Fumbling through history

I’ve been trying very hard to not have a lot of goals for every day, but if you know me, I have a hard time with that. However, the only thing I wanted to do today was to see the ochre cliffs near Roussillon.

But the day started a bit off kilter. I got out of bed thinking I’d rekindle the fire and do yoga, take a walk and drop a blog before breakfast. Amy asked me what time It was and it was then I realized it was 8:50 and we were scheduled for breakfast with Maria and Francois at 9!

We scrambled to be ready and enjoyed a croissant with fresh fruit and scrambled egg. Then I had my walk while Amy got herself sorted to go out for the day.

We finally got on the road and then Amy declared she was hungry and we should try to eat now because most places close from 2- later in the day. So she put in directions for a restaurant something artist. That took us to Lacoste which is not where the alligator logo brand originated but where the Marquis de Sade had a family home.

After perceiving that the streets were not navigable by car, I made a u-turn and found parking. I noticed SCAD signs—Savannah School

Of Art and Design. SCAD parking places, SCAD workspaces, and voila, SCAD artist cafe that was closed! I texted my friend whose daughter went to SCAD and asked why she hadn’t come here! I guess she had no interest.

Since food was a bust, I said well we have to go up to the top of the city to see the Marquis’ home. This walkable city is not for anyone with mobility challeneges. Narrow, steep streets led us to the hilltop and of course, the museum is not open this time of year. But I had read up on Marquis de Sade and sadly it seems his rank afforded him priviledge s he did not deserve due to his actions. That theme is consistent through history to present day.

I could understand the sculpture with a box around his head but the one that was like open arms was not labeled for some reason. The meaning must no longer be acceptable? The tree of life was cool, but the guy definitely had all of his junk on display!

From there, two hangry people headed to Roussillon to see the ochre cliffs. After going around the parking lot a few times and waiting, there was finally a spot. I went out to look at the cliffs; Amy was eating what food we had in the car. I got back to the car and then she went to look at the cliffs. We decided we didn’t need to pay to go hiking in them.

Off to Isle sur la Sorgue, to find food and some shopping. I had asked Francois where I could find some Provençal fabrics and he directed us there. Amy found a cute little brunch bistro where we sat outside. I had a St Germain spritz and avocado toast on brioche. She had eggs Benedict.

Then we split up. Amy wanted to do some reading and I wanted to shop. I found some

Provençal prints I liked at Soliedaio., which means the sun after the rain. So appropriate. I got a loud shirt that was actually a men’s shirt, but I liked it better than the women’s version. I also found a table cloth. And I conducted the transaction in French, and I know I can wash them

In the machine but do not put in the dryer!

Next up was a liquor store where I selected a red wine, and the sales person opened a bottle to give me a taste. She was so sweet. Then it was time to circle back to the car. We made a slight detour to go to a Monoprix for food only to find it was clothing and homegood only. So a quick change up to the Intermarché to grab a few items for dinner and get back to Menerbes so Amy could take a call.

I got some cheese and pesto that I had on crackers I had purchased earlier. I opened my wine too, of course. Then I spent probably an hour getting the fire going because I had no kindling and no paper that would burn well. Finally if took off and I enjoyed the flames and the sweet woodsmoke smell.

It will be hard to leave in the morning.