Market Day in Provence...

It's Tuesday, and as promised...a French outdoor market in Provence.  But first, a gratuitous attempt to just show ya a couple more shots of the character-rich architecture of Aix-en-Provence enroute to the market...

Honestly, we got a bit lost.  It was Saturday and I KNEW there had to be a market in town, I don't watch the Food Network for nothing.  But we couldn't find it.  And can ya believe this just happened to be a French town where everyone who was awake, apparently spoke French.  Sacrebleu (translation: French profanity)!  I started to get a bit "antsy".  Altho,  the Better Half would define it more as "ticked".  I'll compromise and call it "I just hate wasting a golden opportunity Monsieur".

We finally got pointed up this street...

...and VOILA'.  French outdoor market in Provence.  Food Network doesn't lie.  And neither did that kindly French gentleman, merci beaucoup.  Viva la apparently EVERYTHING...

Even a French Bulldog who looks like Yoda in the French version of Star Wars.

And of course, tents upon tents, upon tents of food.  Even the FOOD in France has an air of superiority and sophistication to it.  A feast for all the senses.  "James Dean" was seriously outta control...

Yes, that says "Donkey".  At least it's French donkey, right?

Textiles, and pottery, and antiques, oh my...

All experienced while hearing the strains of classical music in the background.  Yes, the French know how to live life.  Joie de vivre....

What's more French than meandering thru an outdoor market.  Enjoying a cafe' al fresco...

Partaking of fabulous French breads while strolling...

And donkey (I'm not referring to Thing #1.  Well, at least not at this moment)....

I often joke that I am an American with German blood, and an Italian soul.  But I've come to the concluson that on market day...I just might be a little French....sans donkey.

--Kathy

linked to:   Tuesdays Around the World, Tones on Tuesday, Our World Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday, 52 Weeks of Happiness

If it's Friday, I must be in France...

...but only because I am so very, very far behind in editing my photos from late summer.  How I wish I could tell you I jetted off to France for the weekend.  C'est la vie.  So today I bring you Aix-en-Provence, France.  As the name implies, Aix is in the Provence region of southern France.

"Morning Shadows"

Aix-en-Provence, France

"Mademoiselle with the Red Purse"
Aix-en-Provence, France

Can't pick a favorite day of the vacay.  That would be like choosing a favorite pair of shoes, no can do mademoiselle.  But I CAN tell ya my day in Aix was at least ONE of my favs.  My plans for the day were two:  stroll and explore.  No more, no less.  To arrive in a French town before it has truly awaken for the day?  Tres' magnifique.

"Symmetry in Aix"
Aix-en-Provence, France

(Yes, that is a parakeet flying thru my shot.  I'm just gonna say I planned it that way.)

Aix is the home of the artist Cezanne, and is also referred to as the city of 1,000 fountains.

Personally?  I thought Aix should be called the perfect French town to wander around aimlessly with "James Dean"...

I wandered and explored my way right into a real live French outdoor market in the center of Provence.  How's THAT for some serious wandering?

"Market Day"
Aix-en-Provence, France

But you will have to wait for "If it's Tuesday, I must be in a French market" for that installment of photos.  Bon jour.

--Kathy

linked to:  Cool Clicks Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things,Little Things Thursday, 1440, Favorite Foto Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, Photo Story Friday, Friday Photo Journal, 52 Photos Project

The greatest suffering...

"Unwanted"
Cannes, France



"There is much suffering in the world - physical, material, mental.
The suffering of some can be blamed on the greed of others.
The material and physical suffering is suffering from
hunger, from homelessness, from all kinds of diseases.

But the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, having no one.
I have come more and more to realize that is is being unwanted
that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience."

--Mother Theresa

I think I made those with me a bit uncomfortable when I stopped to take a photo of this man.  But I found the image so moving.  It was a reminder that in the midst of great wealth and extravagance,  there is also great poverty and suffering.

--Kathy

linked to:  1440, Favorite Foto Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, Photo Story Friday, Friday Photo Journal, The Human Condition

"Where's the Cannes' Film Festival held this year?"...

...thank you Christina Aguilera for that blonde (pink, blue, purple..what hair color are you this week?) moment.  Dontcha' just love when a celebrity says something uber stupid, and it lives till the cows come home via Google search?  Kinda makes me feel just a weeee bit better about that time I was in St. Thomas in the hot, hot, hot Caribbean and driving over some very steep and windy roads when the first thing that came out of this Philly girl's mouth was "Man, these roads must be horrible to drive on in the winter!".   I was brunette that week.  One of the many benefits of not being a celebrity...faux pas immunity (EXCEPT from family and friends who will milk that statement TILL the cows come home).

I have some photos I've been working on from Cannes.  France.  Where the festival is being held.  THIS year.  And maybe NEXT year too.  So how about a stroll thru town...

Alas, no Brad Pitt or George Clooney sightings.  But obviously, still a lot to take in...

I only got to spend one day in Cannes.  Let's just put that in the "pro" column because the Better Half couldn't afford to have me in Cannes for more than one day.  Another "pro"?  The roads are all flat in this French Riviera town, so winter driving should be a real cinch.

--Kathy

linked to:  Cool Clicks Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, This or That, Little Things Thursday