Showing posts with label Notes from abroad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Notes from abroad. Show all posts

3.1.14

Notes from Abroad: Provence Part 2 { Saint-Remy-de-Provence }


We pick up from where we left off two days ago. We all jump into the car together and make our way down the mountainside. Our destination is Saint-Remy-de-Provence and on our way we see nothing but the most picturesque landscapes shrouded in myst. Upon our arrival to Saint-Remy we were relieved to find the clouds had parted, allowing us to see a few glimpses of the famous Provence sunlight. The temperature was much warmer than in the mountains and immediately a stroll through town was on our minds. We navigated our way through narrow walkways that were lush with greenery until we reached the center of town. Brimming with excitement, Saint-Remy appeared to offer adventures for everyone to choose from, so we parted ways briefly, agreeing to reconvene later in the evening for a bite to eat. The sun set shortly, and our bones quickly began to feel chilled. After finding the quintessential French restaurant we agreed warming up with a glass of Rosé wine was exactly what our appetites were craving. Shortly after dinner, we decided to call it a night and get some rest for the next day. In the morning when we awoke we enjoyed an entire meal's worth of delicious croissants and coffee and began making our way to Saint-Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric center painter Vincent Van Gogh admitted himself in 1889. I've always loved Van Gogh's work and having the opportunity to see the room in which he stayed and the window he looked out only gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of him. Shortly after visiting the gardens surrounding Van Gogh's room we had to say goodbye to the Persimmon trees and make our way back to the German countryside. I'm told Provence should only be experienced in summer time and not during the winter. However, after seeing the region at "it's worst", I can say with honesty, despite the rain, cold weather and lack of sunlight, Provence is nothing but beautiful.
















A bientôt,
Erik & Kelsey

1.1.14

Notes from Abroad: Provence pt. 1 { Hiking Sainte-Baume }

By far one of the most exciting experiences we've had abroad this year was our trip through southern France. As a family we decided to take a vacation together to Provence, a region of the country that is known for its natural beauty, exquisite light and peaceful way of life. Typically a dry and sunny area of the country, our arrival into the region was met with relentless rain, which is unusual for Provence even in winter.


When we awoke in the morning the rain had cleared, so we decided it would be a good idea to go for a hike and enjoy the landscape while we had the chance. Aix-en-Provence was our nearest point of reference, however we were staying outside of the city in a much more rural area. The trail we wanted to explore was a short drive away, however our journey almost immediately became delayed when our car was swallowed up by an unexpected herd of sheep. As we navigated our way through the herd and to the foot of our trail we quickly got out of the car and began hoofing it up the mountain. About halfway up Sainte-Baume's mountainside we stopped for quick respite to hydrate ourselves at a natural spring. The water was clean and crisp and replenished our energy for the last leg of the hike. Our final destination was a monastery located near the summit of the cliff. We passed several signs that asked for silence as we entered the monastic grounds, which only added to the tranquil atmosphere you felt as soon as you walked in the front doors. We couldn't believe our eyes as we scoured the hidden monastery that sat so peacefully on the side of a cliff. We kept quiet and enjoyed the serenity and beauty of such a place, while occasionally exchanging glances affirming the grandeur of our simple hike.













A Bientôt,
Erik & Kelsey

20.12.13

Notes from Abroad: The best of the bakery


While enjoying the holidays abroad with family, we wanted to share some of the things we love most about Europe during this wonderful season. This week it takes the form of delicious breads and pastries from the local bakery! It goes without saying that bakeries all across Europe have their own unique and delectable flavors specific to their regions. As we are currently in the southern most corner of the Black Forest in Germany, we rounded up this collection of our favorite delicious and traditional Schwartzwalder treats to share with friends and family back home!


Stollen - a traditional holiday loaf filled with dried fruits, marzipan and dusted with powdered sugar.


It wouldn't be Germany without the pretzels! / The Berliner - a jelly-filled, sugar-dusted favorite!


Weckmann - another beloved treat around the holidays in the form of a little man made of sweet bread.


Schnecken- or "snail", a delicious sweet rolled pastry filled with any number of nuts and dried fruits.