The Sticks.

Our last French stop before we head back in to Belgium for our departure is Lille. 

Known as the 'sticks' or to locals, les Ch'tis, it has a very well kept old town and quaint little alleys of cobblestone going off on every angle to a square (place). Very French. 

We have had all of our bad weather at once here, but it is the type of place where bad weather and rain fits. 

We have made the most of our super cool apartment (dinner at home the last couple of nights has been great) and JM has appreciated the extra sleep. 

We finally tracked down a new Sophie after JM threw it on the street somewhere in Austria. It was reuniting old friends-his eyes lit up as if to say 'where have you been- it's been so long!'

Although the old town is beautiful, this is really a logistics stop. 

Rach has spent the  afternoon trying to overfill La Poste's pre paid boxes and fit a toy for John way too big in to our suitcase (we are, sadly, returning it tomorrow to a store called the  'Ferret of the North'). 

Rach has just reminded me to take the cheese out of the fridge. When in France... Gotta fly! 

The main square. 

Typical buildings. 

Paul and home brand Roquefort in the rain. 

Sophie where have you been?

Rach and our credit card. 1 day... 

Ted, JM and Rach settle in for a gourmet burger. Dad has polished off his steak tartare.