As mentioned in my previous email, anyone who's someone in Paris leaves this frisky city in summer for search of what French already do well - a good life. All hail the search for a better life.
Being an inhabitant of this city for one year, it was my duty to partake in this annual event. And like others, disappear for a substantially long amount of time.
Salut Euro Summer Holiday. 4 weeks. Brussels, France and Spain. Road Trip Styles.
My need for a holiday wasn't massive. This conclusion could be determined easily from my last "Summertime and the living is easy" post. But somehow, this month long holiday managed to relax me so much that I felt like I needed it. Like I deserved it. Like I deserved "such an escape from reality" (As written in my *cough* journal. Yes, I still manage to maintain a handwritten journal) Reality had been treating me well up until this holiday. It was treating me real well. Life will hand me my just reward one day however. In the meantime, let me revel in my reality.
So, being 'Someone' in Paris, I frolicked my way up to Brussels one more time in First Class Train Travel courtesy of the Thalys. Free meal, free alcohol. My search for a better life was off to a good start. The activities in Brussels were limited to the usual, but of course enjoyable. A highlight this visit would of course be fueled by my continuing love of zoos. The Antwerp Zoo was frequented, loved and documented. See attached photo of the Zoo Entrance and one of it's animals attempting escape.
I was a virgin to the city of Antwerp, and it was an interesting place. The physicality of the city was lovely. The train station was impressive and noteworthy to mention.There were trees, the buildings were old, detailed and historical looking. Postures of a past age making its impression on those who visit. However, it was the vibe and the feeling that didn't strike a chord with me. I do admit weather will always contribute to the feeling and mood of a city and it's people, and it wasn't a lovely summer day when there. But the general vibe of the place, was almost sans character or charm. What was surprising however, was the large number of Orthodox Jew's living there. Curly sideburns, knee high socks, white shirt-black vest and kippah galore. Aotearoa may be a melting pot but we ain't melting no culture like so. I didn't leave with a desire to return to Antwerp but it was an interesting, eye opening trip none the less. And is that not what exploring Le Monde is about?
So post week one in Brussels, it was time for 5 people to cram into a roomy sedan vehicle. Destination A: A for Avignon. Or just near it anyhow. Avignon is in the South East of France and famous for it's incomplete bridge and surrounding countryside of wineries and vineyards, castles and churches. Courtesy of friend/family connections, we had the joy of staying at a family owned Olive Farm and Guesthouse. It. Was. Beautiful. Really. The countryside reminded me a lot of Napier and Hawkes Bay. Large blue skies, a landscape of rolling hills, tree lined roads and fields upon fields of wineries. Winding clear rivers, following the feet of the hills and cliffs. Opportunities to jump from cliffs, walking along the river and fine drinks in glorious weather. I travel to the most distant place possible from home, to only dwell in all characteristics of home. What is exploring Le Monde about again?
After a couple of days basking in all things Hawkes Bay, we hit the road again for Destination B: Port de la Selva, Spain. Settled in North East of Spain, it is a tiny fishing village hugged along a rocky coast land by bare hills which only accentuate the white houses, blue seas and 'petite-ness'. Again, through friend/family connections we were living in a huge house, opposite the marina facing west for the sunsets each night. Daily activities consisted of all things relaxing and holiday like. Petanque, drinking, walking, drinking, swimming, eating, drinking, sleeping, snorkeling, bike riding, drinking and windsurfing. Let's insert "trying" in front of the 'windsurfing'. It was marvelous. I was clouded by an ignorant bliss throughout my entire holiday and I loved it. Quote journal once more "I have no desire to go back".
I was happy to be 'No one' in Port de la Selva, rather than 'Someone' in Paris.
Which in turn reminds me of a great quote from an awesome New Zealand movie, In My Fathers Den. "I would rather be a no-one somewhere, than some-one no where"
One place I would love to be Some-one, no-one or just one of many, would be Barcelona. A day visit to the Spanish city was extraordinary. I loved it. And I came away from that day convinced I would live there next year at the completion of the Paris Chapter. Ahem. The city has Attitude. It has an impression of a carefree existence where one can meander and cruise. It has people with spark. It has buildings with funk. It has an environment of fun. It has been placed in my Top 3 of Where I must Live list. The country Spain has always been my number 1 place to live before death befalls me. Now, now I know where I want to live in this country.
