Vacation - Part 1

For the past 11 days, I spent some of my summer holiday with Vincent in lovely France. It has been great. First part of our vacation we drove around the area of Champagne, visiting vineyards and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

These are pictures from Épernay, which we visited on my birthday (a Sunday). A town that I quite liked even though it was small enough that all the bakeries would close around 2. At this point we were still strolling around town and checking out all the impressive houses at Rue de Champagne, where some of the major Champagne producers have tasting houses. So no birthday cake for me this year. (have to admit, I didn't miss out on pastry in the end)

One of the thing I found really charming was that right where the town ended, you would go straight into the vineyards. Afterwards, we drove around the area, but more about that later.

Studio Visit - Paul

Today I visited Paul in his new studio - which was very photographable - placed in a backyard in Kreuzberg in a charming old industrial building amongst lots of greens and little oases to take a break. I can't deny I had a tiny case of studio envy when I left to enjoy the sun while walking home.

Our Little Green Friends

Right now, our home is a bit in a state of chaos. Doing some house renovation, that I can't wait to be over with. Meanwhile, I take comfort in all our plants which are thriving at the moment.

Coffee with Marie

The other day I met Marie for a coffee at The Barn's roastery. We spend some time in the huge window talking to the sound of the machines working in the background.

Empty Streets

Yesterday we went to a different part of town, where we took another Sunday stroll. The streets were almost empty of cars and people. Everyone must have gone for a long weekend somewhere else or stayed inside hibernating now that winter has decided to return. It does feel pretty weird to have to wear my winter jacket again, after being in sandals and short sleeves only last week. I could definitely hide inside under a blanket with a cup of tea until summer comes back. But the long walk did us good, and I have enjoyed these past Sunday walks, where we have discovered new neighborhoods, and I am beginning to figure out a little bit more, how the city is connected.