We are back in Arles after our eleven day stay in the country. Every day was the same and yet each were unique. The light, the wind or lack of it, the emotions as our nerves fritzed their last buzz before settling into peace. I am still in vacation mode but wanted to share. I’ll leave it to you to imagine my scrabbling over rocks in thin-soled espadrilles, Ben, our Golden turning back to wait for me with a big smile. The afternoon doing the same. The olive trees, the whispering pines. As always, the scent of rosemary and thyme. But you know all of this, it is the stuff of Provençal legends. I am so incredibly grateful to have had this moment a part in such a beautiful home, private enough to feel good in my skin again. The Alpilles singing their own song–this time of the year it is the castanets of the cigales but also, if you really listen, some sort of exhale. Although that might just be what I wanted to hear.
I’ll divide the photos up into three posts so as to (hopefully) not overwhelm or bore. Am wishing that you find the scenery as phenomenal as I did…
Thank you again for all of the kind birthday wishes. In its simplicity, it is one of my very favorites. Sometimes we don’t need to work so hard to faire la fête!
I think we've been going to France for all the wrong reasons, we forgot to look around us at the scenery. Funny but Dylan dog waits for me with a big goofy grin on his face when we're hiking must be a golden thing.
Wonderful post! I loved seeing your photos. I went to Provence once, a few years ago, and stayed in Menerbes. Loved that area. I want to go back and do it all over again. Such beauty there!
What a stunningly beautiful place – thank you for sharing the photos with us. I can imagine how medicinal it was to all of you, including dear Ben.
I am looking forward to seeing more photos…whenever you're ready.
STUNNING!REALLY……….so happy you share with us!
Hope the Birthday was special and your feeling good about it.
xoxo
elizabeth
Thank you, as always, for your well-wishes ladies. I am really trying to pace myself now that we are back so that peace just doesn't evaporate!
Virginia, yes, the lake really is that blue. It is an artificial lake that was formed after years of ochre mining (hence the red, red earth) and the mineral deposits in the water create the stunning color. I have another photo from a different day and is is interesting to see how the reflections change.
How beautiful!! What a perfect birthday treat – I really can't think of much better than the ultimate retreat somewhere so lovely!!
I feel more relaxed just hearing about it! Love the image of you Ben scrabbling over rocks and your simple birthday. Ahhhh. May the peace of the Alpilles stay with you.
Such a beautiful part of the world!
~ Clare x
Beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. Thank you for sharing (we could dive into the blue water to escape this summer heat)!
Have a wonderful week!
XO,
Renee and Angela
Heather, is the water in the lake actually as amazingly blue as it looks in the photo? I bet it is, but would like to know what you thought. I can close my eyes and smell summer sun gently fragrancing the pine needles and rosemary. Mmm….
Just what you needed…and I hope that the magic lives on now you are back home again. Virginia x