Day 186: A View from Above

Best Moments
1. Climbing to the top of Il Duomo and seeing Florence from the best view, above
2. Participating in a balsamic vinegar tasting and realizing that what we have at home is crap
3. Visiting St. Croce church
4. Going to the Uffizi gallery and seeing so many masterpieces
5. Taking in all of the Botticelli's and buying a poster that captures them all
6. Another evening stroll through Florence 

Flickr Set of Images

Day 155: Summer Sundays

 What a wonderful day. I took my time this morning before leaving for Geneva.  I stopped to do some shopping and then at the French Market.  Yes, a French Market in Northern Illinois.  I finally broke down and bought a Provencal tablecloth.  I bought a couple in Provence, but the nice ones were too expensive.  Instead I bought it here.  There is a french woman at this market that I have talked to a few times and this is the place I was supposed to get my tablecloth.  We talked for awhile and she helped me pick out the perfect one.  When I asked to take a picture, she laid out all of her best tablecloths.  I get the impression that she is very proud of what she does and what she sells.  I think that quality deserves my business.

After the French Market I went to Galena Cellars for a wine tasting.  I know that it may be a little odd to do a wine tasting on my own, but if I want to taste wine and I am alone, I don't think I should miss out.  I was originally planning a solo trip this year, but financially it would be better if I didn't.  I think instead that I should work towards doing what I want when I am out on my own.  The goal of the solo trip was to learn about myself and grow.  I think I've said this here before, but I think true growing occurs when you are facing something independently.  Being free of influence is a reflective thing.  But anyway, I think I will just try to continue doing this on a smaller scale.


Later in the evening I was fortunate enough to meet up with Ashley for dinner and drinks.  We sat outside and enjoyed the nice evening.  It is so nice to have someone so close that is such great company to hang out with.  I think it is going to be an awesome summer.


I ended my night with a few sips of wine sitting outside with my pup.  I am a happy girl right now.

As I lay in bed tonight, I have my window open and I hear people speaking in Italian.  A woman is laughing and I wonder if I'm really in Illinois.

Day 87: Fulfilling French Cravings

Today we went East to Aix en Provence.  It was market day, so we got to see spices, legumes, and sweet fruits.  I also fueled up on one of my must haves in France-nutella crepe.  I got my sugar kick and was ready to go.  

I bought some posters that were reasobably priced.  I am in love with posters.  Someday my place may be completely covered with posters because I can't seem to say no.  I just love them.

We walked down the streets and I took several photos.  There was one scene I really wanted to capture, but I ruined it.  In this picture you see a man and his dog.  As we were walking down the street, I saw this man head to head with his dog while his dog sat in his lap.  It was very sweet and it seemed as if there was some indescribable connection between the two of them.  I love capturing dogs and their owners, so I thought I'd offer him a euro and get their picture.  Unfortunately my approaching them caused the dog to get up, so I missed the moment.  I guess I learned my lesson: snap, then offer money.  At least the image stays in my mind.

We then went to lunch and I had the "suggestion."  Roti poulet with puree potatoes was the plat du jour and it was wonderful.  I don't think you can ever go wrong with rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes.  Somehow saying rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes doesn't sound quite as grand, but it was delicious.  The potatoes were very thinly spread so every little bite that I could scrape up kept me wanting more.  Ahh the flavor.  After sitting in the sun and enjoying our lunch, we went to a church.

When we returned, we walked around Avignon after an espresso, au pain chocolat, and vin.  I bought a lavender sign and soaps.  Lori bought a painting from a local artist and gave it to Becky as a gift.  

For dinner we had Linda's famous lemon garlic fettucine, roasted asparagus with rosemary we grabbed at the Pont du Gard, fruit salad, roti chicken, and Anthony Bourdain's favorite way to eat radishes.  For dessert we had macaroons that we bought while we were in Aix.  I definitely don't eat this well when I am at home.

Linda, Janey, and I went out for a walk and drink.  We walked quite a while and found a tapas restaurant on a side street to get our drink.  Janey and I ordered a kir royal and sipped it as we took in the wonderful French evening.

As I walk through these towns, I keep finding religious statues/carvings in the walls.  I love how there are little surprises everywhere you look.  It reminds me a lot of Venice in that way.