Zoo Day and Mike & Jean Arrive

Mike and Jean are arriving today from Paris so we thought we would stay close to Bandol and visit their local Zoo. Needless to say, London was very excited. This is a very sweet and small zoo and we had a great time. When you buy your tickets at the admission you have the option of purchasing popcorn. Apparently this popcorn isn't for human consumption but for feeding the goats, donkeys and deer. Of course we got some for the 'full experience.' 

Each exhibit was numbered so we began our adventure at #1 and followed London throughout the zoo curious to see what her favorite animals would be at this zoo.

Zoa of Sanary & Bandol

Heading down the path

Baby Melody is along for the ride

Parrots - Our First Exhibit

Pretty Little Lady

Sassy Little Lady

Mr Donkey, Come over here....we have Popcorn

We have never seen a white Peacock in a tree. This was a first for all of  us.

Mr Donkey finally came over. He was hungry. Good thing we got here early and he wasn't full of popcorn yet.

Posing for a picture

I think London made a new friend

Steve wants in on the action

This is the first time I have seen an armadillo that is alive and not on the side of the road. Funny looking creature!

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

More popcorn action from the goats

I don't think we are supposed to let them put their whole face in the bag, Steve!?!?!

London wasn't too sure of the goats

Now these sweet deer were fun to feed. They were so cute!!! 

These deer were her favorite

Future Lardons

More deer feeding!

Monkey, Monkey

The only crocodile representation was in the form of a wooden bench. Oh well, makes a cute photo

Now to London's favorite exhibit - the ZEBRA! I think we have been watching Madagascar too much on this vacation. 

We had to get a baby Zebra to take home as a moment.

Once we finished a few rounds at the zoo, we headed back to our apartment to change and head to the beach! Staying close to home is becoming quite a nice day! Although we found out that Mike and Jean will miss the early train due to a late arrival, so we have a little more time until they are in Bandol. Lunch and playing on the beach sounds pretty good at this point.

Treasure Hunting on the Beach

Ice Cream Kisses

It's not a Snow Angel, It's a Sand Angel!!!

This bathing suit choice might curb my taste for macarons with this macaron speedo!

Our view from the beach restaurant - LOVE this place, we can eat lunch while London runs around and plays while 'drive-by' eating a bite here and there.

 Once we were done at the beach we cleaned up. We heard from Mike and Jean that they were going to be here after 9:00 pm so we headed into Bandol for some evening entertainment. I have no idea how we are eating this much food!! In fact, I'm just along for a glass of wine. We chose a little brasserie and sat outside to people-watch and enjoy the gorgeous weather.

APERTIF LESSON #1 - When ordering Champagne in the South of France, apparently there is a difference between a 'Coupe de Champagne' and a 'Piscine de Champagne.'
A 'Piscine of Champagne' is served in a wine glass with ICE in it...YIKES. They said this was the American version of Champagne for pool time. First of all, I don't see any pools around this restaurant and secondly, I haven't ever met an American that uses ice in their Champagne. WOW!!! No wonder everyone is still asking us if we know if JR Ewing is still alive - there seems to be a skewed vision of Americans here!

Our new family addition came to dinner - Zebra was very happy to join us for dinner.

Meditation at Dinner???

ZEBRA - Stop Drinking our Rose Wine!!!

Dancing Zebra after all that wine!

Alley Entertainment - This is an Italian who is working his way through the French Alleys of Bandol, Mariachi-Style.

He was quite entertaining!

London was a fan!

Steve's Fish  Soup - For some reason that crab in it really cracked me up. I was anxious to see how Steve handled it!

London's favorite dessert - Assiette de Bonbon! A Candy Skewer!

Apres Dinner - Playground Time!!

FUN

Running off Dinner

Happy Girl

Well, it's about time to head back to the apartment and put some food together for Mike and Jean's arrival. They certainly had a long day and will be ready for a snack and some rest. I hope they will enjoy their visit in Bandol as much as we have so far! Bienvenue a Bandol, Mike & Jean!