Another fabulous month

I'm sorry to gloat but I can't help reflecting on June and concluding that month nine of 'funemployment' has been another good one.

Since my last post I spent another couple of days in the French sun before flying back to the UK. From there Mum and I explored the beautiful Cotswolds for two days before returning to London for three action packed days of sight seeing. Highlights included: Brixton; Camden Markets; Regents Park and the canals; Borough Markets; Trooping of the Colours where we even spotted Kate; War Horse; an open top bus tour and lunch on the shores of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Thank you so much for visiting Mum. I loved having you here.

Once Mum left to return to New Zealand it was time for a wedding in the English countryside. A top day and the weather even behaved. The bride and groom make such a wonderful couple and I felt very lucky to be able to join in their celebrations.

Then it was onto Sicily to visit Rebecca, a very good friend who is living there. It was so awesome to experience the city with my own personal tour guide. I loved the grittiness of the city and the food was outstanding! Plus, of course, the company was fantastic.

I then had a whirlwind tour of Berlin. A very cool city. I found the history fascinating and was highly impressed by the number of free exhibitions. A panorama of the wall was a highlight, as was bumping into another friend who was visiting at the same time. I love it when the world feels so small.

And finally I'm now in Greece and about to embark on a week sailing with seven friends. I can't wait, although I'm a little sad as this will be my last trip in Europe for the foreseeable future.

The last month has reminded me how wonderful it is to hang out with old friends. While I have met lots of fabulous people on my travels, there is nothing quite the same as a laugh (or in my case the occasional snort) with old friends.

Bonjour

Mont Saint Michael, Brittany,
December 2011

Bonjour is about as far as my French extends.  I'm really bad at speaking it and I keep getting French words confused with Italian and Spanish words.  I haven't spent enough time in France, nor have I tried hard enough to learn the language!  Given that this is actually my fourth trip to France, I should have got further than Bonjour.

Paris, November 2011

Over the past couple of years I have had an autumnal weekend in Paris in November 2011, Christmas in Brittany in December 2011 and a few days cycling around Provence in June 2012.

My trip cycling in Provence with three other friends rates as one of my best 'mini-breaks' from London.  I found travel by bicycle such a great way to experience the sights and smells of a place.

It also helped that our trip was around Provence.  Could a region be any more beautiful.  We cycled around 50km a day stopping off at various villages along the way.  The one that stands out in my mind still is Gordes.  Gordes is on the list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France) (http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/en/the-most-beautiful-villages-of-france).  It was easy to see why, perched high on a hill filled with stunning architecture and a view across the valley below.  The village is close to Avignon and if you are ever in the area I'd highly recommend a detour to visit the town.

Gordes, June 2012

The other fantastic aspect of a cycling trip in France is that all the exercise negates any need to feel guilty about the calorific food.  If anything, the extra pastries were almost a necessity - I really needed that energy to get up those hills (and even then one of two hills may have defeated me, yes, I got off and pushed my bike, oh the shame).

I have now made it to the south west of France, perhaps slightly less touristy but without doubt worth visiting if you ever get the chance.  I'm currently in Lot-et-Garonne which is about half way between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Penne d'Agenais, June 2013

On this particular trip, which I am spending with my Mum, we are house sitting for a family friend.  It has been a great way to spend a couple of weeks in the region as it has given us the time to relax but also explore at a more leisurely pace. We have driven to small country villages (Monflaquin (another village which makes Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) and Penne d'Agenais being two highlights); shopped in markets, marveling at the skinned rabbits and pigeons on sale; visited a chateau (Chateau du Bonaguil is well worth a visit, it was practically deserted when we visited in June - what a treat to be able to explore a chateau without masses of people around: http://www.chateau-bonaguil.com/); walked down quiet country lanes; and we have even managed to have a couple of swims in the pool where we are staying.

The late spring has proven to be a fantastic time of year to be here.  The weather isn't too hot (although we have had a little bit too much rain for my liking) and the produce is outstanding: white asparagus, impossibly sweet strawberries, cherries, and broad beans (which are a personal favourite of mine). There have also been the standard French treats: baguettes, cheese, pastries, crepes, did I mention the cheese.  And then there are the regional specialties: foie gras, duck confit, and prunes. I was even brave enough to try escargot for the first time, surprisingly delicious.

It has been a very relaxing couple of weeks.  We must be relaxed as Mum and I are both losing track of the days (although I'd argue her, more than I!)  I'm keeping track enough to know that I fly back to London in two days time.