ROBOTS, BIG MONEY, AND REMOTE CONTROLS: THE AGE OF PROGRESS OR LAZINESS?

A series of essays.....

MY DAUGHTER, CORINNE, AND SON-IN-LAW, MATTHEW'S GARDEN~~~
HARD WORK AND PERSISTENCE YIELDS AMAZING THINGS!

.....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Calling all scientists, freethinkers, inventors, innovators, and even the individual who came up with the application of the 'paperless airline ticket,' I have a question for you. Why do you believe that the general public requires the everyday use of robots, hands-free apparatus, and total remote control living in order to have a perfect lifestyle or perceive to be completely happy?

It's a serious question and I must have an answer.....

I am a bit conflicted, however, when our 'tech' world has created hands-free, paperless, remote orientated scenarios and yet.....we, literally, hold our cell phones in high esteem throughout our waking hours. (Pun intended.)

The ongoing pattern begins with the process of invention; clearly labeled for the 'benefit' of mankind. Then continues with the act of circulation that is closely followed by assessing the devastation while continuing to move forward at warp speed anyway, inevitably leaving collateral damage in its wake. From the first 'genetically modified plant' back in 1983 to the cultural impact that advertising has had in America, our health and welfare is paying the price every day.

We all live through this process and learn to accept it as the 'norm.' 

Some of us are fighting back, one baby step at a time, by planting our backyard gardens, minimizing the use of plastic, and taking family walks in the evenings and leaving the television in the dark.

Laziness, or the act of categorizing any physical or time consuming labor as totally worthless and avoidable, is creating a new generation of human beings that belies the adage of 'It takes hard work in order to succeed.' Our school systems have felt this crunch for years when it comes to the lack of demand for teaching basic mechanical skills to future generations of farmers, woodworkers, welders, as well as teaching the rudimentary values of running a home in an efficient manner.

Photo: Courtesy lwgsummerland.wordpress.com

The stimulus behind my train of thought was an article I had read over the weekend which guaranteed the infiltration of robots serving mankind within a large percentage of American homes. Timeline: Within the next several years. We're talking computer based, human-like figures that are there to serve us our evening cocktail (look back to the 1950's for this one), make our meals (vegan, vegetarian, or full-on meat and potatoes) and serve them to us, and clean our homes while wearing Grandma's floral print apron (nostalgic interpretation supplied by the individual owner).

Let's be honest, to a certain degree, they already do. 'Roomba' me baby! The granddaddy to later 'spin' offs of robotic vacuum cleaners that, via computer technology, rotate across the floor, ostensibly, on their own accord! Roomba was introduced in 2002.

Progress? You must decide.





From a highly practical standpoint, I will concede that several inventions throughout this modern robotic era make progressive sense. For example, bomb squad robots, and laboratory mechanical arms that handle radioactive or highly sensitive materials, robotic artificial limbs including research using electrodes to stimulate the brain and control the movement of these devices. The advantage of these robots used in the application of safety, as well as revolutionizing prosthetics has been phenomenal, saved lives, and assisted in the betterment of mankind. Money well spent!

Whenever money.....Big Money.....is involved, we will always walk a fine line between practicality and saleability: The difference being what is helpful for the consumer and how much money lines the pockets of large companies. This includes the manufacturing of drugs, their upside in helping the sick, along with the harrowing experiences of prescription drug addiction throughout this country.

ROBOTIC ARM ~  COMPUTER
PROGRAMMED TO SIMULATE HUMAN
ARM FUNCTIONS

As consumers and willing/unwilling lab rats, we have been outmaneuvered, brainwashed, and hustled for hundreds of years.

The unique power behind advertising is the manipulation of our minds and pocket books enticing us to crave things we think we need, have to own, and didn't know we couldn't live without until moments before.....! After all, "We must keep up with the Joneses," our personal neighbors and social equals.

