Did someone say Romans? Time is getting away from me now and so, I should hurry up and finish my posts from our trip before I completely forget what happened there.  It is the 22nd of October already….. When in France and especially around Paris, it is easy for someone with a head-of-the-pin-sized focus-orientation to keep in perspective that the entire world didn't begin around the period of Barron Haussmann and his dramatic re-vamping of … [Read more...]

 famous Musquee de Provençe pumpkins At first I was a bit disappointed with Aix, as it is not an especially inspiringly-looking city from its edges.  After where we had come from in Tourtour though, anything would have been a letdown.  We knew how special from whence we had come had been. Aix en Provence provides more of a little challenge, one to find the charm.  But, once you realize this, there is plenty to be found.  That's how I would … [Read more...]

Today's offering: This kind of travel is for me, a heady mixture of pure rhapsody, luxury and indulgence!  Feasting doesn't always have to be at a table.  There are 4 other senses to be fed……... Tourtour, France is a small commune, I'll call it a hamlet, in southeastern France.  The tiny towns which surround it have a charm all their own, and the views from here are really quite amazing. While we were at Domaine de la Baume, we took … [Read more...]

 from the cruise, later I am going to break my rule of chronology again today.  I think this story is worth it. It was a multi-national humanitarian effort Seine-side…….. On our next to the last day in Paris, George and I decided to take that long-promised but as yet undone boat cruise along the Seine.  This is one of those things you always say you are going to do but the list of things you want and the ability to gaze along the Seine … [Read more...]

 Domaine de la Baume Today's offering: Probably you would have to have just a little question about going to a town that no one you know or some people who know Provence hadn't ever heard of…….. What is so very joyful about my oh-so-lucky travel experiences at this stage in my life is when they present you with the most remarkable of surprises.  Your heart lifts up and you are enveloped, yet again, with wonder and gratitude at all the … [Read more...]

 Dimanche I learned about Marché Bio Boulevard Raspail from Ina Garten.  She has spoken about it often on her show.  I have enjoyed visiting here twice now and, as I strolled along, I looked around to try to imagine where her apartment might be.  I also tried to imagine being so lucky as to live here and do this several days per week. For me, a Farmer's Market is like an art exhibit.  Might I just say, maybe even better?  I can't pass one … [Read more...]

 j'adore - pretty much captures how I feel as soon as I step out Anyone who reads this blog knows that there is a close reflection here of my deeply-needed catharsis.  I am working these days on unquestioningly engaging in obsessive habits that make me happy. These would include taking pictures of pastry, gorgeous buildings of old and seeing glorious photos in my head, all in the living color that so feeds me.  at the Sunday market at … [Read more...]