There are so many things that I love about being in France that I will simply begin by saying zinc top bars. Not that I am a big drinker, but I cannot get enough of the bar atmosphere, the glasses, the bottles, the zinc top, the bartenders, the movement, the conversation… and a few drinks sitting in a tucked away corner.
The bar or cafe in France is an extended living room for most. It is not uncommon to meet friends there, rather then at home.
Becky and Frank who visited about three years ago came to visit this weekend, plus my cousin's friend Lorna who know is my friend too.
We had so much fun together that I forgot to take a photo. Right before they left last night we took a photo in living room.
I love when time flies by because the moment is so wildly wonderful you do not have time to see it passing by.
I will never tire of reading French menus on chalkboards. The handwriting, the menu, the way my tastebuds do a happy dance when I read what is being served.
The tiny streets that lead to one wonder after another.
Aix en Provence.
The market that has something for everyone. Spices, flowers, antiques, books, soap, food, clothes, pottery, jewelry, candy, linens… arranged with taste and care.
Lorna sampled lavender.
It is plentiful.
And the aroma makes the day go by ease.
I have linked below the post I did three years ago when Becky and her husband Frank came to visit. I wish they were my neighbors. I thought about hiding their car keys.
Cassis is a small port town on the Mediterranean sea near Marseille. It is about fifteen minutes away from where we live. Cassis is a perfect pearl of pleasure: A blue sea, a sweet town, a wonderful pocket of restaurants and cafes, not too chic but far away from shabby, stunning scenery, trails galore, a magnificent cliff and most of all is at our doorstep.
Whenever anyone comes to visit us we go to Cassis. Cassis is my backyard… I do not know how many times I have been there.
A blogging friend, Becky and her husband Frank, came to visit us the other day. We met in Cassis. While there Becky asked me, "Do you ever grow numb to all of this (implying to the beautiful scenery of France.)?" I shook my head no and said, "In fact I think I am appreciating it more and more!"
How could I ever grow numb to the Mediterranean sea? Even if I tried it would splash me awake!
We spent the afternoon walking around admiring Cassis, and talking about everything under the sun. Frank loves to talk, a true, admirable, conversationalist … and better yet he talks about things what interests those around, he manages to get everyone talking. I am amazed by him… he even talked about makeup and babies. Everything under the sun, and above it. Impressive. I want French Husband to take lessons. Of course that implies that I will have to take lessons on listening.
Becky too loves photography.
Many times our cameras where aiming at the same detail.
Facades, fountains, windows, bakeries, the sea…
Frank and French Husband talking at the edge of a street. We had lost them, many times over as they thought we were in a shop or taking photos somewhere. They talked and talked! Becky and I often had to go backtrack to find them. Imagine that backtrack I loved it.
Frank asked French Husband what was his passion… instead of saying me (no points for him) he said, "Caving, cliff hanging, flying, mountain bikes…"
Frank later said, "Your husband is a wild man." I thought to myself yeah my husband likes the adrenalin rush of fear.
Thankfully French Husband and Frank didn't rope down the cliff of Cassis on the Route to Crete.
I will never grown numb to this place. It awes me with its wow factor every time!
Thank you Becky and Frank for visiting us again, come back soon, real soon, for your wonderful friendship and thoughtfulness I adore.
By the way Becky is a critical care nurse by day… but her passionate talent is jewelry making! She made me a stunning silver wire pearl bracelet… it is so beautiful she that she could quit her day job and make a living from her passion. Now that is an adrenalin rush I would jump on if I had it!
What do you love? Name a few, not in order 🙂
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