This concept has been modified due to the economic patterns of 2008 when many of our cherished neighbors, our own family members, and social equals lost their homes, cars, and self-pride due to the misrepresentation of 'trickle down economics.' This is the rationale that when most of the money is appropriated to the top few elitists (I believe the top 2% of earners), it will trickle down to those of us in need. This has never been, nor will it ever be a good economic policy for the benefit of the Middle Class and Poor in America.

Do we think so great (or, so little) of ourselves that our time is more valuable spent doing considerably less, our body growing weaker, sicker, larger....as our mind becomes the focal point of existence and our body is, seemingly, expendable?

Don't misunderstand me....knowledge is bliss, and we send our children off to higher education so that they may learn how to become freethinking and productive citizens while navigating this highly competitive world we live in. What compromises are being made in order to do so?

What is at stake for our society today and what could we be losing in the future?

Common sense. The art of simple, basic tasks. The 'feel good' act of hard work while working up an honest sweat....not attributed to a gym workout. The art of conversation and social development. (A phone should be used to say 'hello, how are you doing?' and placed back in the cradle or on the desk.) How to read a mechanical clock or write in cursive. The appropriate and intelligent reasoning behind why we should vote in every election.

As well as, the art of saving money and investing it wisely. Etiquette, manners, and general respect for others. Basic home and automobile repairs. Learning about the law and understanding the Constitution of the United States. And, the saddest loss of all would be, the act of dealing with failure properly and learning good examples from our failures. An article in "Successful Student" says that "Learning from failure teaches tenacity, gumption, character, and makes one tougher and more capable of navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs."

Let's face the facts here.....we have so much to lose! So, put down that television remote and take the time to think about a world filled with 'reality stars' that haven't been taught the basics of life and who truly are not able to 'boil water' as our parents and grandparents used to warn us about. It's time to make the time to plant a vegetable garden with your kids and help them feed themselves, as well as their neighbors and friends. Get your hands dirty and prepare to reap the benefits from this for many lifetimes to follow.
 
We are gullible, predictable souls, always have been and always will be. After all, as the old saying goes, "We're only human."


Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved.   

FRENCH TRAVEL ~ ONE EMOTION AT A TIME, PLEASE!

A series of essays.....

DANCING IN NICE, FRANCE
ALONG THE BEACH AND THE PROMENADE
DES ANGLAIS

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Hand in hand lovers, for the moment, swirl and sway to the rhythm and beat. An ancient voice sits beside the DJ who spins the sounds of melodies composed in another era in time. The crooner attempts to keep up with the music as his cigarette dangles, precariously, from his weathered lips. The beat changes. The dancers switch partners. Heads shift from one side to another until the women's eyes rest, demurely, on their new partner. The men hold the women with respect as their bodies begin to adjust to the new rhythms of both the music and the new person within their arms.  Life's dance continues to ebb and flow just like the sea that continually swallows the etched, gray stones a few yards away.....then, predictably, recedes into the blackness of the Bay. Their recently shined dancing shoes adapt to the changes and slowly, each new couple transforms into silent lovers, for a few moments in time. Witnesses to this ancient ritual line the shadowed Promenade above the dancers, delighted by the spectacle below. Charged by the music and the constant swell of the sea, their feet tap unconsciously; their bodies miming the motions of the dancers. With slight body movements, they suggest emotions without words. Using only gestures, expression, and movement, they align with the couples down below them; absorbing the rituals of motion and life, heartbeats blend together along the large expanse of the Promenade. Individuals blend seamlessly with those around them as the dance of life repeats itself night after night.....

THE PROMENADE IN NICE

MEMORIALS TO THE INNOCENT

I have become smitten by this magical place.

Lined with palm trees, as well as its iconic blue beach chairs, perfect for people watching, the Promenade des Anglais sweeps along the coastline, stretching from the Nice Airport Côte d'Azur to the Quai des États-Unis on the east side. Just last year, France submitted the famous pathway for Unesco World Heritage status.