Paradise pleasures continued in Spain for 3 weeks before the long drive back to Paris, and the remaining people back to Brussels. And Day 1 in Paris was cloudy, grey, windy and cold. The first indication that Summer had passed. The reality of work, living week-to-week and making ends (not) meet returned. And continues.
It was a great road trip, time well spent in three great countries of Europe. It contributed to a rose-hazed memory of summer that I often find myself looking back on. Next year, who knows where I will be living and what kind of summer holiday will be possible.
La joie du déplacement le monde.
"Don't be a stranger to Possibility. She is a wonderful Mistress."
- In My Fathers Den
P.S I am under no illusion that I could possibly be 'Someone' anywhere.
Being an inhabitant of this city for one year, it was my duty to partake in this annual event. And like others, disappear for a substantially long amount of time.
Salut Euro Summer Holiday. 4 weeks. Brussels, France and Spain. Road Trip Styles.
My need for a holiday wasn't massive. This conclusion could be determined easily from my last "Summertime and the living is easy" post. But somehow, this month long holiday managed to relax me so much that I felt like I needed it. Like I deserved it. Like I deserved "such an escape from reality" (As written in my *cough* journal. Yes, I still manage to maintain a handwritten journal) Reality had been treating me well up until this holiday. It was treating me real well. Life will hand me my just reward one day however. In the meantime, let me revel in my reality.
So, being 'Someone' in Paris, I frolicked my way up to Brussels one more time in First Class Train Travel courtesy of the Thalys. Free meal, free alcohol. My search for a better life was off to a good start. The activities in Brussels were limited to the usual, but of course enjoyable. A highlight this visit would of course be fueled by my continuing love of zoos. The Antwerp Zoo was frequented, loved and documented. See attached photo of the Zoo Entrance and one of it's animals attempting escape.
I was a virgin to the city of Antwerp, and it was an interesting place. The physicality of the city was lovely. The train station was impressive and noteworthy to mention.There were trees, the buildings were old, detailed and historical looking. Postures of a past age making its impression on those who visit. However, it was the vibe and the feeling that didn't strike a chord with me. I do admit weather will always contribute to the feeling and mood of a city and it's people, and it wasn't a lovely summer day when there. But the general vibe of the place, was almost sans character or charm. What was surprising however, was the large number of Orthodox Jew's living there. Curly sideburns, knee high socks, white shirt-black vest and kippah galore. Aotearoa may be a melting pot but we ain't melting no culture like so. I didn't leave with a desire to return to Antwerp but it was an interesting, eye opening trip none the less. And is that not what exploring Le Monde is about?So post week one in Brussels, it was time for 5 people to cram into a roomy sedan vehicle. Destination A: A for Avignon. Or just near it anyhow. Avignon is in the South East of France and famous for it's incomplete bridge and surrounding countryside of wineries and vineyards, castles and churches. Courtesy of friend/family connections, we had the joy of staying at a family owned Olive Farm and Guesthouse. It. Was. Beautiful. Really. The countryside reminded me a lot of Napier and Hawkes Bay. Large blue skies, a landscape of rolling hills, tree lined roads and fields upon fields of wineries. Winding clear rivers, following the feet of the hills and cliffs. Opportunities to jump from cliffs, walking along the river and fine drinks in glorious weather. I travel to the most distant place possible from home, to only dwell in all characteristics of home. What is exploring Le Monde about again?
After a couple of days basking in all things Hawkes Bay, we hit the road again for Destination B: Port de la Selva, Spain. Settled in North East of Spain, it is a tiny fishing village hugged along a rocky coast land by bare hills which only accentuate the white houses, blue seas and 'petite-ness'. Again, through friend/family connections we were living in a huge house, opposite the marina facing west for the sunsets each night. Daily activities consisted of all things relaxing and holiday like. Petanque, drinking, walking, drinking, swimming, eating, drinking, sleeping, snorkeling, bike riding, drinking and windsurfing. Let's insert 
I was happy to be 'No one' in Port de la Selva, rather than 'Someone' in Paris.
"Don't be a stranger to Possibility. She is a wonderful Mistress."- In My Fathers Den
P.S I am under no illusion that I could possibly be 'Someone' anywhere.
