Saturday, June 29th

Vincent’s daughter and 14-year-old granddaughter are flying in from Philly today to join us.

My initial plan was “You go to the airport.”  “I’m going to the pool.”  That plan didn’t work in my favor because the clouds loomed overhead.  And quite frankly, I didn’t want my husband driving alone so I went with him.

It was so cloudy that the bubble palace was covered in a haze!

Understand something. I am not a fan of airports.   I have a plan when picking up family at Philly airport. I wait in the cellphone lot, play Candy Crush, and wait for their text that they are waiting for me outside.  We text keeping each other abreast in case of delays.

The worst part of any trip is the airport. There. I said it!

Hence, I went to the airport only for the love of my husband.

To be honest, I must say that going to Nice airport to pick people up was not a bad experience at all. Our timing was excellent.  The directions to the parking lot were clear and concise (HEY! PHILLY AIRPORT AND NEWARK AIRPORT—DO YOU HEAR ME??).  We parked at the terminal and headed inside for what I impatiently figured would be an hour or more. Instead, the wait was merely twenty minutes.

That said, we all got into the car and drove back to the apartment.  By this time, it was…. maybe two o’clock in the afternoon.

Heading back to the apartment on a cloudy afternoon.  I was lucky to get another pic of my favorite building that resembles a ship!

Our guests unpacked and we headed off to Auchan for groceries, of which the store was astounding to them.  My stepdaughter Claire is bilingual so she was able to move around like a local and Vincent’s granddaughter was in awe of the selection of cheeses and other goods.  Especially chocolate treats and Haribo gummies.

I took the opportunity to buy salt and fake sugar to haul back to the States.

Honestly, I never tire of food shopping in France.  Some want to head to Dior or Chanel. I want food.

With a bit of sun peeking out, we all headed to the pool, mainly to relax because the mix of sun and clouds wasn’t going to turn me into Georgia Hamilton by any means.

I can’t remember exactly what we had for dinner but I’m pretty sure I cooked separate meals for everyone.  All in all, it was a pleasant dinner because our guests were astounded at the view we had from the terrace.  In fact, they couldn’t wait to explore the territory.

After taking a walk (what’s that?  I’m so effing lazy), Claire and Sophie became obsessed with this cove, which they named “Mermaid Cove”. In 14 years I never saw this place.

An early night because Claire and Sophie were exhausted and I was annoyed at the weather.

Sunday, June 30^th

Ohhh. It is sunny outside.  We nixed the beach because on the weekends, the beaches are incredibly crowded.  The human French caramels need to make sure that beautiful color does not fade.  I just hope my freckles blend.

We went to the pool.  Got my sunscreen.  Got my book.  And off we went.    It was early and the French sleep in on Sunday—especially as this year, we didn’t see many foreigners (meaning Americans).  Except for staff and a few retirees, we had the area to ourselves. The lighting was gorgeous and I had a feeling that this would be a great day.

I’m hoarding any minute with sun.  Others thought the same thing!

Reading under the umbrella for a couple of hours—the weather took a swift turn.  Not with clouds. Not with rain.  With wind! I honestly thought the mistral was approaching.  Then it happened.  The umbrella that was protecting me, suddenly lifted off its bottom half and floated up to the sky.  Then it flew overhead in somewhere into the port.  I was floored. Not because the umbrella took flight, but because someone could have gotten hurt.

My umbrella literally picked up from the stand it was inserted into and flew. I was shocked!

I got up to head to the port in search of the shady apparatus, but the pool manager stopped me and explained (in French) that he would look for it.  Lucky for me I understand the language better than I can speak so all was well.  I have the luck of the Irish.

After a few dunks in the water, we headed back to the apartment and decided to head into Cannes so Claire could have her childhood memories refreshed and Sophie could experience the fun.

Now. Mind you. It was still ridiculously windy but Vincent assured me it was a one-off and not the mistral.  And on this now Sunday afternoon, the wind was picking up.

It was so windy–I’m glad my wig stayed put!

We walked along the port, admiring the boats.  I was trying to see if perhaps someone would invite us to their yacht for lunch but that never happened.  I swear I am delulu at times. It must be from working at a State hospital.

