As long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of “faraway places” — like the ones Mother told me about when I was a child. Escaping into the fairytale world I visited in my mind was my way of dealing with real life.
“Going to China, or maybe Siam, I have the whole world to see,” she would sing in her less than perfect soprano voice.
We didn’t travel much when I was growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. My mother was a nurse anaesthetist and worked long hours, often on weekends. My father was a merchant and took only a one-week vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as I can remember. So as soon as I was old enough to travel alone, I took off. First stop, New York City to visit my favorite aunt, Rose.
Aunt Rose
Aunt Rose was one of those “bigger-than-life” idols to me. A 1937 graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, and the only female in her class, she was fondly known as the “May West of Chapel Hill.” We bonded during my first trip to New York. I could see that, even at 50 years old, Aunt Rose was a dead ringer for May West, the Hollywood queen — from the perfectly coiffed blond hair, to the long false eyelashes and blue eye shadow, to the buxom figure.
Aunt Rose owned New York — or so this sixteen year old ingénue from the Carolinas assumed. With only one day dedicated to sightseeing in the city, Rose drove her car from Jamaica Estates, parked it, and handed me our tickets for the Gray Line City Tour. That was my first lesson. Take a guided tour of the new place you’re visiting. Do it on the first day. A tour gives you the highlights of the area and helps you figure out where you want to return to explore. A guided tour also makes it easier to understand a city map and to get your head compass oriented.
I learned my second travel lesson that day : wear comfortable shoes. After leaving the guided tour, we walked for miles through Chinatown and Little Italy. Fortunately we stopped along the way, popping into noodle shops and cafes with Italian pastries.
Before the day was over, my senses were on over-drive. I was hooked. Right then, I made a pact with myself that I would visit the “real” Italy and China .. and more. My unquenchable quest to see the world had begun.
The Barefoot Blogger is a solo female, retired from a career in corporate marketing and divorced after 40 years of marriage. Four years ago, on a whim and following a dream, she moved from South Carolina to Uzes, France.
Travels for work and play have taken me through Europe, into parts of southeast Asia, West Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, Istanbul and Nepal.
“Life is an adventure” and I want to explore as much as my body and my budget will bear.
Life and Travels in France
Come along as I learn about the world and myself. Especially as I stumble through France where I don’t speak the language. I promise you fun along the way … and we’ll all learn a lot, too.
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“The meaning of life is to give life a meaning”
Categories: Around France
I’m really enjoying your web content. Thanks for sharing this article. It will help other users as well :). Big Love and Big Support!
It’s hard not to fall in love with France. I’m just happy to share it with anyone who wants to travel here or just learn more. Thanks for your note!
as A Francofile for over 60 years..i am fascinated with anything French. stayed in Antibe in south of France for 1 month in 2016. want to live for 3-6 months again. Bordeaux ??
I love both of those places. Just getting to know Bordeaux. They’re so very different. That’s a tough choice because they both have so much to do to keep you busy. Bordeaux’s a. It too large for me to live there, but definitely a good place for a lady no visit. Let me know what you choose!
Your blogs are captivating! It was a pleasure meeting you!
Thank you so much, Carol. I’m really flattered by your appreciation. Looking forward to your return to France. Stay in touch.