Like all good vacations, this one was much too short. From seaside towns to hilltop villages, all the places we visited in the south of France were simply charming. It was our first visit there so we did as many touristy things as we could, including taking a little boat ride around the calanques and having bouillabaise to fortify ourselves in Cassis.
The mistral winds were blowing when we visited the Luberon area and quite nearly swept us off our feet! Apparently the winds also blow the clouds away, so it was nice and sunny. This bell tower was in Bonnieux.
Castle ruins at Baux de Provence, perfect for little ones (see them?) who like to hide, or kick up dirt.
We had missed the lavender and sunflowers in bloom, but we kept our noses to the ground and around looking for interesting plants and creatures.
Those little snails were everywhere in the countryside, mostly clinging in clumps to long grass plants that at first glance we thought they were flowers.
We ended up seeing only the old part of Aix-en-Provence, where we were based, and we enjoyed going to the markets and doing food shopping. The melons and peaches were scrumptious! Just watch out for dog poop while walking along the cobblestone streets!
The two days in London were spent at the Victoria & Albert Museum and Kew Gardens. Look at the size of those awesome lily pads. Wouldn't they make mighty impressive homes for a frog? :-)
There was some knitting, a first sock knit with Fleece Artist merino sock yarn in 'Rose'. Details to follow later.
The loot. There was a Phildar store just two doors down from the hotel so how could I not visit? And of course Liberty in London is a must. Funny thing is I couldn't get myself to buy any yarn. After buying yarn mostly online for years, it was quite overwhelming to see all the yarn in all the colors all at once and I couldn't choose.
There're a few designs I've shortlisted from the new Rowan, but I like the new Debbie Bliss Rialto aran and Cashmerino books too. And have you seen the new Kim Hargreaves collection? With less knitting time than ever, it's harder to decide on THE project on which to spend precious time. Hmm, I think I'll finish some wips first! :-)
