A Weekend in Pictures # 23

This past weekend it was time to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind and escape to the countryside for some breakfast. Less that a 30 minutes drive away from Cape Town lays a little town gem called Philadelphia. With only one tarred road and Victorian houses, its just perfect. What makes this town even more special for me is that it use to be the home of my favorite South African artist, Pieter van der Westhuizen.

On Sunday we took the scenic drive to pretty Philadelphia to walk through the dusty roads, shop in the tiny shops, eat the yummiest breakfast and then, dear readers, I became the proud owner of my very own favorite Pieter van der Westhuizen print. Ecstatic doesn't begin to describe it!

What a lucky girl I am, to be so loved!

Lovely Lyon

Being proudly South African, it was just right that I should go check out the only  place in France named after lions. Right? Well, I wasn't sorry at all. Smaller than Paris but still a city, I was completely in my element amongst the old houses, beautiful cathedrals and rivers running through this beautiful city. Lyon also has one of the nicest museums I've ever been to. If you are ever in the area, the Musee des Beaux Arts is really something worth seeing.

After the mad rush of Paris, trying to fit everything I wanted to see in 4 days, Lyon was a calm refuge. My days were spend enjoying coffee and pastries in the abundance of bakeries, walking through the old parts of the city, shopping at H&M (which I love but sadly don't have here in South Africa), visiting beautiful parks, shopping at outdoor markets and eating some more. No surprise when I came back home a full 3 kg heavier. But Lyon was lovely, and I was sad to say goodbye to this lovely city with its two rivers, little cobble stone streets, lovely vibe and all the pastries.

Provence stole my heart.

 

 

Paris was wonderful but it was Provence that stole my heart.

For a die-hard city girl it came as quite a surprise when I fell head over heels in love with this magical countryside and it's castles, half-build bridges, sandstone towns build on top of hills and cities enclosed by a 1000 year old walls.

I could definitely live in a place where lace curtains adorn sash windows, lunch and dinners are enjoyed in the town square under the trees and everything is within walking distance.

 

 

Lately,

I've been planning...lessons, healthy eating plans and the coming summer vacation.
I've been eating....salads. Summer is around the corner and after gaining 3kg in France, it's time to make a plan. I blame it on French croissants and chocolate pancakes...and I am not sorry at all!
I've been dreaming about.... a white Christmas.
I've been splurging  on.... veterinary expenses. Not as fun as shoes but it needed to be done.
I've been reading... a biography by the Surrealist photographer Lee Miller. I picked it up at a book sale for next to nothing and not knowing what to expect, I am pleasantly entertained.
I've been wearing....cardigans. Its time to pack away the coats and I cannot be happier  that summer is on the way
I've discovered.... the joys of owning an IPhone. Addicted already? Perhaps.
I've been struggling with.... hay fever. Spring is here!
I've been happy about... a gifted Siamese kitten who came crawling into my heart!
I've been inspired by.... .blossoms that is everywhere to be seen and French simplicity.
I've been indulging in ..... Earl Grey tea and early nights.
I've been creative... with my new favorite discovery, Instagram.

Hello France! Hello Paris!

So it is time to face the facts and admit to myself that I am bad at this blogging thing. Terrible really! Its been more than a month since I've last blogged. In my defence though, I've been a bit busy lately getting aquinted with France, eating croissants, climbing the Eiffel tower and exploring my way through many museums.