We are at the end of the first week of July, and I can say summer has most definitely arrived.
My first few weeks here were very quiet as most of my friends hadn’t arrived yet. The weather was also strange, with a lot more clouds, humidity, rain, and Saharan sand than usual. As I grumbled to Jason about the lack of bright blue sky, he reminded me that the weather was still pretty amazing, with several days in the 30s and not a day below +27. Still, it’s always been near perfect when I arrived, so it was strange to settle for less.
But here we are, one week into July and the summer skies and friends have arrived! And with it, the longer rides through indescribably beautiful areas, loaded with lavender. It seems more vibrant and intense this year. The lavender looks happy, strong, and colourful, and I just can’t stop smiling when I see it. I also can’t seem to stop taking endless photos. My phone has turned purple.
And along with the summer, the socializing has begun as well. I went out for a beautiful ride with John on Friday, and another stunning one with Tracy, Chuck, John, and Bertrand on Sunday. My friends Ben and Katie had an amazing and delicious musical soirée at Domaine les baies goûts in Le Barroux on Saturday night and as all my friends attended, it was a chance to properly catch up with everyone. And tomorrow evening Henk and Anita are hosting a little apéro before Bertrand leaves.
It’s like going from zero to sixty in the social department. For someone who excels at alone time, socializing multiple days in a row is pretty intense.
Despite my protests, I am constantly grateful for the motley assortment of friends here. My life in Provence is robust, varied, beautiful, healthy and oh so lucky.
