My New Ariege Family

In order to make our search for the "perfect place" more affordable, I am volunteering my time and labor in exchange for a place to stay, food and the use of a car. Luckily, last year, we made some wonderful friends here in the Ariege who were very happy to let me share their home along with their daughter, dog, cat and lots of guests in their rental apartment (downstairs) and in a separate cottage on their property.  Sam, Helen and Maia treat me like one of the family and it's great to have their insight on living as expats in the Ariege.  They moved here 4 years ago when they purchased this gorgeous place and have turned it into a real gem.

I've been doing a variety of tasks including weeding, pool cleaning, corralling the chickens (very difficult) and garden work and will likely assist with the "turnovers" of the rental properties (cleaning, changing linens, etc.).  Before and after work, there's jogging, eating, stretching, swimming in the pool (VERY necessary with the incredibly hot weather we're having), chatting with the guests (one family was from Eagle River, Alaska and was training in the Pyrenees for the Mt. Marathon run in Seward...small world!) and drinking :)     

Here are some photos of the beautiful place I'm staying, which don't do it justice since I only have the mobile phone camera.  For a better sense of the rental spaces and the pool and grounds, see: Rental listing website - Click here


   

The view from my bedroom