La Prom, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is nearly four and a half miles of 'life' itself. A Mecca for bicyclists, baby strollers, families strolling along together on a Sunday afternoon, this pathway features cabanas perfect for a slow, uncomplicated time along the Mediterranean and the deep reflective thoughts enhanced by the azure water of the Bay of Angels.

By the end of the day, 14 July, 2016, eighty-six innocent souls would be lost forever along the Promenade. Bastille Day. A time of joy and celebration for the people of France. Equivalent to our Fourth of July. A time of Pomp-and-Circumstance. Filled with ceremony, fuss, and fireworks.....

With a heavy heart, my soul sings the 'Weary Blues.'

ARLES ARENA
(AMPHITHEATER)

WITHIN THE ARLES
AMPHITHEATER

Have you ever been lost in Arles? 

Not lost in the sense that all is abandoned and there's no hope of surviving. Rather, lost in the folds of history that tend to envelope European spaces so completely, so profoundly, it pulls at your very soul. Emotionally captivated by the simple beauty that surrounds you such as narrow, cobbled streets and the profusion of flowers, potted and sprayed along iron balconies and the ancient stones of buildings and walls like colorful silken skirts protecting the secrets beneath.....you can't help but notice several large elephants in the room. 

STAGE OF THE ROMAN THEATER

ROMAN THEATER SEATING

The Roman Amphitheater (The Arena) was built at the end of the first century AD and could hold 21,000 spectators who came to witness fights and games. Built a century before the amphitheater, the Roman Theater is its imposing neighbor. Looted for centuries for its building materials, today it is once again being utilized as the magnificent theater it was meant to be. Sitting on the ancient stone slabs that have seated millions of others just like me, emotions in the form of awe and wonderment took over and for a short span of time, it was easy to lose my sense of 'self' and become a small, silent figure lost in space and time.

PORTION OF FRIEZE
FROM ROMAN THEATER

CASCADING BEAUTY

....Arles is one of the capital cities of Provence of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the south of France.

The Celebration of Friendships

"To thine own self be true," quote from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet Act 1" that describes the importance of not deceiving yourself or others by ignoring what your heart tells you. When a person is true to himself, it's easier to be true to everyone else.

Traveling to France this past September was a true homecoming of old friendships and deep emotion. We knew that going in and planned most of our trip around this idea.

DINNER WITH NADINE AT
RESTAURANT SOUS LES MICOCOULIERS
 

Nadine Fourré, a renowned French artist/sculptor, utilizes the 'Art of Balance' in all of her many works she proudly displays, not only in her hometown of Eygalieres, France, but galleries and Expos throughout Provence. She believes that everything begins feet under the water and incorporates her precious river finds of stone and driftwood into her manifestations of balance.  

While living in Japan for over twenty years and studying architectural design in Tokyo, she immersed herself in the art of "less is more" and gladly became a student of the stone gardens of Zen temples. Through a mutual friend, I met Nadine on Facebook many years ago and we became fast friends. I've written a lengthy piece about her artwork on my blog, 'Moving On...' and have always hoped to meet her in person one day.

OLIVE GROVE
EYGALIERES, FRANCE

VINEYARD NEAR EYGALIERES

Staying in Eygalieres, tucked in among the Alpilles Mountain chain and close to the banks of the Durance, the first night of our trip afforded me the opportunity to spend time with Nadine and get to know her better.

What joy in my heart! My excitement was beyond palatable like the delightful local organic Rosé we all sipped together and the petite, homegrown organic tomatoes still on the vine we nibbled on before going out to dinner under the stars. Ahh, the more wine we consumed, the more my emotions hung on my sleeve to be seen and felt by all who saw me.

CONVERSATION BEHIND
NADINE'S STONE COTTAGE

A perfect evening among new friends that will be cherished and, hopefully, repeated as the years go by. Thank you, Nadine, for showing us how beautiful and kind your world is. I promise to keep this feeling within me forever.....

