6 replies to this topic

[maineman]

Blue skies. Warm breezes. Blooming flowers. Small cars. Big town squares, lots of night life, many outdoor cafes. The leffe beer is great, perfect around lunch time - or just before! I am not a big meat man, but the local saccie sons, or little hard-salami like sausages, are good. And olives of every shape size and flavor. Heaven. Most of the vegetables are in, os we have fressh string beans, zuhhini, etc. Strawberries and melons from the market in town.Berries from the yard. And bread. Man on man, peaaant breads, one under each arm. Croissants fresh out of ovens - you have to taste to believe. Late lunch after an afternoon of tromping around old castles was a beer out on the sidewalk, with some breads I got a f ew blocks awawy, walking to the afteroon bakery. It was heaven. There are 14 of us on this holiday (kids, nieces, nephews, spouses, etc. so we go through bread fast. Dinner on the chairs on the street was a salad mixed with tuna tartare, poulpe (ocotpuss in vinegar) olive tamponades on toast/baguettes (the olive spreads are amazing - mixed iwth pesto, mushrooms, garlic and more) and the like, followed by thin strips of duck (conard) lightly grilled and served with fuit sauces. Dessert was chocolate with cream (almost like a slab of mousse) for those with sweet tooths. My older son and I had the house yougurt, serveed with choices of fruits (also homemade) to stir in. Expresso, naturally. You start out at the mountain Cezanne painted from every angle. It is lovely here. FOod is awesome. more to come.... To settle the stomach a huge spread of various local cheeses and breads are laid out... Heaven heaven heaven.... Bon CHance a tout mis amies ici. mm

[Tor]

the french for all their peculiarities and old fashioned socialistic views sure know how to live! have a great time.

[OEXCHAOS]

It changed my hero, Julia, so you gotta give them their due! Have a wonderful time. Drink the wine, MM. Try the grilled sardines. Mark

[arbman]

... and thanks for remembering us all the way from there...

[Russ]

Arles is a cool place with its Ancient Roman Theatre and City Hall opened by Julius Caesar.

[maineman]

Thanks for the tips. Almost got to Arles today, but pulled off in a small out of the way town and did lunch for hours. I had my first Pastis, after arguing a long time with my son about whether it was, in fact, differerent from Ouzo or Raki. I had just reread Hemingway's Moveable Feast where he is always drinking Pastis (1920s) so I HAD to have one. I believe I am right - it is just the same as Ouzo or Raki, served diluted with water. Lunch was Salad Nicioise for some, Tomatoe and Mozzarella for others with vinagrette and local olive oil. And much Leffe beer which we are begining to enjoy very much. And, of course, a few loaves of local baguettes for the car.... The afternoon was a hair raising journey along zig zag mountain roads to the Abbey and the fields of lavender, un real, past humongous fields of Sun FLowers - surreal. Then back to the town of Gordes, France. Bizarre, built on the rock a thousands years or so ago. Spectacular views and sunsets..... Back to Aix, where we somehow managed to finish yet anohter case of red wine..... Tomorrow? possible Cannes, Monaco, or nearby wineries. Trying to get to Chateau Neuf de Pape, but there are vineyards everywhere. Meanehile, the streets of Aix are magic - endless rows of outdoor cafes, fountains, beautiful people and excellent beer and wine. We may make fun of the French, but they are clearly living the good life and having the last laugh..... Bon Journee a touts mis amis.... mm

[maineman]

Should have made these smaller...Oh Well, 2 views of Provence. View from Gordes (above) and the Abbey down the mountain (below). Not pictured: wine, cheese, Pastis, and Chocolate....