Camping of Sorts

France is located on a latitude similar to Canada, and northern United States. Paris and cities north are in line with northern parts of Ontario. Since the latitude is so high, the summer months see an abundance of sunshine, from 5am to 10pm - 17 hours. Dusk is late and sleeping is not so easy.

Another side effect of higher latitudes is cooler weather. Virginia, and in particular our home in Williamsburg, has seen some amazing heat and thunderstorms. Temperatures have remained in the 100's reaching as high as 115F with humidity. In France, the temperatures have hit 90F, but generally are 70F to 80F. A twenty to thirty degree shift is comfortable, but still not as comfortable for sleeping.

Without the hum of an air conditioner, and the need to keep terrace doors and windows open, our trip has felt like camping instead of a luxury vacation. The trip itself has been awesome, spending time with my brother and sister-in-law is extra special. But the environment has been a bit harder on my daughter and I than one might expect. And the primary difference between this vacation and others has been the environment.

When you leave open windows and doors, there is a loss of security. It's a bit unnerving to have doors open where prowlers could easily enter, especially at a hotel. Then there's the early dawn. With the early light, nature gets started with life. Birds awaken, seagulls or ocean chickens begin their trumpeting, cars and trucks can be heard either passing by or starting and idling for wat seems like eternity. So there's plenty of environmental noise, light, and no security; we are camping.

We have no tents to pitch, fires to set, although the hotel was ablaze, no fishing or hunting for food and fire materials. But we have all the other elements of camping. We have to pitch and unpack clothes, clean our rooms, and otherwise prepare for the day. Shower in tiny stalls or tubs without curtains, and generally use public toilets. Without any visual entertainment in English on television, reading, writing, and playing games helps pass time in those off hours. Overall though, spending time with my daughter is time well spent.