I am a tourist in Monte Carlo (photo a fellow tourist 2013)
Three days ago, I returned to Australia
after a seven week sojourn in France, during which I completed a four week
French language immersion program at the Institute de Français in
Villefranche-sur-Mer. I have written about my observations of the wonderful
Institut in recent posts.
Jet stream from aircraft sending a "kiss" to my apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer (photo LP 2013)
The course was followed by a two week mother/son
“road trip” firstly through Provence, and then through the wine growing regions
of Bordeaux. My son and I, both “foodies”, challenged ourselves by attempting
to emulate some of the beautiful meals we shared. While visiting the fresh food
markets in the little towns and stocking up on provisions, I practised my French with the stall owners while he chose the
various vegetables, fruits, fish, fruits de mer, poultry and meats with which we would try and
reconstruct our favourite meals. It was a true
joy to share our time in the kitchen over a glass or two of Côte
de Provence rosé or a beautiful Saint- Émilion rouge.
There were so many highlights during my sojourn... from waking in the morning
and thinking in French rather than in English; to meeting wonderful, like-minded people from many countries while I studied at the Institut, one of whom, Deborah, has become a dear friend; and sharing meals with my son, some simple, others more complex and elegant.
An apéritif before dining in the Michelin restaurant at the beautiful Chateau Cordeillon-Bages (photo LP 2013)
I so enjoyed meeting my special blogger
friend Leeann and her partner in Eymet (her blog:Fabulously French); and encountering my own
strengths and weakness while driving in France (which I think was perhaps even
more difficult for my passengers!).
But also I rediscovered myself, lost for a
while, after experiencing an upsetting
personal upheaval 18 months ago. Long walks along ancient Roman roads were enlightening.
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| A partly Roman road which was used by the Pilgrims de Campostela behind the lovely Chateau de Sours (Photo LP 2013) |
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| Leeann and Guy's lovely home, beautiful rental apartment and brocante store... |
My “jetlag” is still offering me the
wonderful opportunity of feeling like I am here…but also as if I am still in
France. After many years of travel from
one side of the globe to the other I have, surprisingly, found that “jetlag” for me is not an unpleasant
experience…rather a transition phase.
Spring is still emerging in France…my
garden in Australia is showing all the signs of autumn, the falling leaves and the
last roses in bloom but I am still able to “feel” both seasons, as if I am
here, and there, if only for another day…
When I have jetlag...my memories let me linger in limbo...in Villefranche at night...(Photo a fellow traveller 2013)
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