LE VERGER

BREAKFAST

Next stop.....Le Verger, a charming Bed & Breakfast in the Luberon area of Provence that is owned and personally operated by our friends, Daniele and Jean-Philippe Rossi. I have often written about this magical place we were so kindly introduced to seven years ago. These amazing people have become more like family to us than we could have ever imagined upon that first meeting.

Having slipped through the 'surly bonds' of jet lag the night before and survived, we were looking forward to spending two nights at Le Verger seeped in informative and friendly conversation, the surrounding beauty of the Vaucluse, and copious amounts of Daniele's delicious croissants and homemade jams and jellies. We were not disappointed.

FRIENDSHIP

Daniele met us, arms wide and welcoming, as soon as we pulled in. With many tears of joy and delight shed by all of us, we felt as though we'd arrived back home.

The first evening there, we were told that we were having a home cooked dinner with yet another couple who had become friends of Daniele and Jean-Philippe around ten years ago when they assisted in helping to pick olives in the orchard at Le Verger. Anne, originally from London, married Jean-Claude, a Frenchman, and lived and raised their children in France. With Anne speaking excellent French, as well as English, Daniele reasoned that we would enjoy hearing English spoken and that Anne would have a chance to use her native language once again.

Our conversation leaned heavily towards American politics as they were, naturally, interested in our personal reactions to one of the most unprecedented Presidential elections in the history of the United States. On the other hand, we learned about French politics, as well, and were intrigued by the frank openness and general diversity of the four French citizens we listened to. At this point, Dan and I knew we had been welcomed into the fold with open arms.

OBLIGATORY SELFIE WITH
DANIELE & JEAN-PHILIPPE

Our two days swiftly flew by when we found ourselves saying good-bye once again. Vowing it would not be another seven years before we meet again and extending our open invitation for them to see us in Orlando, we waved a bientôt to two of the most giving, patient, and loving people we know. 

The roller coaster of emotions within that two day period was, in itself, amazing, exhilarating, and exhausting as time rolled on. I can remember wiping away my tears for many miles down the roads of the French countryside as we made our way to Arles for the night.....

David..David..David!

What can I say? We have been friends with David for so long now that the many years in between our last visit together gently slid by all of us. There was so much life, love, and happiness sandwiched neatly between then and now that it seems ridiculously wonderful to know that we didn't lose out or miss something along the way. And, I liberally give kudos to Facebook for helping to make this happen.

DAVID ~ HAPPY FACES ~ OPEN HEARTS

Dan and I believed in the beginning that we'd have enough time during this trip to slide down to Barcelona, Spain, explore the exotic wonders of Gaudi architecture including the Sagrada Familia, the intricate Basilica that is one of Gaudi's greatest works, and visit David and Ray for a day or two. Eventually, we realized we just could not stretch our time in order to make this work out.

Fortunately, David came up with a feasible plan and asked if the four of us could meet in the small French resort town of Collioure north of the French and Spanish border and have dinner together. We would be coming down after a three night stay in Pieusse, a small village just south of Carcassonne where we had celebrated our wedding anniversary. 

COLLIOURE HARBOR

As time transpired, we found a room for the night in Collioure with the anticipation of driving all the way back to Nice the following day. David surprised us by booking a room at La Bona Casa, as well. Finally, Dan and I were going to get to meet Ray and see David again after all this time. David and Ray were married in Spain and will soon celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. 

CARCASSONNE, FRANCE

Ray McCall, you wily one. You slipped by us once again due to your work schedule. Now we must wait to see that handsome face of yours in person either in Florida or when we are fortunate to be able to visit Barcelona in the future.

Sipping wine along the beach front in Collioure with David and Dan, I realized the unexpected paths our life can take. Would I have thought that we'd be spending time with Mr. Ackley in France, wine glass in hand, with the beauty of this resort town behind us and the Mediterranean Sea stretched out so richly before us? 

