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Olde Mill House B&B Marion's Welcome |
   
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Marion Hawkins, in her sixties, truly has the spirit of hospitality; petite and reserved yet full of goodwill, she manages her Bed and Breakfast with generosity and attention. It feels like a true B&B, just as one imagines and hopes for, she is the queen of B&Bs. There is a real atmosphere here. Upon our arrival, Marion served us an aperitif that she shared with us; three kinds of wine accompanied by crackers, cheese, and pate.
Originally from New Zealand, Marion has been in British Columbia for 25 years. "A series of opportunities," she tells me, "and then it was time to leave to live something more fulfilling." The people of New Zealand and Australia have managed to keep this freshness, ready to go if the time has come, always attentive and open to life's surprises.
For the evening meal, in the beautiful Victorian-style dining room, we were six guests including Wendy and Ralph Burgess, owners of the "Wilp Gybuu" Bed & Breakfast (the wolf house in native language) in Tofino, a small port town at the end of Vancouver Island. There was also Colleen and Ron Wike who had opened a small craft shop "Sage House Studio" a few houses away.
The conversation was lively, then at one point, Ralph, who is of indigenous origin, said to us: "What is nice with Europeans is that we can express ourselves freely, without complexes, even if it involves politics!" Why not, and all the better, but I remember some overly heated discussions at L'Etoile where, taking my courage in both hands or rather serving myself a good Belgian beer, I would try to extinguish the fires to maintain some conviviality around the dinner table.
Marion, who had prepared us an excellent meal, took advantage of the moment to rest a little and was happy to see her guests enthusiastic and basking in the magical atmosphere of Olde Mill House B&B.
Ron, originally from Washington State, USA, didn't shy away from a few attacks on the United States and their superpower status. Strangely, I noticed more and more during this trip, a growing sympathy for Europe. Are we giving them the impression of being smart?? Perhaps it's the euro that makes them realize Europe is quite real.
I hear President Bush getting criticized more and more often; of course, we are not in Texas and Canadians do not want to impose their point of view on the world, but they remain very economically tied to the USA; they find themselves a bit stuck.
My digital photos on my laptop always make an impression; France and the surroundings of La Bastide-Puylaurent seem like paradise to them. The paths like the Régordane or the Cévenol make them want to step through the screen. "And you do everything yourself?! And the evening meal too?!"... Marion, she understands and is already thinking about her next trip across the Atlantic. She will be able to enjoy "L'Etoile" and take a good break there.
Chemainus is a lovely small seaside town. What is striking are the large murals along the streets. By following the footprints painted on the sidewalk, one can visit all of Chemainus, the artworks, as well as the small artisan and antique shops like "The Old House," a neighbor to Marion.
Olde Mill House B&B, Chemainus, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - Map 
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Régordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
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