Allow me to add this random photo of an ad for the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo” staring Pierre Niney.  The book is my favorite of all time. I’ve seen movies based on the book. I wanted to see this because I KNOW it won’t come to the States. I’m still annoyed at my husband for not taking me to see this.  Random rant over.

Walking along the promenade, we saw that the beaches remained crowded despite the wind. In fact, I wish I had my bathing suit on because there were actual waves in the water and I would have jumped in.

It was so windy, there were waves!  I wanted to jump right in!

A couple of chefs on their break–a mural of Alain Delon on a building. It’s all about sights in Cannes.

We went window shopping and I purchased a dress from Benneton (which, a month later still needs to be ironed. I’m a lazy one, I am) and continued to enjoy the sights in Cannes.

This is the dress. Unwrinkled.

Despite the wind, at least the sun was out and it was a very comfortable day for wandering.

Monday, July 1^st.

It’s difficult to wrap my head around the fact that it’s July. Merde. Next week I’ll be back at work.   To make matters worse, the news was all about the SCOTUS and the horrific decision.  As this is my vacation, that’s all I’ll say—for now. But if you’ve been following this blog for a few years, you know how I feel.

On the way to Fondation Maeght, we drove through Antibes. If we didn’t stay in Theoule, Antibes would be our next choice.

I love the views of Antibes…

Even on a cloudy day!

Clouds are greeting us so we figured it would be a good day to head to Fondation Maeght.  We’ve been here multiple times and it’s one of my favorite museums.  The grounds have always been a calming and welcoming place for me, and I find their exhibits are meticulously curated.

I’m smiling because I made the walk from the parking lot all the way uphill without fainting. NOTE TO SELF: Please stop allowing your anxiety to be an excuse to not exercise when arriving home.

Fondation Maeght is one of my happy places on the Cote d’Azur.  

It is so calming with the many artfully wonderful water fountains..

..and outdoor sculptures. BTW, Germaine Richer, the sculptress responsible for the bottom one, was a friend of my husband’s family.  Captain Kangaroo was a friend of a friend of my parents. That is my claim to fame.

The views from Maeght are also beautiful.

Today’s visit was exceptional. We were lucky to visit while the museum was paying homage to Matisse and Bonnard.  For my husband, Bonnard is special because he was friends with his grandfather.  The exhibit did not fail.

Matisse..

Bonnard..

More great works. I took a ton of pics but don’t want to make you roll your eyes with the amount I took!

The Toilet at Fondation Maeght was a delight to use. Doors all the way to the ground and CLEAN!  NO–IMMACULATE! Why can’t restrooms in the States be as clean.

I could have spent the entire day there but we had other places to go to.

We drove to Cabris. This is special for Claire as she spent summers as a child with her maternal grandparents who lived there.

Cabris is always a great place to visit. And the sun came out!

I visited Saint Rita, as I do every year.  Lit a candle for my family, friends and said a prayer of thanks because that’s what going to Catholic school does to you.  Although allow me to say, I visited Cabris like a saint on their way to martyrdom would do.  Let me explain.  Cabris has tons of steps.  The steps are worn, giving them a sheen.  A lustrous sheen. That means the steps are slippery.  That means you must be careful. That means I had to take my sandals off and walk barefoot.

My annual visit to St. Rita. 

The Chapel dates back to 1761. It’s older than I am!

Yes. Barefoot. I’m that clumsy sort who walks better at times without footwear.  And I felt much safer holding my sandals in my hands then having the leather soles play slip ‘n slide with me in them.  I didn’t want to end up in a French ER exiting with a cast and crutches.

Yup. It was much easier and healthier for me to walk around like this. I can thank the summers of my youth for assisting me in walking around barefoot with no issue!

We stopped for a late lunch and it was great!  The servers were a lot of fun and we just had an all-around good time. We did some more exploring then headed back.

My husband, pondering what he will choose for his mid-day meal.

The perfect salad…

….more perfection and that melted cheese was incredible! Vincent and I split this. I ate most of it though.

If anyone says that the French are not friendly, please show them this photo of our servers!! They were fun!

Oh. All the walking. It was the only exercise I have had since we went to Paris last November.  It isn’t that I’m a lazy slob (maybe it is), it’s just that I’m at a computer 7 ½ hours a day at the hospital. Sitting.  And when I arrive home, I’m too emotionally exhausted to move my body, which gets softer by the day.

