Hendrik asked if there was anything that was missing at the safari tent. Now admittedly, as a travel writer (I usually say “former travel writer” but I must be feeling hopeful today), this is a question that usually has me rubbing my hands together with Snidley Whiplash glee. Having worked in the luxury hotel industry, I know the ins and outs of the details and can find the faults of “an experience” within roughly seven seconds or so. And yet, I came up blank. I love that tent! And the chapel! And walking through the surrounding forest and cavorting on the mountains towering above!
Ah, but old habits die hard. “Well, there is one thing…” Despite that this recluded spot was far cooler than sizzling Arles, there was still a mighty spike in temperature just at the most essential moment of the day…la sieste. I couldn’t escape the sun’s glare on the patio and felt like a slow-roasted hen inside. “Would it be possible to have a little seating section down by the riverbed? A hammock maybe?” (admittedly, this was Remi’s idea but I handily passed it off as my own). Hendrik thought that a perfectly splendid suggestion.
So perhaps on our next visit–and yes, I am ready when you are–I will nap under a leafy canvas and coax the dogs into the ice-cream thrill of plunging into a mountain stream, for normally there is an actual river and not just a riverbed. There will be so many delicate details to discover, if only I can keep my eyes open long enough to see them…
The best light can be slightly ticklish, don’t you agree?
Oh! And I am also guest-posting for beautiful Clare at Looking Glass in Australia while she is off wandering through Peru…
What a great idea! And if there is enough water, maybe you will decide to cool off in the river with Ben and Ripley before you retire to the bliss of the hammock… :>) XOXOXO, Leslie in Portland, Oregon (sunny and 82 degrees, and we have a hammock in the trees of our garden with your name on it!)
Hi! Found your blog today through Sharon's blog, my french country home. I am a new follower and I'm excited to be transported to Arles every now and then. I visited France last year and left my heart there and have been trying to find my way back ever since(didn't make it to Arles but did visit Avignon). Have a good evening!
-Khammany
Looks beautiful by the river. But are there no nasties, like mosquitoes, sandflies, flies, midges or annoyances that would annoy if you were in a hammock? Gallivanta
Secret Corners!! Whooo!!
I can almost imagine the quiet of your forest hide-away down by the river bed.
Slightly ticklish light–magnificent!
I remember siestas in Mexico. Those leafy photos are truly amazing, H. Lush.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Love the two tree trunks with hairy green feet!
Heather so beautiful ! I adore the second image of the river stones,amazing!
xoxo
Karena
Designer Barry Dixon Feature
What a beautiful forest to spend time in, Heather. There is something exhilarating and also peaceful about a river. I've been hiking in mountain forests this Summer and know just what you mean about the light, always magical!