MY SECOND EPISODE OF THE VILLAGE DIARIES.
Yesterday saw us vanquish the DIY list and begin to really enjoy our new old house and the village we call home. We were fortunate to grab an early coffee at home before wandering approximately 50 meters down the lane to the wonderful annual antique fair. Place Gambetta played host to 40 plus vendors and all of their wares. Everything from French Army officers swords in scabbards to wonderful children’s toys and everything in between. Our big purchase was a hanging mirror for the basement bathroom. I would describe it as having a nautical bent. It was the right size and shape and we aren’t too far to the Med as the crow flies if anyone questions our taste. We really enjoyed wandering from stall to stall. Its common place to see everyone still wearing facemarks at these events in France. No-one questions it and to be truthful it makes me feel just a little safer.
Today has been wonderful. Given our lack of chores at home we decided to grab an early espresso from Frederic at Cafe St. Antione and while enjoying the view from our table we hatched a plan to make this an adventure. This morning we will drive about 15 minutes across the valley to the Northeast and visit St. Saturnin Les Apt. This village began its life in the 11th century with the construction of the castle above the now dammed lake you see above. The castle provided the safety and peace of mind that people of that period required to go about their day. Things stayed like that for several hundred years before the confines of the ramparts could no longer accommodate the expanding population and locals began to build their new homes further down the hill where present day S.S.L.A currently sits in all its glory. As in prior posts I will now show you some images of the village with hopes that you can sense the vibe and soak up the morning sun from wherever in the world you are.
Those readers who don’t mind a bit of the old Tour de France on TV will immediately recognise the four most important race jerseys adorned on the local windmill.. No doubt helicopters covering the race would have captured this effort by villagers to showcase St. Saturnin Les Apt as the race was in full swing a couple of weeks ago. The village itself wants for nothing and in fact punches well above its weight with the local amenities it has, including a small hospital as well as municipal sports facilities combining a beautiful pool with courts for all sports. Each staple business the French require in a village is also to be found here. Sometimes these shops can even be found in duplicate. This windfall brings with it both choice and healthy competition to the game. Butchers, bakers, and restaurants are thick on the ground and that is fantastic for all who live here as well as those visiting from near or far.
Not unlike our last village stop in Goult, the locals here in St. Saturnin Les Apt are also house proud and it shows as you wander the narrow streets. Whether it be the ornate front doors or the color schemes chosen to make their house just a little different to the neighbours, it is all done with taste and considerable thought.
Our walk through the narrow streets and back lanes of St. Saturnin Les Apt was worth every step and it has become quite special to me over the last few hours.
When we eventually grew tired and our feet needed a rest we took at seat a local hotel and ordered a coffee to get us through the remainder of the morning. The young man that served us was very well presented and multi lingual as most young people seem to be here.
My biggest regret is not applying myself when I had the opportunity to master a second language at school. That being said, I am enjoying learning online. Then comes putting it into practice at shops or with neighbours on a daily basis.
Since the travel bug bit hard 20 years ago I have constantly tried to improve my language skills. I never assume that English is spoken everywhere I travel.
I have made a point to never wittingly act like a clown while abroad. Now this spectacle comes to town and could change all that for good. All I want to do is run away with it and be the biggest clown I can possibly be.
It’s either clown or mime. Mime’s are cool too, no? Mimes aren’t annoying and weird are they? It’s a tough decision. Both are French institutions.
Sadly, in reality neither can happen. The first rule in getting a long stay resident visa in France is to declare in front of a notary that you promise never to take up employment here. Yes, those are the tears of a frustrated and unfulfilled clown you hear falling on the keyboard of my laptop.
I hope you have enjoyed this small glimpse of another one of our neighbouring villages. It was our pleasure to wander around it this morning and I hope you enjoy the images that hopefully go some distance to show you what could be on offer when you visit. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or would like to see and read more of the same from different venues throughout the Luberon Valley.
Live well!
Mark
p.s. all images taken with the Leica Q2 and Leica M10-R.
