Provence has been very good to me. While Provence is blessed with great scenery, soil and growing conditions and weather, what is really the heart and soul of Provence is the people, history, culture and language. Let alone the food and wine! I have a whole new perspective and respect for these factors that make the people and this place come alive. You feel at home here, as the people here live simply, yet elegantly and heartfelt, robust conversation is practiced professionally by everyone. I never felt anything but welcomed. This place speaks highly of the power of a smile and simple "bonjour". The simplicicity of a piece of bagette and nob of cheese; the fragrance of honeysuckle or lavender; a cherry tree, full of its bounty and the look on DD's face with two full bowls freshly picked; driving into a 500 acre vineyard along a 2 km path and not seeing a soul; a french garden in the spring; an old door that wont stay closed in the wind without being locked; a 500 year old chateau restored to its previuos glory. Churches perched high on the hills above the villages, symbols of the focus and hierarchy tat has existed throughout the ages. All of these things and so many more contribute to a feeling of fulfillment in a vacation that is so sorely lacking on so many "all- inclusive" or cruise type holidays so many of us enjoy today. Joie de vivre is alive and well here in Provence. Vive la France! C'est Bon Cotignac!
Tomorrow we are off early to the Cote D'Azur. First to St.Tropez and then to drive along the coast to Nice. Lee-Ann and I will check in that the Hotel Suisse in the old town for a few days of
sights and sounds along the French Riviera.
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