The slight drizzle motivated us to seek out a place for dinner and we found a perfect spot outside and only a block away from our hotel. By then the rain had subsided and we ordered more wine and beer and ample food that turned out to be quite delicious. At one point, we were laughing very boisterously and with good cheer and that night, before going to bed, I realized I'd lost one of my favorite earrings. Even the next day when we retraced our steps and couldn't find the earring, I knew I could not let it bother me after having enjoyed such a wonderful time.

DAVID IN FRONT
OF OUR HOTEL

Enjoying our coffee and croissants the next morning was bittersweet for all of us. David would soon be driving back south, picking-up his two adorable dogs and bringing them back to his flat with Ray returning from his trip in a few days time. We had a much longer day in the car as we, reluctantly, packed the rental car and headed to the beautiful city of Nice for our last evening in France.

We miss you, David. We miss the laughter and excellent wine. We miss the political discussions with the three of us knowing how to keep America as great as it always has been. But, most of all, we miss you. Until we are blessed to see you again....much love and peace.

WINE EQUALS ~ JOY

JAMBON ET FROMAGE
AVEC BAGUETTE ~ LOVE

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER ~ THURSDAY NIGHT BOOKCLUB

A series of essays and chats.....

COFFEE AND CROISSANTS WITH HOMEMADE CONFITURE
LE VERGER - CHAMBRES d'HOTES EN PROVENCE
GORDES, FRANCE

.....as seen through my eyes!




