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| The Pyrenees are in the background. Skiers say that if you can ski the Pyrenees, you can ski anywhere. |
One of my favorite places on this planet is southern France. I've been three times, and hope to take my daughter and granddaughter next summer.
Strange as it sounds, the only part of Paris I've seen is the inside of the airport. I am sure Paris is lovely and lively and alluring, but the peace and serenity of the southern countryside is what I love.
The long, leisurely meals where conversation is just as valued as simply-made, everything-from-scratch dishes. The rolling hills. A lifestyle that is so much less stressful than ours.
What is your favorite place? Why does it draw you? I'd love to hear from you.
Just lost TWO comments...this is last one....how did you find your special place in the begnning?
ReplyDeleteClaudia--An AFS (American Field Service) student--a foreign exchange student--lived with my family for a year when I was a senior in high school. She and I became permanently bonded together, so when I go to France or she comes to the US, we stay with each other...Virginie lives in southern France, and it's a spot of heaven....
DeleteSo many places come to mind, but I think I love the sea shore best. But, I like lakes, too. Even small ponds and swimming pools. No wait, a hot tub. A cool shower. I think I like water?
ReplyDeleteKathy--I think you're right. ;)
DeleteBeautiful photo---and I'm with you, Sioux, the excitement of Paris isn't a draw for me. I'd love to visit the countryside, avoid the tourist traps. My favorite place is the beach (such a cliche, I know) early in the morning, right before sunrise and then the hour or so after. My heart soars.
ReplyDeleteLisa--You are sooo right. Going to the tourist traps with all the crowds...NOT my thing either.
DeleteIt is so nice that you are able to return there time and time again. I know this sounds broad, but I really like Oregon. It has it all, the rivers, the coast, the mountains, etc. The upper McKenzie River is a favorite of mine, and so are natural hot springs.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Kathy--That is what I always say about Oregon. My half-sister lives in Oregon, and you DO have it all, including lush rainforest-like woods and desert-like scrub-brushy areas. How lucky you are!
DeleteNice to meet you all.
ReplyDeleteI read you on TeacherLingo.
Southern France is so beautiful, I agree.
From inspiring Granada, south of Spain.
Fernado--I even spent a couple of evenings in Spain but never got to Granada. I'm sure it's beautiful.
DeleteThanks for stopping by...
Any beach, anywhere, except where the flesh eating bacteria dare you to come in. I am drawn to water, ocean, lakes, rivers.
ReplyDeleteLinda--It's too bad that you and Lisa and Kathy can't get a "Water for Writers" retreat together...
DeleteThat title cracked me up. Serenity NOW, right NOW!!! LOL. My serenity spot would have to be any library or book store.
ReplyDeleteShay--That is one of my favorite spots too. I went to a workshop in the Pacific Northwest, and was told there was a four-story bookstore called Powell's. I HAD to go, and stayed hours...probably didn't blink once, I was so in a zone.
Delete(A spot of Seinfeld now and then always makes me laugh.)
I'm a homebody. You can't beat the front porch on a summer evening. A loyal dog at your feet. Lightning bugs turning on and off in the yard. The smell of hose water on hot dirt, watering the rosebushes. Occasionally, the call of a whipporwill.
ReplyDeleteThe folks from southern France should come to Missouri and sit a spell.
Val--A book and bed--reading in bed until I fall asleep--is a delightful spot as well.
DeleteAnd since I've paid for the dee-luxe tour, I know what a delightful spot you carved out for yourself. Surrounded by such natural beauty--you can't beat that.
I gotta go with the Jersey Shore.
ReplyDeleteBut now you have me screaming that Seinfeld "Serenity Now!" in my head.
Joeh--And right over there is the Festivus Pole. Are you up for the "feats of strength" part of the holiday?
DeleteThe best pizza (tomato pie) I ever had was in New Jersey, in the Robbinsville area.
Beautiful post, Sioux! I'd love to go to France, to London, to Rome. But for now, this not-so-well-traveled girl has a favorite place, and it's the Jersey Shore -- and no, not the Jersey Shore we see depicted on TV. I love the tranquility of some of the lesser known beaches, and was devastated when Hurricane Sandy ripped apart Sea Bright, one of my favorite spots. But I know the shore is recovering -- it is Jersey strong! -- and I can't wait to go back for a nice, long visit. (I just now noticed one of your other replies mentioned the Jersey Shore -- yay, Joeh!). Anyway, Sioux, thanks for letting me "travel," if only in my head, this morning!
ReplyDeleteTeri--I hope you get to go soon. And traveling in our heads---that's the cheapest way to go, right?
DeleteWell, I've spent a little time in Paris and it's kind of exciting but I'll admit that in some ways, it reminded me of Atlanta--big cities are the same everywhere, I think. (Still, there are some spots that take your breath away..Versailles, the Louvre, the Tivoli Gardens).
ReplyDeleteI love to go new places but my serenity now spot is Tybee Island...it's not the most beautiful beach I've ever visited but it feels like home.
Cathy--Where is Tybee Island? It sounds lovely. (Make sure you tell Linda about it, since she loves beaches so much.)
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