Back to Travel

Like many, covid really put a kink in my travel routine.  On top of that, I didn't travel much while I was building my house.  Getting out of practice has made me somewhat intimidated and reluctant to tackle all the logistics of travel again.  But I still have places I want to see and re-see, so I've pushed myself to jump back in.  I took a short trip to Nantucket in the fall.  And I just got back from my first overseas trip since 2019--to France.

I flew to Paris.  I love Paris and feel fairly comfortable there--museums to visit, restaurants to try, and shopping.  As you can see, the weather was lovely and my three days there went quickly. 

I then took a train to Orleans, an hour south of Paris, to visit my "niece" and her family.  As a lucky coincidence, her mom and husband were there visiting also.  So we had a wonderful day and evening together in their charming town.

Back to Paris again, where I trained to Avignon and Ubered to l'Isle sur la Sorgue in Provence--my ultimate destination.  It's been on my radar for a while, as the largest antique center in France, second only to Paris.  There are seven 'antique villages' with over 300 permanent shops, and an antique market on Sundays.  Twice a year an International Antiques Fair comes for four days, with more than 500 booths.  I planned to be there for the spring antique fair over Easter weekend.  

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a very pretty town.  The river Sorgue splits into two streams, encircling the inner town.  Ancient waterwheels dot the river and canals, and cafes, galleries and shops line the waterside.  It's all very walkable, especially in glorious spring sunshine. 

I tried my hardest to buy antiques--I saw everything there was, but couldn't find a thing I need!  It was actually a disappointing show compared to the Chatou Faire in Paris.  But if I was still building, I might have bought one of these--a unique powder room sink!

Sunday was market day throughout the village.  It was colorful, lively and tempting--if I just 

wasn't in a hotel.  

Despite my antique hunt being disappointing, I thoroughly enjoyed l'Isle sur la Sorgue.  I had a wonderful time just wandering and taking photos.  

And I had some wonderful dinners--after my evening pastis at a cafe.

On my last day, I took a drive through the nearby countryside.  This is a view of Les Baux-de-Provence.

A note on traveling alone.  When I got divorced, I decided if I still wanted to travel, I had to just plan it and go.  I found it wasn't bad.  I wasn't lonely.  I consider myself a bit of a loner even at home--I don't need my days filled with people.  And I research my destinations and usually have a good idea of what I want to see and do, so I don't need someone to organize or lead me around.  I love walking and looking and absorbing my surroundings.  I don't need anyone to share the moments with--I take photos to capture them.  But that said, not having someone to enjoy dinner with is the down-side of traveling alone.  I end up eating more quickly and not appreciating the atmosphere as much as I would if I had someone to share a glass of wine, chat about the day and linger over the meal with.  It's a trade-off.  Sometimes I alternate to a late afternoon lunch and skip dinner.  But I enjoy my days so much, it's worth it!  Solo travel--it works for me--but not for everyone, I'm sure.