Sunday, May 16, 2010

The search is over for now!

We are back in the states after an interesting trip. One of my greatest thrills was finding the door knocker I was looking for. It is not exactly what I wanted, but the price was right and I am liking it more and more.

We were driving through a little town in France, St. Jean d'Heurs, when we saw lots of crowds gathering. We knew right away it was an outdoor flea market. We parked the car and decided to take a chance. After a long walk, we arrived at tables set up selling everything from old shoes to fine crystal and furniture. Believe me, for a moment I forgot that I was flying home and could not possibly take all I wanted with me.

We had just decided to give up looking when we took one more turn and there they were, two of these door knockers. One was very, very old, very heavy and corroded with black and slightly damaged. It had a big price tag of 160 euros. Next to it lay this delicate hand. It was certainly not as old, but I thought it was lovely. The price was 35 euros and we bought it for 28.

We kept looking everywhere we went, but did not find anymore. I decided I will not stop looking. This just might be the start of a collection. I have plans to mount it on a piece of wood to hang in our home.

We hand carried it home and it caused security at the airport to open our luggage twice to see what we were carrying. I suppose on x-ray, it looked like a hand grenade. One security agent actually admired it.

As the volcano in Iceland is starting to erupt again, I am glad we are back in the states. I have many stories and so many pictures. I will need to get organized and put our adventures into type.

17 comments:

  1. Welcome home, Susan. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Kim at The Ungourmet and I was talking about you yesterday and wondering when you would post again. We've missed you.

    Even though it wasn't exactly what you wanted you were lucky to find a door knocker that you could bring home.

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  2. Hi Susan, what a great find! Those door knockers are so unusual and have such history. I'll bet you will be collecting them now. I had never even known they existed until I read about it on your blog and I have seen them in a magazine and also a movie I was watching a while back had one on the door. Welcome back home and I am looking forward to hearing about your adventure and seeing your pictures too.

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  3. Hi Susan. Glad you made it home safe. Yes, Cathy and I were just talking about your trip and your blog yesterday. Can't wait to see more of your fun photos. The door knocker is terrific! ;)

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  4. Hi Susan,

    Welcome home - we missed you. Glad you found a door knocker, even if it wasn't the exact one you were looking for. Remember, the fun is in the hunt.

    I smiled when you said security looked in your luggage twice. I wonder if they thought it was a real hand? Surely not, but you never know.

    I'm looking forward to pictures and more about your trip after you unpack and relax a bit.
    Sam

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  5. Yeah! Your found your door knocker. Awesome.

    We are taking the journey next month to France. We are bike riding through the Loire Valley. We are traveling via Iceland too. I have my fingers crosed.

    I am really looking forward to reading about your trip. I am hoping to gain good tips and advice from your experience.

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  6. Welcome home. I'm so glad you found your door knocker and look forward to reading aobut the rest of your trip. And I can so relate to the "forgetting I have to fly home"! LOL.

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  7. Susan, it is always good to be home! Happy you had a wonderful time and are back in the US. Beautiful door knocker.

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  8. Look forward to hearing about all your fun adventures!! I love it when you buy something that wasn't exactly what you want and it grows on you and you like it even more!!

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  9. Anonymous4:45 PM

    Susan, if I see one (with a ring) at a village market during our stay in Sept., I'll get it for you.

    Looking forward to reading your trip report.

    Ginette

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  10. Welcome home, S&T...I'm so glad you found a great door knocker at such a good price. What fun. I remember when you posted about wanting one of these.......I'm very glad you're back because I really missed reading your lovely blog. And I am so interested in all your French adventures.

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  11. I've seen those door knockers when out and about and have always liked them.

    Welcome back. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing more about the trip.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  12. Sounds like you had a great trip with a good find! Love that door knocker and am looking forward to future posts of your trip!

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  13. I have been thinking about you too. They just aired the pie contest on TV and I was looking for you. Look forward to hearing about your trip. The door knocker is great.

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  14. Welcome home. Love your new treasure. It is so fun to bring special treasures home from France.

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  15. Anonymous10:13 AM

    wow... that's incredible door knocker... glad you are back safe and sound

    snow here too.. but as they say ces't la vie ;)
    gp

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  16. Welcome home, Susan. I love the door knocker you did find to add to your newly conceived collection. I am anxiously awaiting a trip debriefing.
    I hope the volcano didn't prove to be too disruptive to your holiday. At any rate, it is good to have you home. Hugs and blessings...Mary

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  17. Can't wait to hear and see your trip photos. Wow what a great find, I can just imagine how it looked while going through customs. LOL They probably thought it was a bomb! Geesh!!!! LOL

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