..........travel always changes me

This past October, I spent two weeks in Provence - one week cooking in a class at Crillon le Brave - time in Provence - time in Cordes

Crillon le Brave is absolutely an amazing place - Relais & Chateaux, 45 minutes from Avignon, with a view of Mount Ventoux - breathtaking views!

Day One - there - I asked for a suggestion for a walk - a tough one - afterall, I have spent 2/3 of my life living on a Dirt Road - so no woosy walks wanted !

so for an hour and a half - all alone along the back roads and trails of Provence - I went on a hike!!! - pommegranates growing wild in the ditch - rosemary in full bloom the size of a shrub - past quarries, a farm or two - sun on my face, breeze in my hair - and for an hour or so - I felt like I was in Heaven - amazing !!!

how could anything top this ? - well the cooking was fab

but like all things I guess, it's the people you meet - and the relationships you make -

like my two friends above here - Guy Kremer & Tai Stanley - from Winchester - characters - so very very fun - kind and generous

late one night - drinking again (Durbin - my new second best friend - see her below - called it getting pickled!) around an amazing fireplace in the lounge - Tai - who nano seconds before seemed passed out to the world - bolted upright - and tossed me what might be the best advice I have had in years -
"f" your daughter Elaine - stop talking about your daughter - you have your own life - you are vibrant fun smart gorgeous & sexy - get on with your life - live your life

damn ! he is right !!!

2010 should be an interesting year !!!