Random pics.out and about in Cabris! Aren’t they pretty?

Hopefully tomorrow will be a beach day!

Tuesday, July 2^nd

Finally.  Another sunny, hot, day.  We made sure to be extra pain-in-the-asses to ensure Claire and Sophie got up very early.  Hey. We’re the hosts.  And we headed back on the St. Raphaël trail to the beach.  We arrived at 8:30 AM.  YES!!!  You read it correctly. 8:30 AM.

We did, however, allow all to have breakfast before heading off.

We loaded the meter and headed across the street to the beach.  When nobody else is at the beach it is one of the most joyous feelings ever. It is as though you have a stretch of land belonging to you and only to you.  And little by little, the beach people arrived.

Early but the retirees were out for their morning swim!

The sea was as calm as a patient two or more prescriptions of anti-psychotics.  Like glass and it was perfect for swimming.  Sophie and I spent a good deal of the day in the water.

The sea was incredibly calm. Making it perfect for swiming.

More beach vibes

No makeup. No wig. Just sunscreen and cellulite!

My only complaint is the inability of going under the sea. My eyes are ridiculously sensitive and the salty sting lasts, for what seems, an eternity.  (Note to self:  please buy goggles).   Regardless, immersing myself into the sea is refreshing, cool and I allow myself float with the slight current.

A man wearing a snorkel mask with a protrusion that appears phallic makes us laugh. Older men in tiny Speedos seemingly proud of their wine-barrel bellies saunter by. Beach volleyball players take on a game.  It is a fun sight from the sea to land.

These snorkel masks are so bizarre looking. My dirty mind took me somewhere else when I saw that protusion sticking out of the sea!

Vincent is sleeping and unaware of the activity surrounding him.  Besides, he feels it is still too cold for him to swim.  I will not argue.  I will just keep floating away!\

Vincent is an expert at beach sleeping. Either that or he pretends to sleep so he doesn’t have to deal with me!

I can’t believe I let this slide by. I ate everything else in sight!

I get out to read my book and……………The Praline Man is back!  The chanting of “Chou chou les Pralines” is shouted from a baritone voice.  I buy a bag.  He notices my “NY” baseball cap and speaks in English and we have a very animated and humorous conversation. We both laugh and he hugs me.  I return to recline on my beach towel and Vincent gives me the side eye.  I make lots of friends in France!

“Chou chou les Pralines”. This guy. Tons of fun. I hope you run into him if you are on the beach at Frejus! Tell him I sent you!

A sampling of the conversation:

Praline Man: (In heavily-accented Provençal accent) “You know, my peanuss (meaning peanuts) will keep you skinny.”

Me: (Laughing out loud because I have no boundaries) “Ohhhh. I thought you said your penis would keep me happy”!

That is when Praline Man high-fived and hugged me.  Vincent was not amused.

Morale of the story. Just have a great time, joke around, and have fun.

Au revoir Praline Man.  Hope to see you next year. In the meantime, I’ll be chanting “Chou chou les pralines” until people tell me to shut the hell up!

Vincent and I headed back to add more money to the meter and on the way, a disabled woman was approaching.  A couple in front of us practically pushed her in their haste to get to lunch.  I stepped away so she could pass by and she thanked us, in French, to say it was nice there was still kind people in the world.  That made my day because I consider myself more polite than kind.

Back on the beach we witnessed two very young people.  A boy and a girl—maybe late teens or early twenties.  They were assisting an elderly man out of the water.  Was he a relative or were they being kind?  Who knows—but it was touching to see.

This photo really moved me. The young assisting the old. It was loving and respectful.  I got misty-eyed.

The paradoxes are incredible.  To our left was a woman sunbathing topless.  To our right three young Arab girls.  All in black clothing covering their bodies.  Two letting their beautiful dark hair cascade down their backs.  One wearing a Hijab.  It was an example of how anything is acceptable on the beaches in France!

Later, much later in the afternoon, Claire and Sophie decided to head across the street and to some local shopping.  Hitting both the pharmacie and a couple of dress shops.  In the evening when I saw their purchases, I was pissed at myself for not joining them. We did, however make our way to the pharmacie and I purchased more skincare. I can’t help it.  I am obsessed with French pharmacies.  If I lived there, every pharmacist in the area and I would be on a first-name basis.

