Our first week in Provence has had its ups: the market, music, great food, and wonderful walks – and downs: a car crash, a leaky hot water heater, and a broken refrigerator. We have been enjoying just getting to know St. Remy. Two years ago we were living about a kilometer out of town and didn’t often walk around the town. There is something going on here every day. Although we have the tourist information we often find events and displays just by walking around. I’ve watch local folks playing boules, listened to more impromptu music, found markets on days when there is no public market listed, and gotten to know the locals:
This fellow lives just a little ways from us. He doesn’t talk much, but then my French isn’t great.
We drove to the Camargue one day. Our intent was to visit the salt works and some places there that we remembered from two years ago. However, when we stopped at the first site we discovered that we had forgotten mosquito repellent. That is a terrible mistake in the Camargue. We did drive around a bit after that, but didn’t get out to walk around. With the air conditioning on the mosquitoes inside the car went into hibernation and we were safe from attack. Lesson learned – we bought a second bottle of repellent and now both carry one. We will return to the Camargue next week.
Today we went to Lac de Barrage, a lake in Les Alpilles above St. Remy. This lake was formed by the Romans 2000 years ago when they dammed a small stream. Their dam still provides the foundation for a higher dam that extended the Roman’s work about 120 years ago. The lake is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, wonderfully crooked trees, and lots of people on this day. The area has been closed much of the time since June due to the danger of forest fires. An open Saturday brought out visitors.
Yes, we also have done some painting and drawing.
Jean tried out her new easel. It’s not as convenient as the one that broke, but it will do until we return to Seattle.
Cousin Judi will be joining us on Tuesday evening, just in time for the Wednesday market. She’s been on a tour in Spain and Morocco and we look forward to hearing about it.
Paul
Travels With Picasso 
oh yes, walking around, serendipitously, leaving tourist info behind, I love your tales. That brings back so many happy memories of trips to Europe, now interlaced with your photos, painting, and views. End-of-summer peace and beauty and good food and good humor. (our dishwasher has started leaking, so I’m sternly looking out the window at the view. I refuse to be tricked into house repair. Is that how you’re handling the broken refrigerator?) Do say hi when you pass through Seguret, the hostel there is great.
Nice!
Hi guys! I am shocked that you did only watch men playing “boules” and truly astonished that you did not feel the urge of joining.
Madame at her easel is just a great shot. And of course the landscape I only know because you made me discover it.
I hope you have more ups than down.
Oh, and I was going to forget: The little guy who does not speak much perhaps understands English.
A hug to both and to each