Day Four - French Adventure

 Day four took us to Lourmarin Market and lunch.

I was thrilled to see this market once more, as I visited it several years ago and loved it.

This fountain and castle had remained all these years firmly in my heart; so I had to walk to the end of the row of vendors just to see them once more.

From this market I brought home some tapenade, nougat with cherries, fish (cod) pate, and a scarf for my daughter. Oh the flavors of France!!!!

Lunch was in a restaurant next to the market. I had a creamy, lemon pasta that I am still drooling over in my memory of it.

As we were enjoying lunch a woman heard us speaking English and stopped to see where we were from. As we chatted with her I found out she was from Camas, Washington and she knew some of the same places I knew, such as the local antique mall and my church. Small world for sure.

It was a lovely day, returning to a place I quite enjoyed in the past. It sang to my heart for sure.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Day Three - French Adventure

 

Each morning I came down early to sit in the quiet of Corey's kitchen and sip my tea.

Then after breakfast of croissants and yogurt with fruit and nuts, we were off on a new adventure.

The third day was market day in Aix en Provence. There were some booths with antiques, but there was everything from women's clothes, jewelry, soap, books, flowers, and so much more. This day I ended up finding a few clothing items (2 tops and a dress) that I couldn't resist. I also bought some soap; after all, I love French hand soaps. These are a bit smellier than I am used to; so now my bathroom smells like the soap vendors booth.

We stopped for a cold drink here. Isn't it beautiful?

Walking to the van we spotted this red man swimming through the patio.

Delphine's Atelier was the next stop. She had quite a collection of vintage fabrics, which she makes into things to sell. Her home has two rooms set up to market her products, plus other vintage things for sale. The studio is the third room and so fun to hear her passion for what she does.

And again we hopped in the van with one more stop at Corey's friend, Mo's home.

Now Mo is a pottery artist and had quite a collection of her clay pieces in this shed.

I can truly say each piece was a work of art made with a delicate black clay and creamy, white glaze. @Reves D'argile on Instagram

Then we sat at Mo's table for nibbles on the patio before moving indoors for our evening meal.

Often with the evening meal something small is served, which is most delicious. I think "oh good, not too much!" and then more keeps coming.

Plus a dessert to top it off. This was something creamy with burnt spices on top.

It was quite dark in the country side as we traveled back to find our beds for the night. Another special day and more to come.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Day Two - French Adventure

 

A corner of Corey's kitchen.

In her garden.

Shopping!!!!

Wishing I could bring big things home, but only the small things would fit in my bag. 

I found a small gift for my "live-in gardener" on this day. A netsuke ivory figure to sit under a bonsai tree.

And then we stopped for lunch in the country.

While we enjoyed our surroundings we dug through this basket of feves (small ceramic figures tucked in the King's cake). I brought home a hand full of them.

I am still dreaming of this beet/goat cheese salad. It was amazing.

These women prepared our food and visited with us. They were pure delight.

And then we strolled the avenue of Cotignac.

The group I traveled with. There was Corey and Chelsea, mother and daughter, that hosted, guided, and cared for us each day. Chelsea drove us in a van each day. Then the four women that came for the adventure, which included me. I couldn't believe I was a part of this special group of women. What a treat!!

OK, this is day two; so more to come.

Sending much love,

Marilyn