WALKING M

WALKING MY WAYS. I can't remember why I decided to take a French Canal Barge. Maybe, because I like small ships. And had read that, sometimes, singles were not charged extra. Or because I once compared a superb Michelin feast, to a French Canal Barge's menu. And decided it might be the same. In any event, one day, I found my name on the Luciole Barge's passenger log. A 6 1/2 day exquisite voyage, through the French Canals.

10 passengers. A crew of 7. And the most ultimate laziness tour of a lifetime. Or the ultimate idyllic experience one can imagine. Floating through the Nivernais canal and 50 locks, seeing only shimmering and peaceful hills. And vineyards. All around. Without fences. With no sound. Except possibly a bird. Or watching a swan. And hearing virtually nothing, except our daily and punctual lunch and dinner bells. No cars. No music. No distractions. No TV. Not even the modulated engine sound. NADA.

Of course, there were some medieval villages along the way. Seen from the barge. Or explored in person. And an occasional farmer. Or bicyclist. Or Charocaise cattle, grazing. But these were rare. The only certainty was the finesse and purity of three exquisite meals. Especially lunch and dinner. Where, next to brightly colored napkins, the chef announced the titles of every meal. Including red and white wine pairings. And assorted cheeses. And then served impeccable meals, including the use of edible flowers.

And every day, we stopped at a village, winery or abbey and become indoctrinated with its unique allures. In short, other than the gentle glide of the barge, and the remarkable variety of meals, one really had very little to do except eat, sleep, and rest. 24/7. And watch the captain, steer his 114' craft in and out of slightly longer, several hundred year old, locks. Avoiding the walls by inches. With first class service, all the way. And in this manner, ended my sleepy, next to last, venture. Before visiting long time friends, in Mondsee, Austria. The following day. Finis.