I think that’s strawberry fields….but I’m making an adjustment to suit my needs presently…artistic privilege. So here I am trying desperately to catch up with my blog as I don’t want to forget much for sharing.  I will venture away from Aix soon and have new adventures that will probably hit hard and my time won’t be as sedentary for writing  until I’m in Paris…then who knows what time I’ll have available. Time slips by so quickly, so I will try to take advantage of this week to catch my breath, catch up blogging and clean this place to hand the keys back to my hostess with Airbnb on Thursday. I’ll grab a bottle of Rosé from Provence, my laptop computer and then the necessary props will be complete!

So, back to Lavender Fields. Provence is famous for their lavender and now is the perfect time! I have to say I went a week too soon, but along with that statement, I also avoided the crowds. Actually, I give that credit to my new best friend, Emily! She wanted to do a trial run for an upcoming tour and wanted to know if we’d like to come along…wasn’t much need for arm twisting!

Off we went, Emily, Kathy and I, to the Valensole Plateau, where the lavender went on forever. It was fortunate that the height of the tourist season hadn’t started. We only saw a couple of folks wandering the fields. I was chuckling that my daughter would not be a happy camper as the fragrance was apparent! And no, Jilly, I am not bringing you home any lavender!

We stopped at a distillery of lavender to do some shopping, though it’s not in production yet. Give it a couple of weeks and this place will be crazy for the harvest!!  I’m finally getting some shopping done….hasn’t been priority and thinking I better get some things now while I am here…authentic…honestly!

Picked up a picnic lunch from a bakery after touring the small, rustic and quaint town of Riez. Had a great picnic out in a field with just an occasional bird overhead. Next time a blanket or chair might be considered…we sat in the hatchback area, but it was just as serene and magical with a bit of laughter thrown in! We did pass a couple of field of unknown purple flowers….similar to larkspur, but no one seemed to know exactly. It was beautiful just the same!

We loaded up and headed back to Aix. Kathy leaves for home (New York) the next day, and we had to say our final goodbyes to Emily. She had plenty of touring to keep her busy for the duration of my time left  in Aix. It was bittersweet, as I can’t thank her enough for all she did to make me feel welcomed. She had her doubts of my sanity for staying in Aix for so long, and I have her to thank for helping me to keep it! I know I will see her in August as she will be visiting family for the Summer probably 15 minutes away! Wine tasting, touring and BBQ with the kids will be on the agenda. So, it’s not goodbye….it’s à bientôt! 

Monday, June 6th, and the day could not have been more perfect! The sun was shining…sunscreen was in order as I was going to the Mediterranean! Longing for the water…even as it sits on the horizon during the approach, there is a certain sense of calm that envelops me. It will be a best day! I am riding with Janicke from Discover Provence…others along for the excursion included a couple from the East Coast, here on their honeymoon…enjoying Provence after their first stop in a very wet Paris…thankful that I will be visiting there later in my adventure!  Another solo traveler, as I recall, from Australia..but that short-term memory is in question. Not to worry! We all had such a great time!

Walking along the port with the sidewalk cafes full of relaxed folks, enjoying a beverage or meal…people watching is a favorite past time, but possibly that’s my own claim as there might be other occasions happening that I’m unaware. There’s a breeze blowing and after a quick promenade…no, those two words never mix! Quick and promenade…slap me, as that will not happen again! We board a boat that will take us out to the Calanques.

Calanques are inlets with steep cliffs and incredibly blue hues of water…some house moored boats, but it seems that it holds daily boaters and appreciators of the blue waters calling for play and a refreshing dip…can’t say that I blame them!! The cliffs also call those that take a more risky challenge. Saw one individual scaling the cliffs without harnesses, no great supply of ropes either….obviously great concentration is involved, but I wondered as the boat captain whistled up to him…I guess that is a common occurrence…really?? 

We visited three in our stay out in the sea (I have been corrected when I once called it the ocean….I humbly agreed!) During our return to port, we did pass a school of children taking a sailing lesson in what I compare to salbots during my earlier days. It was a bit windy so I’m sure they perfected their young skills that afternoon. Give me the sea with a breeze and I call it perfection! 

So, if that’s not enough for a day….we continued on up La Route des Crêtes (just have to admit, I just found how I put in the correct punctuation….gold star for me, however long it took!). This route often is closed if it’s windy but we were in luck with just a slight breeze! The views are nothing short of spectacular!

Before we set for home (as I have come to refer to Aix from time to time) we had one more stop at a local vineyard  for a bit of tasting…this time white…in France, I’ve noticed that wine is not called Savignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Viogner…it is designated by the region where the grapes are grown and is particular to that region…it is far more advanced and an individual knows what they will be tasting. I haven’t near a knowledge or palate but, I did buy a couple of bottles and enjoyed every last sip of my choices of Domaine du Paternel! A great day indeed!!

I look up to make sure I’m spelling somewhat correctly and I wonder, am I really here..have I visited such places, and how can I actually account for this travel to do it any justice? If I don’t get this into my blog, will these memories fade too quickly? I have been through so many places of such beauty here in Provence that it feels surreal when I start recollecting my thoughts and experiences. Its only been a couple of weeks since I’ve been down these roads and I’m afraid I will skip a memory/story, but if I keep his up, I’ll be able to reflect back and share, as that is what my intention has been all along!

