(The Fort below Jouarre)
Lots of changes. Noodle is gone and we are just three. We are on the Marne River, not the canals. The sleepy forgotten little villages with their lovely old abandoned houses are behind us. Once we hit the Champagne district all the waterfront property was suddenly prime real estate. There is a different class of boats for the river which are wider and in most cases quite flashy. We are now in the I’le de France and it’s a straight run to Paris from here with just a few locks. The towns are larger and closer together. Many have train stations for the Paris commuter. Every kind of shopping and many restaurants.
Today was the type of day I pictured in all my dreams of canaling. Coffee and chocolate croissant for breakfast. A trip to the florist to buy a huge pot of pink geraniums for 15Euros. Rob said, “Does that include the pot!”. “Yes”.
A visit to the tourist office where a pretty young woman talked about the history,with all the French little hand gestures and gave us brochures and maps guiding us to the brie cheese factory, 1400th century Abbey (with crypts) that still house Nuns, historic homes and buildings, forest walks…you name it they got it. In the old times this area was known for their hard rocks that were made into mill-stones that were shipped down the Marne, all over Europe, to the mills to grind wheat into flour. The Church and many of the building are made from broken up stone wheels. 
Today was market day. Well, what can I say. It was like being in a French film. Suddenly there are make shift shops appear on the street. Half the town come to do the week shopping. The best market and best quality I’ve ever seen. Competition is fierce so the displays, service and prices are amazing. Butchers cut the steaks, chops and various pieces on the spot according to your liking. Our perfect pink veal is cut thin, as we prefer. 
What is that fish with spots?
This is the center of the Brie area and the 1/8 of a Brie wheel and the local bread was to die for (I hope not).
Here is a photo of the things we bought. Total Price: 34.20Euros
That a half kilo of spinach, beans and cherries. Those perfect mushroom to have with our veal were just 2.60.
Even Rob said he had a good time and he hates shopping.
This is too much fun.
PS. I got a haircut here too. Exact same cut as when I was 5.
See below when my hair was red.
We are soooo lucky.
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