Au revoir dear friends. Friday 24th April 2009

Francoise called last week to invite us to dinner tonight. Fredric, Agnes and Theodore would be coming too. This would be the last time we would see our new found friends, as our time in Lyon is coming to a close. I know I will be sad to leave, but also excited at the next phase of our adventure.

We gave each family a little gift of a mounted photo of Brisbane at night showing the beautiful river and city skyline, it was taken by John of course. This was our little 'thank you' for the lovely people they are, for taking us under their wings, opening their homes and hearts in friendship, and being there to steer us in the right direction with anything we needed.

We had a lovely night and I think Francoise is a super cook. We began with champagne and nibbles including charcuterie brought back from the Stefani familie's recent holiday in Corsica. For entree Francoise had made a carrot, onion and cumin tarte. The pastry was perfectly crisp and the filling was ooh la la, it was a real stand out, feel free to email the recipe Francoise! The tarte was served with peppery rocket, hmm.

The two guys in the middle are Ludovic and Theodore who Alex walded to school with each day.

The main course of Lyonaisse sausisson was gorgeous too. Thick slices of rosette sausage were cooked with onions, red wine and potatoes. The sausisson was made by a friend of Dominics named Mr Perrier. The sound that is made when opening a bottle of sparkling Perrier is pshit as we all know. Pshit is Mr Perrier's nic name, so the main course was named pshit sausisson - what a laugh.

As with every French meal, the fromage arrives before dessert. Tonight we were treated to Dominic's stinky Corsican cheese named 'Bobis' which is the name of the mother sheep, the source of the milk for the cheese making. It sure looked stinky and smelled like an old boot but the taste was delicately sweet - looks can be decieving.

The wine flowed and so did the laughter - what beautiful people they are.

Francoise served a wonderful dessert, a chocolate brownie laced with nuts and not too sweet, fresh strawberries and chantilly cream.

Au revoir dear friends and thanks for the wonderful memories you have given us. Until next time...