Underground...

When last I posted, we were eagerly awaiting Jesse's return after two weeks away. I'd fully intended to put up a joyous "0 days to go" post upon his and his parents' arrival in France, but as it turned out, enjoying their presence eclipsed all documentation. And the week flew by! 

Actually, the blog wasn't the only dark and quiet thing this week... 

On Tuesday we spent several hours being fascinated by the troglodyte (cave dwelling) history in the area. Even into the 1900s, a fair number of people in the region lived in homes and worked farms that were built down into the earth rather than up on top of it. It was so incredibly unusual. The particular site we visited was part of a community with not just individual cave dwellings for the people and animals, but also a large subterranean chapel and a community room. They would work the land (above ground) of course, and were in a village with normal shops and houses and such for making purchases and visiting friends. Not surprisingly, such homes historically have had their advantages during times of war (as recently as WWII). 

Bizarre to see furniture not unlike that in our own home but set in a cave.  

Tillie (aka Mama Cas) helped Josiah complete a quiz as we went around.

The little hollows were roosts for hens and pigeons.  

Perhaps just a little father-son resemblance, eh?

We had a picnic on the grounds before heading home. I sure do love these three people!

Unfortunately when I passed the camera across the table for a reciprocal shot, Jesse made it clear that what he really loves is ice cream.  A focusing error or a tell-tale sign? Hmmmmm...