I try to keep the photoshop shenanigans in hand with all that I share with you here. No instagramy apps or lily-gilding. Call me old-school (by all means) but what motivates me, especially for this blog, is to share the abounding beauty of Provence. And honestly, that does not require any special effects. Just a simple point in any general direction and a click will do.
Hooowever. As we were whisking around our charming Australian visitor the other afternoon in the cold (“Olive groves to your left, vineyards to the right!”), some dial or other must have turned while I was pulling my camera in and out of my pocket. As we headed into the village of Les Baux, suddenly every little snap was tainted with a roguish glow and I didn’t know what to do. I desperately pawed at various buttons with frozen fingertips to no avail. Could I have simply asked Remi what was wrong? Absolutely. But then I would have been met with “Did you read the book that I gave you about the camera?” and I would have pressed my lips together impishly, defeated. So I said nothing and clambered over the cobblestones, trying to keep up.
I have written about Les Baux de Provence before, a few times actually and in various seasons. It is for most of the year one of the most frequented sites touristiques français in the region. Thousands upon thousands of visitors clamour for a hint of Les Baux’s grand past replete with warriors and troubadours, all while being serenaded by the mechanical hiccups of ceramic cicadas Made in China. But not today.
For we were completely and utterly alone. Surprisingly so. The shops were shuttered and only our footsteps echoed, bitten back metallic with the snap of the wind.
Stammeringly, I kept trying to explain how unique of a moment it was to our young Aussie friend but how could she understand?
That doorway that so many seek had somehow opened for us. It seemed like a private joke between Provence and I. So I kept the photos just as they are, me sweet on them, their little sepia lie and that indefinable something threading the in-between of time.
the light is making me slightly delirious…in a good way ( dont worry)
I love this place and seeing your photos makes me want to leave immediately. I doubt I would be lucky enough to have it all to myself.
Loree, I am so sorry to hear that you have been unwell. It seems that so many people have fallen ill this winter, please know that I am sending you strength to get better!
And yes, it was a lovely, reassuring moment!
Oh! The glow-Ness is completely gorgeous!
Quelle divine.
Waving from los Angeles while waiting for the spaghetti to be al dente.
*camera empathy. We caved and will be going to a camera workshop on Sunday to Learn enfin what All Those Settings Do.
I am liking the 'orange crush'… and I for one am happy to see a new version of Les Baux… It is a magical setting and how lucky to have it to yourselves… that is a rare and special treat…
As for the manual.. it's simple… I don't believe in them… 😉 And… more importantly, you would be letting the side down if you did read it! xv