The pier at Clogerhead at sunset.
Here I sit in the airport in Paris awaiting my flight back to Canada. It is always a bittersweet moment…
Tara and I at Annagassan beach.
I just returned from a whirlwind visit to Ireland, where I was delighted to spend time with my friend and her family. And whirlwind it truly was: we hosted three cookery demonstrations in 24 hours, talked, worked, drank Guinness, missed trains and pretty much went non-stop. We had one lovely day off to lounge and relax, with a walk along the beach at Annagassan and the weather quite pleasant it was a fabulous way to spend a Sunday. A visit to Dublin, delicious fresh fish from Clogerhead, “snackage”, and some pretty fantastic meals cooked at home filled our days. It was a wonderful but too short visit.
My last day in Paris was a little less hectic, with some pottering around the 6th, sitting watching all the activity in Saint Germain with a glass of wine from the patio of Les Deux Magots, some last minute shopping and my favourite steak frites dinner with a friend. It was a perfect way to end the season.
The summer in Provence passed so quickly, with amazing cycling, stunning weather, great friends and delectable food and wine. What surprises me is how I still find this place so unique and magical. I am delighted that after many years of coming here, I haven’t taken it for granted. I thought I might have started to, but this year I saw Provence with fresh eyes. I was reminded over and over why I want to keep coming back, why it’s an important part of my life, why it's in my heart and my soul. Provence has gotten under my skin, and I simply can’t shake it.
So while feeling very blue saying goodbye to my second home, I know I will be back next season, and it will be every bit as charming and wonderful as always. A tout à l’heure ma chérie!
My last ride in Provence through Les Gorges de la Nesque.
*Please excuse any spelling errors and bad grammar—the likely result of blogging on the run!
