Thursday, June 30, 2016

We only have two more days here before our return home. I’m beginning to feel anxious and started to pack for the return to the States.  Luckily we aren’t returning  with much more than what we arrived with.

It’s funny but not doing a ton of shopping makes me realize how important it is to just BE here and enjoy our time rather than go on a shopping spree.

My new Rondini’s, my Fragonard Fleur d’Oranger and Adopt scents are nestled away in my suitcase.

On this Thursday morning, the skies are overcast—but it doesn’t mean anything because the weather clears up so rapidly. We’ll go to the pool for a while and then we will visit the Fondation Maeght in St. Paul De Vence. Tonight we have a reservation at The Club for dinner at 8.  Hey! Dinner at Eight after Fondation Maeght!

Bonaparte shot this pic with MY phone.  He did a great job. This is a shot of St. Paul de Vence.  It’s a cute village but we passed on walking through this time around. As cute as it is, it is wayyyy too crowded with shoppers. 

We’ve visited the Fondation Maeght a few years back and, although I’m not a fan of abstract art, the grounds alone are cause to visit this museum.

Brochure pic since I FORGOT to snap one of the building!

The tarif is 15 euros for entrance. Is it worth it?  Yeah–pretty much so.

Hidden off the road and in the midst of trees, it is a place that can bring comfort and a bit of cool on an incredibly hot day.  Grab a place in the shade to sit and write or read or observe people.

Sculptures such as this Calder are scattered around the grounds…

..the grounds are beautiful.  Here’s the museum hidden behind the trees. Bonaparte took his pic too. He has that Lartigue talent for photography!

The “big” exhibit that is presently on view is one by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Barrels.  It is a fascinating exhibit that can equate more to a giant project of sorts than to art. But hey, that is just my honest and unpretentious opinion.

Barrels as art–*sigh* art is so subjective..

…..and barrels..

..and more artsy barrels of fun!

It is hard for me to process why the Fondation doesn’t have on display the private collection of Adrien Maeght.  How come?  You may wonder. Well, it’s because Adrien Maeght has, in his private collection, a good amount of paintings by Bonaparte’s father, Dany Lartigue. I want to see them. Unfortunately, I can’t phone old Adrien and tell him this. He would have me arrested and the gendarmes of the Cote d’Azur are already familiar with me because of my escapade in the streets of St. Tropez!

Anyway, there are quite a few sculptures that I’m fond of at this foundation.  Enjoy some of the photos we took during our revisit.

These little green men fountains are really fun and cool…there are a few fountains at the Fondation Maeght..

…such as this…

..and this…

..and my favorite by Pol Bury. This was the coolest sculpture of all time. The tubes moved as water flowed out. I took a video but I messed it up. Sorry! I think I stood at this for ten minutes–it was mesmerizing!

…a mosiac by Braque in a small pool..

Joan Miro’s sculpture in another little pool. He’s a good egg!

I just cannot say enough about the beautiful grounds and the surroundings.

OK. So there ARE some abstract pieces that I enjoy. I’m pretty fond of Joan Miro. His works make me happy!

..perhaps it is my love for the color red!

A mosaic by Marc Chagall..

..the remains of an old chapel…

..and SHIPLAP! OMG. Is there a connection to Chip and Joanna Gaines here? Any Fixer Upper fans?  

We bid farewell to Calder and the other artists at Fondation Maeght for this year!

Not yet ready to stop the fun, we headed into Cannes for a walk along La Croisette. Not much was going on so we ended up picking up a dress and shirt for Bonaparte’s granddaughter in a local shop.

That’s right. You heard it from me. La Croisette isn’t always hoppin’ with excitement.  Older people love to watch the goings on–which right now are not much!

Back at the apartment, it was time to get ready for dinner.

Every year we’ve been here, we always make it a point to have one or two (sometimes more) dinners at The Club at La Galere. This restaurant never ceases to fail. The food is consistently superior and this year’s dinner did not fail.

We have a great view from our regular table in the little alcove!

We also sit at the same table in the alcove off the pool. It’s private and is a great spot for enjoying the view.

A toast with our Kirs!

Tonight’s menu brought to us..

For starters, Avocado and Crabmeat..

How cute is this mini baguette?

Overjoyed because I have a moment of Wee-Fee (That’s French for Wi-Fi. Told you I was fluent!). Damn. I’m gaining weight by the minute. Weight Watchers I’ll be back when I get home!

Lapin stuffed with Mushrooms and drenched in a delicious sauce. I ate the Easter Bunny and it was spectacular!

Bonaparte’s usual.  Steak.

Club la Galere’s house wine. It’s really good!

..and after too much wine, my dessert photo is a bit out of focus. It was a chocolate lava cake with ice cream. I could have had three helpings!

Bonaparte’s delusional dessert. Cherry-red Ferrari.

….more diners enjoying their meals poolside!

I don’t want this day to end. I don’t want this stay to end.

Dinner music by the sea for you. Georges Moustaki “En Mediterranee”. Thanks to 94lillyrose for the video!