Shared Illusions

Today is Monday, October 2. We arrived Friday, the 29th. I was here 3 years ago mid September with my mom. We spent 2 glorious weeks in the area traipsing about. We were situated in a gite just outside of town, an easy drive into town and easy drives to so many beautiful villages. It was about 2 and a half years after my dad died. Now it is 3 years since my mom died. So many memories. I feel her energy and her spirit.

I’m sitting with my feet in the icy water. Dang Achilles tendon acting up. Plus, it just feels good.

Went to Gordes today, a medieval village on a cliffside. This area is not as steep and winding as the Dordogne, but it till has some impressive hillsides and it’s share of narrow roads.

We went to a fort/chateau that only opened last year. It was underwhelming. More of an art gallery now with an exhibit by Andrew Simone. Modern. Slashing, blocky colors. Can we get a refund please?

Other views

Wandering around town I happened upon a small café where mom and I had stopped for coffee.

On the way down the hill we took an unexpected side trip to Village des Bories, a cluster of stone buildings that encompass rudimentary homes, animal sheds, communal ovens… They are dry stone construction – no mortar used, just stones stacked. They are architectural feats.

They could have been constructed as early as 7th C or as late as 18th C. Or, constructed early and reconstructed over time. When people settle in an area, they do whatever they can/must to provide for themselves.

Our host had spoken highly of Fontaine de Vaucluse, a village in the area as very peaceful and a must go to as one sees the source of the Sorgue there. One may in springtime see the water gushing forth from the base of a really high cliff, but in autumn…no. Still, it was lovely and this late in season not over run with tourists. It was peaceful.

Now. Getting there turned into a bit of confusion. We were on the main road flying along when I spotted a sign for Fontaine de Vaucluse route touristic. We doubled back for it. Followed the signs until they stopped. Then Google maps was so confused it had us turning right where there was no street, turning wrong into a one way street. Good thing we know how to ignore bad directions. We did go through some sweet towns.

It was a good day.