Solo Travel Tips and Wisdom
Solo travel is the passion that started it all, and it’s still my favorite way to see the world. Here are some tips I’ve learned.
Barefoot Blogger
Traveling wasn't enough for this free spirited female. I needed to live abroad. Now I am happily living in Uzes, France. My blogs are about my adventures as a post-career, solo woman maneuvering her way through everyday life in France and on travels to various parts of the world. I hope you enjoy my adventures, photography and the people and places I run into along my way.
The Basics About Uzès
One of France’s most charming and popular destinations It seems more and more people want to know about Uzès. The growing crowds and booming rental market say this medieval town is fast becoming a hot spot in the south of France. Uzès is within easy traveling distance from […]
French Cooking, Kiwi Style
Peta Mathias, the New Zealand book author, TV personality, and former Paris restaurant owner heads straight for the Uzès farmers market when she arrives at her south of France home — especially when she’s been stuck in lockdown for 36 months. On her shopping trips, there are often six or more guests from her culinary tour or cooking classes who are hanging on her every word.
Life in France: Managing Expectations
It’s been ten years since my “Great Adventure” in Uzès began. Truthfully, I’m amazed I’m still here. It all has to do with managing expectations. The Beginning Uzès on that Saturday morning ten years ago was more than I expected. The weekly market was in full swing. The […]
Let’s Eat the World? Start in Seville
Let’s Eat the World? What’s in a name? I’m finding out while exploring, cooking, and eating in Seville. Let’s Eat the World is the brainchild of Chef Eric and Yetunde of Cook’n with Class in Uzès and Paris. It’s their way of taking friends and followers along with […]
Last Dance with the Barefoot Blogger
Join the last dance with the Barefoot Blogger on the South of France Memories Tour. I’ve raved about my life in Uzés and the south of France for years. Now it’s time for you to make some memories of your own. Memories you promised yourself. I’m thrilled to […]
Covid Caught Me
Running away from Covid doesn’t work. If it did, dashing back and forth to stay ahead or rush ahead of it failed me. This week Covid caught me. All along, I thought it was my twice-annual allergy sickness. All the same symptoms and feelings. It wasn’t until I […]
Following Cook’n With Class to Seville
When Chef Eric and Yetunde told friends and clients they were going to Seville, I knew I would be following Cook’n With Class wherever they go. Enjoy the adventure in the Spanish capital with me. It’s my first time in Seville. It’s my first culinary experience with Let’s […]
Valentine Myths and Legends
Valentine’s Day is more than a box of chocolates in France. It’s a day to celebrate the myths and legends of Saint Valentine. Roquemaure, a hamlet in the south of France, boasts a special connection to Saint Valentine. Each odd year, on the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day, […]
Nice, How Did I End Up Here?
While I was sitting at a cafe across from the promenade today, I wondered, “Nice, how did I end up here? My life is so much different than I ever imagined it could be. As a child, I daydreamed about “faraway places.” My mother would be shocked … […]
Zipping Through France
My dream visit to Paris is now a part of recorded history. Today I’m zipping through France towards Nice. When I say “zipping,” it’s no joke. The direct train from Gare Lyon to Nice is traveling at 294 km. In six hours, I’ll step off the train […]
A Day in Paris: Short But Sweet
A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and drinks with a Barefoot Blogger follower were the two things I wanted to accomplish today in Paris.
Eiffel Tower in 8318 Steps
Day two of the Paris Dream was a walking day… to the Eiffel Tower in 8318 steps. Not only did I finish my exercise goal for the day, I arrived at one of Paris’ most iconic sites.
Paris Dream
My Paris dream is to visit the French city— the most beautiful, romantic place on earth, like I have all the time in the world.
Uzès Truffle Festival Star: Madame Cochan
While Uzès Truffle Festival 2022 is smaller than usual due to COVID, the truffle hunting pig put on a show. Here’s a look back … _________________________________________________________________________ Saturday night I served a fancy pork terrine bought in the Loire Valley to friends who were in town for Uzès’ […]
Favorite Holiday Places in France
The French know how to do the holidays. Here are some of my favorite holiday places in France, along with 2021 event schedules. I could visit over and over again. You may want to put some of these on your travel list, too! Best Christmas Markets Alsace A […]
A Taste of Barcelona
My recent return to France and a taste of Barcelona was a walk through memory lane. Almost exactly, eight years ago, I stopped over in Barcelona before beginning my new life in Uzès. While passing through Barcelona this time, food was at the top of my list of […]
Holiday Gift From France -A French Chef’s Bilingual CookBook
Here’s a Holiday Gift from France my family and friends LOVE. Yours will, too! One of my favorite chefs in France, Emma Kershaw, introduced her new cookbook during COVID lockdown. “The Day Louis Was Eating” is a big hit with my family in the US and it’s available […]
In Search of the Cathars
These days I’m curious to continue traveling around Languedoc/Occitanie in search of the Cathars– the religious cult that at once lived in the south of France. The more I research, the more I am drawn in by stories of the Cathars, their beliefs, their persecution, and their current-day […]
Back to France: The Perfect Travel Plan
After spending three months with family and friends in the US, I’m back in Uzès. For the return trip to France, I came by the southerly route: Barcelona to Collioure. While sitting at the beach in Collioure, enjoying the views, the breeze, and an Aperol Spritz at a […]