Provence

Bit of a delay there, my computer overheated and crashed. I was doing my tax return online at the time! Luckily it recovered after 24 hours. During that time I thought I had lost my photographs and all the other 'stuff'. It made me realise that my blog is an excellent way to keep my memories safe.

So, back to the holiday......................

The journey home through Provence

I was sad to leave Italy, I liked being called 'Signora Cinzia' (pronounced 'chintzier) but the prospect of a trip through Provence helped.

There is a subtle change as you cross the border into France, the landscape and architecture are very similar but it seems slightly more sedate, less exuberant.  Places like Nice and Menton have been part of Italy in the past. I wonder what that was like for the inhabitants, how did they cope with the bureaucracy, who did they pay tax to? Much easier to live in Monaco so that you don't have to worry about paying tax.

The road follows the coast and there were lots of lively vide greniers long the route, despite the mist.

Beaulieu sur Mer was memorable, the vide grenier was next to the yacht filled harbour against an elegant villa and palm tree filled backdrop.

And in the evening the weather improved just in time for one last vide grenier in a sun soaked sleepy Provençal village. I bought some very fine textiles and some not so fine rosé wine.

The final leg of the journey was on the motorway where the services provided a truly disgusting overpriced meal! Years ago the motorway services used to provide very good food, often including local specialities. I don't know if they have all deteriorated, I hope not, but everyone looked miserable as they picked through the dismal contents of their trays. Even the coffee was undrinkable. I think it is shameful and certainly won't impress tourists visiting France for the first time. That is why I like to travel the back roads and support small restaurateurs who create wonderful meals from local produce.

I'll get off my soap box now!