Our week in the Provence area was fantastic. The 24 degrees C, sunny, and no wind weather stayed with us all week. The single-lane roads ruled the region. The September visit proved to be the time. Very little traffic and plenty of vacant seats at the cafes. There was the occasional bus full of tourists but we were free to roam the district. With 14 in our group, we separated at times, the boys go hiking, and the girls peruse the markets. Although every morning my brother inlaw would empty the local bakery to bring back bags of baguettes and a carton full of croissants. The pod machine kicked off the day. “Where to next” one would suggest. Some would; visit the mines de bruouxs to see the orange tinge of clay, visit the town of Gordes parched over the plains, walk along the narrow streets of Avignon to catch a glimpse of the Popes Palace, visit the vineyards of Chateauneuf du pape and taste some delicious wines, or saunter the market place in the old Aix en Provence. Although, my favourite was being at the house next to the warm pool just hanging out with my family. Reading a book, splashing the lanes or general chit-chat. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.
A special moment in time which you wish you could freeze but I guess we keep seeking the next moment.
Fond memories:
I giggle every time I remember when my neice (who is fluent in French but lived in the US all her life) said that it took five French speaking sentences before the market vendor would switched to English. Her French appeared to be not up to standard. She was shattered.
When my neice’s husband Big D, driving in front, went off the road to avoid the on coming car on those single lane roads.
Each couple were to cook one night each and Grandma Evatt’s Paela dish got a standing ovation. The expression on her face was priceless. Even though she started at 9am.
Big D and I went for a four wheel drive tour on the lavender fields, “Hey! Don’t drive over the plants, mate!”
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