Porquerolles, DAY 1: Could life be better? Really? A little more than an hour's drive from the paradise I'm already in and, voila! A more elaborate and peaceful world! I spent the day beach-side on a private, gorgeous island steadily floating just off the coast of southern France. With picturesque pebbles all around me, the crystal clear blue Mediterranean sea before me, and a world of unexplored forts and historic landmarks behind me, I spent the perfect day just lounging about and wading into the sea for a dip or a game of water tennis with the kids.
The island is barred from automobiles. So of course, I traversed the olive vineyards and peach orchards 'au velo,' or 'on bike.' Melvil and I actually snuck into the vineyards and rode through the layers of trees, each one racing to the other side. And, during the month of July, the annual Jazz Festival takes place, complete with traveling musicians lining the streets with their tunes and bringing the smile out of everyone. By night, at the Fort St. Agathe, a special live performance of notable European jazz musicians takes place. Now, honestly, do you think I would miss out on that? Heavens no. I rode a couple of km up to the fort to enjoy a premier performance of a man who's name I really can't pronounce, so we will just remember him as the music man. Althought the ride back to the village center was a bit noisy with all of the locusts buzzing about (the island is actually noted for its abundance of locusts), I certainly enjoyed the tranquility of the scene amidst the orchards, visible only by the glare of the lighthouse, circling about in a steady, continuous motion. I finished the evening with a stroll about the village, watching people play games, listen to the live jazz bands, etc. What a day.
We are here until tomorrow evening, so you can bet that I will write to you of my explorations of the forts and batteries tomorrow. Trust me, too many secret doors await my knocking in the morning.
Just so you know, my words fail miserably to appropriately describe the wonder of the world that is Porquerolles. Yes, I took dozens, maybe hundreds, of photos just today, some of which I will share with you here, and some I will reserve for when I see you again.
I know it's bold to say after having been here less than twenty-four hours, but I would certainly recommend a visit to the island at least once in your life. Make it happen. It's better than a dream.
à tout à l'heure.
The island is barred from automobiles. So of course, I traversed the olive vineyards and peach orchards 'au velo,' or 'on bike.' Melvil and I actually snuck into the vineyards and rode through the layers of trees, each one racing to the other side. And, during the month of July, the annual Jazz Festival takes place, complete with traveling musicians lining the streets with their tunes and bringing the smile out of everyone. By night, at the Fort St. Agathe, a special live performance of notable European jazz musicians takes place. Now, honestly, do you think I would miss out on that? Heavens no. I rode a couple of km up to the fort to enjoy a premier performance of a man who's name I really can't pronounce, so we will just remember him as the music man. Althought the ride back to the village center was a bit noisy with all of the locusts buzzing about (the island is actually noted for its abundance of locusts), I certainly enjoyed the tranquility of the scene amidst the orchards, visible only by the glare of the lighthouse, circling about in a steady, continuous motion. I finished the evening with a stroll about the village, watching people play games, listen to the live jazz bands, etc. What a day.
We are here until tomorrow evening, so you can bet that I will write to you of my explorations of the forts and batteries tomorrow. Trust me, too many secret doors await my knocking in the morning.
Just so you know, my words fail miserably to appropriately describe the wonder of the world that is Porquerolles. Yes, I took dozens, maybe hundreds, of photos just today, some of which I will share with you here, and some I will reserve for when I see you again.
I know it's bold to say after having been here less than twenty-four hours, but I would certainly recommend a visit to the island at least once in your life. Make it happen. It's better than a dream.
à tout à l'heure.
1 comment:
Can't wait to see those paradise pictures! I so wish I was there to share it with you! Call when you can!
I Love You,
Momma
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