"The most important thing in all human relationships is conversation, but people don’t talk anymore, they don’t sit down to talk and listen. They go to the theater, the cinema, watch television, listen to the radio, read books, but they almost never talk."

~~~Paulo Coelho, Author

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

From time to time, our neighborhood friends meet at the corner coffeehouse to relax, sip their favorite brew or concoction, and warm-up their hands and hearts....together!

Some might think of their meeting as a 'cleansing' or 'purification of the soul.' Even though they may share similar backgrounds and values, their ideas and opinions are as diverse and variable as the weather outside of the little shop.

Let's grab a cup of our own, take a comfortable seat, sit back and listen to what today's chapter of "Coffeehouse Chatter" has to offer.....

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL LE BELVEDERE
ARLES, FRANCE

Six interesting and unique ladies meet once a month at their local coffeehouse to discuss their latest read, current events, careers, and discover for themselves just how strong and opinionated they can be. Let's take a sip and listen in on tonight's discussion.

MANDY: Good evening, ladies!! I have one thing to say.....well, two. I need my coffee and, congratulations America! We have officially reached a brand new low.....!

JANIS: Don't get started on politics already, Mandy. We're here to discuss our latest book.

ROSIE: I'll have to agree with Janis on this one. The evening's too short and I'm not feeling mean spirited enough to tackle the political scene right now. (Cheshire Cat smile on her face)

JANIS: Thank you, Rosie.

SABINE: (Sporting her pleasing French accent) Oh, but please.... I did not comprehend this book at all!!! But, being French, I do know a bit about the politics.

JOAN: We're sorry, Sabine. I was so hoping that we could secure a copy of 'the book' in French for you.

SABINE: It is okay. But, I was not pleased with the main character. He was a nasty, hateful man who did not understand women at all. He could never capture my heart.

MANDY: (Returning with her Mocha Latte) Ahhh! I hear we have begun our discussion about DJT after all? And now, he's calling for a Revolution against the Republican Party and many high ranking party members. What an ignorant, disgusting man! If his original intent was to obliterate the Conservative Party, I can almost feel the vibrations from the impending implosion while sitting here.

JOAN: My students talk about our political status for most of our hour together and I duly encourage it. I feel that they are, at least, aware of what this election year is all about and offer their opinions even though they won't be able to vote themselves for a few years. They'll be more likely to vote, I hope, because of our discussions. I'm proud of them.

JANIS: I agree! If they begin understanding early on, they will be more involved in their future.

ROSIE: Dana, you're awfully quiet tonight. Have you gotten something to drink yet? Are you feeling okay?

DANA: I'm fine.

MANDY: We've all agreed to turn our cell phones off for, at least, an hour tonight and Dana's not too happy about it.

DANA: Nope. That's not it, exactly. It's been a long, difficult week at work. That's all.

SABINE: Oh, ma chère. This is not a good thing for you. Such unhappiness.

ROSIE: Want to talk about it?

DANA: Well, it's just that I feel like the only adult among a world filled with children. I'm walking on eggshells around the office because politics has become such a taboo right now. Nobody wants to 'rock the boat' and anger co-workers. Unlike your open-minded class, Joan. But then, I was inclined not to come to the bookclub tonight for fear of having to talk about everything that's happening. Somehow, I knew that Mandy would come through. Bingo! And, by the way, I did read 'the book' for tonight, too.

JANIS: Back when I was a much younger woman, we ladies would be relegated to the kitchen or someplace else if the men began talking politics. We didn't care to talk about it anyway.

ROSIE: Don't be silly..... First of all, you aren't that old. That was our Mother's generation who felt that way. Secondly, our generation was caught in the middle of this debate: Whether to be passive or aggressive about what was going on in the world around us.

SABINE: I am interested in learning your excitement of having a female President for the first time. This is a wonderful possibility for you, yes?

MANDY: I believe I speak for most of us here when I say that this is an amazing possibility for all women.....or, at least it should be. Breaking through the "Glass Ceiling" has been a monumental feat for Hillary. Right?

(Nods all around)

MANDY: But, I also think that having one of the strongest women I know, as well as one of the most knowledgeable, as our first female nominee has been encouraging for me.

DANA: Many women say that you shouldn't vote for someone due to their gender alone.

JOAN: That's what Mandy is saying, Dana. She's so much more than a female representative fighting for the Presidency. She's smart, tough, and willing to put all of herself out there for many of the right reasons. Nobody I know has ever questioned having a man run for office.....why question a highly competent woman?

JANIS: I see her as a threat.

ROSIE: A threat to whom, Janis?

JANIS: To many closed-minded men out there who cannot foresee being led by or governed by a woman. Come on.....we all know it's true!! My mother couldn't  make important household decisions without my father's approval because he felt superior to her instead of equal. This feeling, whether we admit it or not, still exists today.

MANDY: Unfortunately, that's so true.

SABINE: I see what all of you are saying. I learn more each day about American society. But, I have one question. Are we ever going to talk about 'the book' tonight?

MANDY: Probably not, Sabine. But, hey! We all know how important 'the book' has been for all of us tonight.

