My first entry of hopefully many more to come. This is truly done by trial and error, but I shall enlist my son, Kyle’s help when he’s around (which won’t be for much longer…wanderlust is in his veins too….heading to Argentina in just a matter of weeks). I shall be put to the test as to my “quick learning”.
So, back to the beginning of the creation of this first entry of said blog…perhaps an explanation of where and why I’ve chosen my starting destination. I’m feeling the need to get my feet “grounded” and possibly turn on that “button” beginning to parle un peu de francais.
As I have referred to before, my older brother Kyle, KB (not to be confused with my son, Kyle), suggested that I consider a long-term stay in France as opposed to a 2-week vacation. This was mentioned as he was assisting me during the dismantling of my dear and loved, recently departed Mum’s apartment. In our grief, the idea began to grow as I had dedicated years to staying close, watching over both she and my step-dad…pretty devoted and I was truly wondering what I was going to do with my life now that they had passed. Perhaps, now was the time to start on that bucket list. The notion was planted and started to grow into becoming a reality…with the possibility of healing, growth and utter excitement! I realize also that there is a tad bit of anxiety thrown into the mix because I was going to be a solo traveler!
Provence, I am drawn to Provence just because I want to get more familiar with “The French Life” before I step into Paris. This is totally unfamiliar territory, I have traveled to many destinations of this world….France had never been on a previous itinerary. Aix en Provence was suggested (thanks, Anne), and it was conveyed as being a pedestrian-friendly city. This is an important requirement that checks off on my needs and comfort list…I do not want to depend on a car too often. Aix is a university city, so I am assuming it’s more forgiving to those who come to learn (even though I might be considered a “senior” learner…if only in chronological age). Cezanne”s birthplace was another factor in the plus column. The inner, but repressed, artist has been stirring – hiking the same trails with a sketch pad as some of the masters…OMG!
So, Aix en Provence is it…and since that decision, I’ve never considered otherwise. I hear many positive comments from friends and strangers that they are overjoyed with my selection thus far!
Next…where will I live? How long?
