Monday July 3, 2017

3:52 AM. Eight minutes shy of my alarm going off and I’m too afraid to close my eyes in fear that I’ll fall back into a deep slumber.  This is the beginning of our farewell to France. Summer. 2017.

With my clothing at the ready, white denim shorts that miraculously still fit, a striped shirt and sneakers, the clothes mean only one thing—comfort. I’m not dressing for a fashion post.  Plus, my wig will cover my dirty hair!

All was quiet and still as we made our exit.

Leaving in the early morning darkness seems like the best way to leave. Silently.

An illuminated roundabout. The trees in the French Flag motif bid us farewell!

As we drove away the flickering of the lights across the bay, in Cannes, were clearly visible and sparkling.  They seemed to be waving good bye to us.

It’s still dark but dawn is breaking and the lights across the bay in Cannes are flickering and waving to us!

There was nobody on the road—we were tout seul, all alone.  Well, not all alone, we had the cicadas who were sleeping in the trees.

I swear to you, I’m posting this photo and thinking about how I would love to be back there right now!

Early in the morning, before dawn is the best time to be at the airport. We dropped the car off and headed to the terminal.  Check in was easy and we had time to relax.  The flight to CDG was quick.  As the plane ascended, it was difficult to see where sea and sky divided.  The buildings and mountains become smaller and finally disappear as we head into the clouds. A simple breakfast and we were descending into Paris.

The sun is rising and the airport shops are opening.

It’s still a bit odd to both of us that we no longer spend time in Paris before and after our stay in Theoule.  When Daniéle was alive it was an important part of our trip.  I still miss our trips to see her.

Ahhh. Daniele (pictured at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in 2015)–I miss my little nugget of fun!

We land at CDG and it is a zoo.  Even early in the morning. On a Monday. It is a zoo.  This is not my favorite airport by any means but it could be worse.

Luckily, we didn’t wait long for the baggage, but when we checked the baggage back in for the flight back to New York, my filthy suitcase had a bit of an issue with the automatic check-in.  One of the Air France assistants had to take over—my God I hope this isn’t a red flag and my suitcase lands at JFK when I do!

Take a good look at that filth.  I snapped this when we arrived home.  Filthy as a piggy in the mud. But I love it because it would disgust even the most discerning of criminals. And all my good stuff is in there!

We discover that the flight home will be delayed by an hour.  And the lines for customs are crazy long—but it’s summer and to be expected. At least the line is moving and all the customs agent’s booths are occupied!

I was a bit tickled because when I greeted the border officer in French he mentioned he liked my accent.  I guess he’s not used to NewYawkeezeFrench!

A bit of airport shopping, the delay ended up being less than an hour and we were off in the wild blue yonder!

I’m telling you CDG airport is like a motel–so many delays its a good thing they installed sofas and recliners. Travelers gotta sleep!

I have great memories of this trip.  Bonaparte’s dad may have passed but it brought Bonaparte and his brothers closer.  Our 2017 visit had twists and turns and it was one of the most memorable.

From magnificent vistas..

To cute little benches..

to a quiet morning at the pool

…slummin’ on the beach..

…picking out ripe melons..

buying more scents..

Enjoying easy,lazy long lunches in St. Tropez..

..and celebrating the long life of a loved one.  It was a great trip!

France is a beautiful country and with each return, it becomes more difficult to leave her.  But it  was fun and enjoyable to share my trip with you.  Thank you for allowing me to share these memories!

I can’t believe we’re home again.  And regardless of where you travel, visit or roam, it’s always a comfy, cozy, fuzzy-feeling time when you get to sleep in your own bed. Don’t you think?

Isn’t it good to sleep in your own bed?

I realize that a French song could be more appropriate, but I just couldn’t get “Two of Us” by The Beatles out of my head while writing this!!

I have one more travel post to write and then after that, I’ll be returning to topics like, hair loss, makeup, clothes, rants, raves, dieting and anything else that strikes my fancy!  Honestly, I’m thrilled to be home and writing again and I hope to keep you entertained!! XOXOXOXOX!!!

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