We had an afternoon alone in our Cezanne inspired hotel garden that was just magical. It felt a world away, private and made just for us. It gave us a chance to reflect on our trip, it’s diversity and all of the age appropriate adventures that we have had. The garden is just a couple hundred meters from a busy thoroughfare into the main square of Aix in Provence. The city’s main fountain is surrounded by construction equipment, pedestrian fences, and workers in florescent clothing. Our guide said that some of the work won’t be done until 2020 and the residents are not happy about it. The cars, buses, and pedestrian traffic are all trying to stay on schedules that are difficult without the obstacles. It’s not a very South of France vision. Aix is just a bit bigger than Santa Barbara and feels that way. Students make up about one third of the population, the vibe is young and energetic. Warmer weather is about the only reminder that we have been gone a month. Today was the first full day that we didn’t need our jackets. The Plane trees are leafing out, starting to dress in their thick green foliage that will shade France from the summer heat.

The news of our home has gone mostly un-noticed, a world away, its like we are actually living abroad, not caring too much for our own country and it’s political drama. Ask yourself do you know what is going on in France today? It’s that kind of awareness for America that develops when away for awhile. V asked me today if I could live in France, surprised I noted it’s usually me that asks that question. My answer was not without the language, we both continue to feel like outsiders with little lingua franca between us and the locals.
While in Lyon a friend of ours mentioned that he wants to stay in France for a year. He has just a few preconditions including fluency, a townhouse with high ceilings and a view, a fast car and enough € to keep petrol in it. I added; what about guest room? Yes it would be fun to live abroad for some time. Like being seniors doing a gap year.
One of the advantages with a longer trip is we don’t spend much time in the shops. Our suitcases are just the right size with no room for ”finds” no matter how unique. We also don’t feel the need to see it all. Some are the best moments are unplanned and not in the local attraction.

Home still feels like a good destination for next week.

Aix in Provence April 16th 2018