It is time to leave. Today, we will pack our belongings back into our cars and return to our homes. We will enjoy this last morning as much as others, with far too much food and far more full bellies than an average day. But there will be a different feel to the event, a … Continue reading Beach trip: last day
Travel
Beach trip, day 3
Rain is coming down sideways and I can see gusts of it flying across the dunes. It beats against the windows of the living room. The ocean is still visible in the distance, the surf strong and the waves crashing with more gusto than usual. Inside, it is warm and cozy. I sip my coffee … Continue reading Beach trip, day 3
Beach trip, day 2
Somehow I wound up being one of the last to bed and one of the first to rise. There is coffee, but no bacon, and my soul suffers as a result. I have secluded myself in the living room with coffee and this missive and hope the normal bacon-saturated morning scents of our beach trips … Continue reading Beach trip, day 2
Beach trip, day 1
Heading to the coast today for what my mom has started calling the "annual retreat." It's an apt descriptor. The whole wineaux friend group goes. This year there will be at least 14 of us. I've got to start hustling to get myself ready and get the car packed up. My goal is to leave … Continue reading Beach trip, day 1
Attempting to recapture travel vibes
I am writing this at 7:30 am. I am at a bakery, with a croissant and a double espresso in front of me, along with The Miniaturist, in case I decide to stay longer than anticipated and want some reading material. I am here because I am longing for France. (Twenty-two days by train in … Continue reading Attempting to recapture travel vibes
Day 19: Annecy
Today I traveled from Chamonix to Paris. This is my final destination. After today there are only two days left before I head home. This hurts my soul. I mean, there definitely are things I miss. My cats and my washer/dryer rank pretty high on that list right now. But I'm not at all stoked … Continue reading Day 19: Annecy
Day 18: L’Aiguille du Midi
I went up to Aiguille du Midi. I joked that it was the pinnacle of this whole adventure, but there was truth behind the jest. Those of you I've spoken with about this trip know I've been looking forward to Chamonix and Aiguille du Midi more than any other destination. It did not disappoint. I … Continue reading Day 18: L’Aiguille du Midi
Day 17: Getting To Chamonix-Mont-Blanc By Train Is Not For The Weak
Getting from Lyon to Chamonix by train was no laughing matter, and today's anxiety attacks proved it. My excitement about getting up into the Alps was sky high (heh), but to get here required four different trains. Two of the transfers were less than 5 minutes each. I was nervous as hell about this, and … Continue reading Day 17: Getting To Chamonix-Mont-Blanc By Train Is Not For The Weak
Day 16: Wishing for Longer in Lyon
I am in Lyon and it is gorgeous. And I'm visiting my old friend, the Rhône, once again. She is just as blue here as she is in Arles, much to my delight and surprise. It's unfortunate that I'm only here for one night. Lyon reminds of parts of Boston. The buildings are beautiful, with … Continue reading Day 16: Wishing for Longer in Lyon
You CAN Go Home Again!
I keep wishing I lived closer to family. I caught myself noticing for sale signs on houses and paying attention when we passed condo complexes.
Day 15: Eeeezeeee Does It At Éze Village
Éze Village is about 1400 feet above sea level, and the bus ride was a crazy 15 minute journey up steep hills with intense switchbacks. Next to the road was a drop-off down a cliff and the bus driver took each turn at full speed.
Day 14: The Beauty of Nice
I kept turning away from the water and gazing towards the hills surrounding Nice. The lush greenery beckoned to me.
Day 13: There’s No Cerveza on this French Menu!
I heard her say, "Well, I mean, how am I supposed to know what I want? Everything is in French!" She wanted a beer, but was annoyed she couldn't find cerveza anywhere on the menu...
Day 13: Catcalls and a Lost Reservation in Nice
As I walked the short distance from the train station to the hostel I was struck by the same feelings of unease I experienced in Carcassonne. The streets were empty except for straggling groups of unfriendly looking men. In Carcassonne, the men merely leered. Here, they catcalled and made clicking noises like one might when trying to lure an animal closer.
Day 12: Roman Ruins, Van Gogh, and Body Positivity in Arles
I spent today exploring Roman ruins and Van Gogh sites. And I fell more in love with Arles by the second.