Rennes

If your idea of a vacation is not standing in lines everywhere you go, shopping in kitschy tourist shops or eating at places that boast "We speak English!" then there are plenty of places in Europe that are virtually untouched by the tourism industry.

We had a great time with Gana's family in Rennes (and all the medieval castles), which is about two hours from Paris.  It's beautiful and old and uncrowded.

First of all, this picture goes out to all those men out there whose idea of a good time is a trip to the Home Depot.  This is the French version of Home Depot.  Gana had to take a picture in front of all its do-it-yourself goodness.

Aside from the hardware store, Gana said the good thing about Europe is that you can point your camera almost anywhere and take a phenomenal picture.  Here we are wandering about Rennes at night.  Lots of people out for evening strolls even though nothing was open.  This is something that you never see in Los Angeles--people out walking for no reason!

Gankhuag, Chimgee, me, and Gana

Walking around in the middle of the night is my new favorite thing, something I will probably never get to do because we live in Southern California: 1) we don't live near enough to anywhere to walk to that is pretty.  2) I don't find the So. Cal. midnight drunks nearly as affable as the French ones.

Gantumur and Gankhuag have a lot in common, including that both their nicknames are Gana.  However, Gana the husband can make a cup of tea...if coached.  Gana the brother-in-law is an amazing cook!  We had some fusion meals--a little Frenchie, a little Mongolian.  And he knows how to pick a wine!

Unfortunately, our time in Rennes was too limited.  We had to say good-bye and hop on the train.

 (Chimgee, made a video of the whole visit practically, so we could virtually share it with Gana's mom in Mongolia.)