I picked up a couple of items. I’ve been using the Embroylisse cream every day since we returned!

So long Ferris Wheel in St. Raphael!

One of the seemingly gazillion calanques along the coastline as we drive back to the apartment from a glorious day!

We arrived home in time for another spectacular evening of dinner on the terrace (that I cooked—which made it more spectacular) and it was an early-to-bed night because, weather permitting, the next day we would return to St. Tropez.

Wednesday, July 3

Caveat:  Before I move on, please allow me to apologize for my spelling.  In the last post I referred to St. Tropez as St. Troup.  My husband nearly had a vein burst because I should have written “St. Trop.”  However, I digress.  The spelling of St. Tropez in Provençal is “Sant-Troupès.”  I merely shortened the Provençal spelling.  Therefore, we were both correct.

I now return you to our scheduled blog post.

Not wanting to be redundant,  we drove to Saint-Maxime, this time a lot earlier.  Parked the car at the port and headed to the ferry.  The weather today was sunny but slightly cooler—which is a wonderful thing when walking around!  Arriving at St. Tropez early in the morning, it was a pleasure to beat the crowds.

Woke up to another sunny day. Cooler and we headed to St. Tropez!

Back to the ferry at Ste.-Maxime.

Back to a familiar sight!

Years later and I still haven’t made friends with anyone who owns these little dinghnies!

I do like these gold sculptures.

Claire purchased her first pair of Rondini sandals.  Step mommy was so proud!

Back to Rondini. Keepin’ it in the fam!

I should have gotten a second pair.

We headed over to La Ponche.

The little beach where my husband spent his early years.

Another reason I prefer being barefoot. I don’t want to ruin my Rondini sandals!

Who is this stunning couple?

We walked over to Dany’s grave, which Claire saw for the first time.

Entrance to the cemetary..

Hi Dany!  Until next year..

My husband at Dany’s gravesite. Dany is resting in peace with a beautiful view!

We headed to Dany’s museum and it was especially nice to have Claire and Sophie visit for the first time as well.

Heading to the Museum!

Other than butterflies, there’s paintings by Dany. This is one of my favorites. I’m trying to figure out how to take it  and stow it away with me.

Another painting of Dany’s that I would love hanging in our home. There are also quite a few videos of Dany.

Lartigue family photos on the way to the upstairs gallery. Vincent looks like his grandfather, Jacques-Henri Lartigue.

A little sampling of the endless number of butterflies scattered throughout.  For Two Euros, this is a great little museum to visit!

We went to the Musee Annociade.  Remember my experience there last year?  When I lost my cell phone?  Here is a link to refresh your mind:  My Cell Phone Debacle in St. Tropez.  Being the sentimental sort, I took a photo of the infamous chair I sat in before losing it.

Might I also recommend a visit to the Musee Annociade?  It is beautifully curated, not overwhelming and….

…one can pay homage to the chair that almost caused me to have a stroke over my lost iPhone!

On the way back to the ferry, we stopped for a glacé.  French ice cream is full fat delicious.  I enjoyed a hazelnut.  Did it matter what anyone else had?

Being a lover of Neroli, I picked this up in a pharmacie on St. Tropez before we left. It smells great!

Claire treated us to dinner at, our return to—L’air du Temps.  Dinner, again, was spectacular.  I had a chicken gizzard salad to start. I know. I know.  You’re thinking it sounds Offaly disgusting.  Me, being the queen of all things offal, absolutely loved it. In fact, I want to buy a bunch of chicken gizzards and make my own salad!

All cleaned up for another wonderful dinner at L’air du Temps!

Everyone working at this restaurant is just great. You want to be friends with them!  If we lived in Theoule, they would be family!

Hands down. The Gizzard Salad was one of the greatest things I have ever eaten in my life. I need to buy gizzards to try to replicate this. Note to chef–please do NOT take this off the menu.

Perfectly prepared scallops.

A repeat on this dessert. I want to work here.

I’ll end it here because we’re winding down to the end of the trip.  I’ll give you a rest from my rambling! Stay tuned…