their outfits looked quite cute on them. I know they were a little self conscious about bare skin, but they quickly realized that they were not alone.

July 31, 1919 4:30 pm L

We were back at the beach again today, but besides a short venture back to the shore, Jack, Laura and I built an imaginary castle with some of the features of the papal palace perimeter. Other children joined in as the castle became quite large and truly spectacular. Elizabeth spent her time sketching us and our magnificent sand structure.

August 1,1919 9:00 pm.E

Today we spent the day in the harbor area visiting the Fort of Saint Jean and wandering the shops. We found an open air market and bought food for a picnic lunch at a nearby park. Tomorrow we will spend some time touring some of the monuments including the grand Cathedral.

August 2, 1919 4:30 pm L

Tonight, there is a dance down in a harbor square. It will be lit with paper lanterns and live music will be playing. Laura will be staying with Jack at our hotel after dinner so that Elizabeth and I can join the dancing. We are told to dress down for this dance as it is a casual street dance as opposed to a formal occasion. I have purchased a new shirt for the occasion that is more relaxed than my usual look and Elizabeth has purchased a local style embroidered cotton blouse and full skirt. Some of the local folk dances will be included along with more modern music too.

August 3,1919 9:00 am.E

We had such a glorious night dancing at the harbor. We were able to keep up with the folk dances after all of our practice for George's wedding. There were also some slow French ballads that gave us a chance to catch our breath, hold each other close and sway. We are headed over the Pyrenees today headed for Segovia Spain.

August 3, 1919 6:30 pm L

We are just crossing over the border from France into Spain. We have secured a sleeping car with four bunks as the trip will last through this night, the next day and the following night. We should arrive in Segovia on the morning of the fifth of August. We are headed to the dining car now as Jack is getting a bit restless and complaining about his empty tummy which he says is going to roar like a lion soon.

August 3, 1919 10:30 am L

We are all enjoying the salon car, they have an assortment of books and games for adults and children alike. Laura is showing Jack how to play a simple card game and Elizabeth has her new book outline out. She hasn't taken it out since the ship the day that Jack disappeared. She still feels a tad of guilt over the incident. I am glad she is bringing out her writing again. We are headed down from the mountains into the foothills. A flock of sheep are spread across the field along the rails, a boy and two dogs are tending them.

August 3,1919 9:00 pm.E

Another night on the train, but in the morning, we will have reached our first destination. Lucas is reading a book on the history of Spain in preparation for our visit. He will be a wealth of information by the time we arrive. I brought out my book outline today and added to it. I was pleased as I haven't been able to write since the incident on the ship. Lucas tells me to let it go but it isn't easy as I lost my little boy that day from my carelessness.

August 4, 1919 11:30 am L

We are about to enter the city of Segovia. We are all anxious to be able to bathe, change clothes and relax this afternoon. Tomorrow we will venture out to see the sites but for today I think we are all a little travel weary. I have promised Jack that we would spend some time today writing a letter to his new family in France. He misses them, in particular his buddy Marcel, and his Grandmere Anne. He will be telling me what to write and then we will post the letter in town. He drew a picture of the bridge in Avignon that he wants to send his grandmere, and one of the fort in Marseilles for Marcel. His drawings are still very childlike but there is no doubt of the talent that this little boy is showing. Perhaps he inherited it from his father who was a talented artist in his own right. The sketches he made for Elizabeth's first book were very good and fit the tales so well. I must remind Elizabeth that we should share the illustrations from her book with Jack soon. Someday perhaps she will read the stories to him as well.

August 5, 1919 8:00 pm L

This was a wonderful day amongst many during our journey. The aqueduct in Segovia is one of the truly amazing remains of the Roman Empire in Europe. Jack was so fascinated with it and how it brought water to the city. We packed a picnic and sat on a hillside so he and his mama could sketch the structure. I have promised Jack that when we return to Hope Valley, I will help him transfer a larger version of his sketch to canvas so he can make a painting. He wants to make a copy of his sketch to send to grandmere too. I think he will paint that one with watercolors.

Laura has been journaling our travels south and I think she is also writing a letter to send to Benjamin at his family's house in New York, once we arrive in Madrid. She seems quite smitten with Ben, and I whole heartily approve. She is no longer a girl, but a young woman and it is clear that they have a special connection. It is something to grab onto, as it might never be found in one's lifetime. I have heard through Elizabeth that he plans to call me to ask for me to put in a good word for him with her father. I will have no problem granting him that request.

August 6,1919 9:00 pm.E

Today we spent our time at the castle. It is one of those places that inspire one to conjure past days of knights and damsels. It is something of fairy tales and once again we spent our afternoon sitting and sketching. Lucas joined us, making his own sketch. I am thinking that Lucas might be inspired to write down the story that we were creating this Winter and Spring after dinner by the fire. This castle would be the perfect fit for his tale. It is something that would be a wonderful present for our children to enjoy and their children after that…..

August 7, 1919 8:00 am L

It is hard to say goodbye to the city that has so inspired us, but we will have our drawings to always remember it by. On to Madrid we head in just an hour. Jack is quite excited because he will be reunited with Floppsie when we visit the Tremblys. Elizabeth and I are anxious to meet Mr. Trembly and to thank him for his kindness. The special tour of the Louvre was truly an experience we will never, ever forget.

August 8, 1919 8:30 am L

The trip to Madrid has been slow and lumbering; we booked a sleeper compartment again as we won't be arriving in Madrid until later this morning. I am sitting in the dining room, with Jack beside me, so that Laura and Elizabeth can have some privacy as they prepare themselves for the day.

We will be staying at the Palace Hotel which is next to the Neptune Fountain. It was opened about seven years ago on the site of the Palace of the Medinaceli Duchy. It is the largest hotel in Europe and has ensuite baths and telephone service in every room. I have told Jack that he may call Grandmere from our rooms and Elizabeth is planning on calling Rosemary and Lee. I will be touching base with Gustave; he has taken on so much with the saloon and our new business. I know he is going to be thrilled to have Antoine join us. They are very close and I know that they have missed one another. I will be happy to share Gustave's sarcasm with another; there is plenty to go around.

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