Almost there - le reve de Provence

For us, not for everyone, this is the dream, the life or lifestyle, the place, the scents, the food, the colors, particularly in the summer. In only a few days, after a long six months of medical treatment, we will be on the plane, flying back to our dream, but for the holidays. We are so looking forward to being in our home there, to walking the markets, to enjoying the differences of summer versus winter with clothes, food, colors, and people - pure pleasure for us. The people watching should be fabulous - our favorite spectator sport. I am reading my favorite French real estate publications to get my mind back into the language and have already packed, trying to keep it simple of course - just carry on and a coat. Poor Avril will not be joining us as the trip is too short, but she will have a great time at her pet hotel and she will return to her country in June. Bon voyage!!

A McBagel in France?

It sounds so weird, a burger on a bagel. Apparently, McDonald's is following its burger on a baguette with a burger on a bagel, rather than with a schmeer and some lox (they definitely have smoked salmon in France). Using English names too. We'll be there soon so D. may have to sample one and report for me, as I haven't eaten a burger since 1978, and I don't plan on stating now. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/30/mcdonalds-bagel-burgers-france_n_2217901.html

Autolib in Paris

We will be there soon - for New Year's and this is something to consider - eco9friendly, and euro-friendly ie economical: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/auto-news/buzzing-around-paris-in-borrowed-electric-cars-663615/

New public ashtrays in Paris - brilliant

Will New York be next? I always think the butts everywhere are filthy but wasn't thinking about the additional pollution to the water supply that this article discusses, and the drainage problems. It is amazing how many people still smoke regardless of cost. I always remember how we could buy cigarettes from vending machines for 50 cents per pack, almost anywhere. Now, no vending machines anywhere, and costs are 500 times greater - all positive. http://worldcrunch.com/culture-society/check-out-paris-039-10-000-new-public-ashtrays.-but-will-french-smokers-even-bother-/c3s10201/#.UKvh3ByUrQo

Returning soon to Europe

Tickets booked, beginning to plan our trip for December in Provence. Traveling through Philadelphia turned out to be the best and least expensive way for the three of us, less Avril this trip. She will enjoy the pet hotel and come home exhausted. During my dark days since coming home in July, fatigue and exhaustion set in but what kept me going was the Provence dream - returning to our home and seeing good friends after a hard six months of illness and treatment. Can't say I'll be walking far and wide but just being in the environment will be healing. Glad to see that it should be warmer there then here, and that for the first time I really have clothes there and should not have to bring much except odds and ends along with the beautiful blankets and needlepoints I have been making during my treatment to keep me going and feel productive. More Joel Durand and special treats, a different flavor of Provence for the holidays as opposed to the summer and the high tourist season.

Retirement properties for under 100k in Europe

interesting article, with some spots we don't know but may have to explore highlighting communities where you can purchase less expensive real estate. one always does have to factor in cost of living, health insurance, your ability to speak the language and communicate etc. : http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-retirement-havens-europe-less-203203450.html

Tour de France Route 2013- includes Provence

We are excited to see this year's route as we haven't been able to attend for several years as the routes took the race too far away. This year the route looks like smack in the middle of Provence, near Aix and through Marseille. Thrilling for us to spend a few hours watching the advertisers' parade so we can see the few seconds with the actual racers whiz by speeding so fast it is quite amazing to watch: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/graphic/2012/oct/24/tour-de-france-2013-route-map