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 Vermeer Exhibition and Amsterdam The Barefoot Blogger stumbles into more good things than I deserve. A ticket to the sold-out Vermeer Exhibition in Amsterdam was my latest “strike it rich” feat. For this, I owe a big “thank you” to friends in Uzès who made it happen. […]
The city of Moliere is steeped in history, including tales of a visit by a King that put the Languedoc village on the map. Pézenas is a town I can return to over and over — even in the Mistral and rain. The first time I visited Pézenas, […]
Ohhh… have I got an itch to travel. You, too? Here are five cures if you crave to travel to France. There are places I crave to visit. I could go to some of them again and again. They are my favorites because of their rich cultural heritage, […]
My blog site has been a bit “wonky” lately. Perhaps you received a half-baked post never intended for prime time, or you see photos appearing in strange places. The fact is, I’m working on a new website design with features I think you’ll love. Meanwhile, I’m discovering that […]
The story of Ferdinand Cheval and his “Postman’s Palace” is one that few people outside France recognize. Yet, the monument he built to honor his love for his daughter draws an average of 300,000 visitors yearly. They come to the small town of Hauterives, southeast of Lyon, in […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Best, we had our own chef to give us all the details. My favorite meals were prepared in our kitchen and served on the sky terrace. For information on Let’s Eat the World’s Culinary Vacations in France & Spain, visit them here: Letseattheworld.com/culinary-tours-cooking-workshops Congratulations […]
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 […]
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 […]
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’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, […]
I’m thinking of my mother today. Bonnie. When Bonnie was my age, everyone knew where they could find her— in her garden. After a long career as a hospital administrator and nurse anesthetist, she loved her flowers. Tired from working long hours, she lived for digging in the […]
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 walk to Luxembourg Gardens and drinks with a Barefoot Blogger follower were the two things I wanted to accomplish today in Paris.
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.
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 2023 is here! Let’s take a look back … _________________________________________________________________________ Saturday night I served a fancy pork terrine bought in the Loire Valley to friends who were in town for Uzès’ Truffle Festival. That bite of pork could have been my last. I’m in love […]