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!