Lacoste…a town with much of it purchased by Pierre Cardin, a rebirth of an historical region with a tad of fashion flair. The chateau of fame was where Marquis de Sade fled to in his heyday for refuge. I guess I could be a tad more dramatic with a romantic flair, but I guess you’ll have to read more if you think it will spark your interest! I might even pursue such endeavors to get in touch with history.  It was a lovely region with spectacular views.

So, from here we were off to Roussillon…with the beautiful  hills created by ochre in the soils and utilized in the distinctive reds of the village. Can I just say that the skies were magnificent today! It magnified all the surrounding scenery that we were presented. Again, a pinch-me moment looking out over the panoramic sights!

We proceeded to Bonnieux….along such great winding roads…starting to fade after a day of sights…we passed on the steps up to the top, but instead w took a side step to get the views…

and then a quick stop through Lourmarin before heading back to Aix, such a full day!

It all started with a tour of the Alpilles, I have already described that first day….a winery, Les Baux and Egylieres…the tour ended in the town of Cavaillon…guest at a local hotel…but truly guests of my dear friend, Emily, and her family! How blessed were we, my new found friend Kathy and I, to be invited into the daily family life of Emily, her husband Jean-Michel and children, Johnathan, Eloise and William! We shared moments, conversation and laughter that are so endearing to me…a table prepared and set by an adorable family to the sharing of a meal after a long day of touring….I couldn’t of been more touched by the hospitality! Conversation did get directed to the current state of affairs of the political process regarding primaries and the  candidates running. I just have to say that the state of our country is often viewed as a joke in world affairs. I have no rhyme or reason but honestly, we are looking rather curious to he world at large…and I couldn’t agree more. That being said, with no explanation forthcoming, we went back to the hotel after our humble appreciation of an memorable evening. We got an night of comfort with an awakening of birds singing (as opposed to the leaf blowing I have often heard since my arrival in Aix…not complaining though). Morning found us in the company of Emily with Jean-Michel not far behind, for coffee and delicious pastries for us to taste  and enjoy! Emily, your husband still smells delicious as I have told you before…maybe it’s the lack of close contact thus far on the trip…but I thoroughly enjoy the tradition of kissing on the cheek 3 times!  He has the French charm, and I don’t think I’ll ever think of him as John Michael! 

Onward to Gordes, the monastery, Abbey Notre Dame de Senanque. Incredibly tranquil but beautiful!

From Gordes, it was on to Menerbes for a hike into the hilltop top for our lunch at a restaurant specializing in truffles (my new-found favorite). This is the town where Picasso secured a residence for his mistress, Dora. 

I’ve got more of this day…but thought I better publish this to get my hard work seen by those who wonder!! 

I’m headed off to Amsterdam…..but I plan to get back to these past experiences!! We are no where done yet!!

Feeling neglectful and I apologize to any readers that have followed this blog and wondered where I might’ve gone. I guess that might conjure up many exciting tales that some could expound on….just keep me in the loop…it probably is more exciting than I’ve actually been living. You won’t find me complaining, but every day is not filled with exciting adventures. In fact, it’s been raining out today and I find that I am inspired to get this started again. I have not experienced the rain that has been reported in Paris…it has actually been incredible weather down here in Provence. This could be one reason that I find it difficult to sit and write as I feel pangs of guilt that the outdoors are calling me…responding accordingly. 

Six weeks plus into this adventure and I’ve gone through a myriad of emotions. Some have caught me off guard and questioning how I’ll deal with them…some bring out maternal longing…and some bring forth tears…surprising that I’ve run the gamut and still I am up for the unknowns. I do feel pangs of homesickness…miss my friends and family…miss my garden and my home, but I can do this for a while longer. Right now, I’m needing a change of scenery and that is on my calendar!

Tomorrow I head to Amsterdam on a flight with Air France (hopefully, pending any unforeseen strikes that often occur) from Marseilles to Paris and then on to Amsterdam. I’m going to attend my niece’s babyshower on Saturday and will spend as much time with the new-to-be family as the weekend dictates/allows! I’ve got a room through Airbnb just down the street, and hopefully I will just be resting my head there. I have been told that the train I’ll be catching on the way to Den Haag will be passing windmills as it is staying light much later.  I’ll situate myself accordingly for a good view! That is a plan for my future…

Where have I been? I think I left off back a couple of weeks ago, so, time to catch up! I promise more blogs to come! Most recently….I went way outside my box…not sure what possessed me but decided in all this discovery phase,  I got the nerve…and I got a haircut! I have to say that it’s been over a decade since I cut my hair (other than the occasional trim). I got my usual pedicure and most recently a manicure (these are maintenance procedures for me) and definitely a challenge to explain what I want in French and hope for good results…risk taking at a basic level…the results were positive…proud of myself to step up and get them done. Why would you think I’d like to do something wih my hair?? Honestly…my heart was racing as I sat in the chair for the thought of being disappointed crept into my mind. Medhi (the stylist extraordinaire) who was recommended, but spoke very little English, had an aire of confidence that told me he had my back! I explained in my broken French (and conversations thereafter) that I wanted it short. He wanted to assure me that he would give me a great haircut! I smiled and the rest is history….

So, next stop, I will visit the salon to rid myself of the halo that seems to visit every 5 weeks…but as you know…it’s going on 6+ weeks. Who knows what that appointment will bring!