JOAN, JANIS, ROSIE, & DANA: Yes we do!

MANDY: That book has brought us together to drink coffee, open up about how we feel, and take a load off of our minds.....right, Dana? That book opened up conversations we don't often have at home or work. All in all, the book has been enlightening for all of the above reasons tonight!

JOAN: As the great author, Paulo Coelho, once stated, "If we want to change the world, we have to go back to a time when warriors would gather around a fire and tell stories." So, it's a candle in the middle of our table instead....it works!

SABINE: Oh, what a great book, even though the main character is a dirty old man, yes?

MANDY: Okay, ladies; coffee down and cell phones at the ready. On the count of three....turn them back on!

ROSIE: Love you all! (Hugs and Kisses all around) I will post 'the next book' title online tomorrow! Have a great evening.....! And, drive safely, sweet friends.

MORE COFFEE, PLEASE!!

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

HALLOWEEN DREAMIN' ON SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PROVENCAL DAY

 

A series of essays.....

GIANT TURQUOISE GATE BECKONING US INSIDE
SAINT VEREDEME CEMETERY, EYGUIERES, FRANCE

.....as seen through my eyes!




By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

It's difficult to imagine asking a tour bus driver to stop the vehicle each time you'd like to create a photo-op in a lonely, out of the way cemetery. That's not in their contract! Nor would you expect this to happen for anyone else on the tour. This is one reason why we drive ourselves through Europe....

Renting a car in France is one of our 'treats' and it isn't as overwhelming or expensive as you might think.

We surf through as many companies as we can, read all of the fine print (very important), and decide what size of car we require each time around. Then, we pre-order our selection, knowing that we have the flexibility of changing it or dropping it altogether, if need be, right before the trip.

RENAULT CAPTUR

All Rental Car Companies vary with regard to how large of a deposit is required once the car is picked-up. They say it is to make sure that funds are available when you eventually pay for your rental car. The amount can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 on your credit card and, even though this deposit is taken off within two to three days of your total rental period, it can and does tie-up your spending money right off the start!

As my husband will attest to, I am notorious for having him bring our car to a complete stop in a matter of a few seconds if I see a possible photo worth taking. And, while traveling through Europe, this action could add up to numerous stops very quickly. So, just a couple of weeks ago......

......as we were leaving our friends, Nadine and Jean-Michel, in Eygalieres after a memorable evening of good friendship, wine, delicious Provençal fare, and lively conversations regarding the local art culture and the Exposition they were both involved in as local artists themselves, we headed south.

We were navigating the small roads that wind through the Chaine des Alpilles, a small range of low mountains in Provence located about twelve miles south of Avignon, when we found ourselves entering the village of Eyguieres on the Avenue Saint Veredeme.

"Please stop!" I asked as one of the most beautiful areas popped up  before our eyes while rounding a curve in the road heading into the small town. The large, multi-tiered area, appropriately entitled 'Saint Veredeme Cemetery,' was uncannily situated next to a small arena which featured local bullfighting.

GATE OF BULLFIGHTING ARENA

PEEKING INSIDE

ARENA AS SEEN FROM TOP
TERRACE OF CEMETERY

BILLBOARD OUTSIDE
OF THE ARENA

Parking our car, we initially scrutinized the arena taking several great shots. Then, we walked across the road to the cemetery where the large, turquoise gates invited us in. After entering, I did look back over my shoulder several times to see if the single, open gate was going to creak shut and lock behind us.

French cemeteries always intrigue me and we never fail to capture at least one each visit there. For the most part, they are beautiful, well kept, and steeped in the history of the people who inhabit them. Their living relatives and friends do everything they can to keep the legacy of the local departed very much alive! They were parents, young children, teachers, shop keepers, grandparents, and farmers who worked the soil nearby that we were so blessed to drive through that day.

VIEW OF THE TOWN OF EYGUIERES
AS SEEN FROM TOP OF CEMETERY

ANCIENT AQUEDUCT

AMAZING PROVENCE COLOR

Intricately terraced and bathed in the intense glow of the early afternoon sunlight, I could almost imagine being in Paris and winding my way through Pere Lachaise Cemetery which contains the graves of the notable and famous. In this area of the country, I am certain that everyone buried in this cemetery was notable and famous in his or her own right.

Even though we knew we were expected at Le Verger, Chambres d'Hotes en Provence in the Luberon area near the town of Gordes that afternoon, we must have been in the cemetery for at least an hour. It was so large that we still hadn't walked its entire area before passing back out of the blue iron gate.

Wind tossed and warm from the sun, we slowly marched back in front of the arena and wondered how many bullfighters had taken up residence next door throughout the years.

With the Halloween holiday looming around the corner, our escapade through Saint Veredeme Cemetery recharged our feelings for excitement and adventure. It was only our second day in the beautiful south of France and, following many, "Please stops!" along the road that day, we pulled into Le Verger with the smiling faces of our dear friends, Daniele and Jean-Philippe Rossi greeting  us...


Views of our trek through the Saint Veredeme Cemetery.....















Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved