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…
very ticklish indeed
That is so true. And blues too. 🙂 And thank you but like I said, I just got lucky with the light.
Bisous!
That compliment means quite, quite a lot coming from you. Thank you. The second down is my favorite that I have taken in a really long time. Just got lucky with the light.
And all too sadly, as an ex-waitress at a high-power Italian restaurant just across from Lincoln Center, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Yep. But somehow I don't play that tape at all in my head in France. It is rare we go out and when we do, I just focus on the food. Lord knows it isn't about SERVICE anyway here.
But anywho, I would just add that I agree it is not a bad gig. Actually, I think that every American should be required to work at least one week in any service job (retail, dining, hotels and the lot). Would do them a lot of good. If it weren't so physically exhausting, I would go back to waiting tables (and who knows, I might have to one of these days) for how much I learned about the human condition and also for the money–although I did have a tendency to spend that 500 a night cash, not save it…hmmm…
I always love your comments, Mumbai. Fairies!! Why not? Maybe the dogs scared them off??? 🙂
Whoohoo!!! Lucky you, Leslie–82 sounds divine. But I had to smile–it is Kipling! Not Ripley. But wow if we had thought of Ripley, that would probably have been a better name because he is one handsome devil–and I do mean devil–!
Thanks so much Khammany and welcome! I am delighted to have you here. Like chez Sharon, I have very, very wonderful readers and friends. 🙂 And oh, I know that feeling about losing your heart over a place–that is why we left Paris for Arles. Hopefully next time you will swing down further into Provence–it is worth it!
Wyn, there were about one hundred paintings to be done there…
I would have loved to have heard the little trickle of the creek though–next time!
Thanks Snoozle. hehehe. Siestas are not only for Mexico!
Of course that made me laugh! Blogger liked it so much that it published the comment twice!!!