A FARMHOUSE IN PROVENCE - AMAZING BASTIDE AMONG THE VINES - A BUCKET LIST MUST

After three beautiful days and nights in the great city of Paris, we took a high speed train with a cruising speed of 145 MPH. It was like riding on a soft cloud. I've always said, the Europeans have the food thing and the train thing figured out. And, best of all, it's cheap - $25 for a 2.5 hour trip from Paris to Avignon. After arrival, we rented a car to get around Avignon. We stayed in the beautiful small B&B, Lumani, which, unfortunately has closed. 

A Swiss architect and his wife, an accomplished artist, converted a large courtyard house into a small, intimate hotel. Our room was four star all the way. I understand they closed it in order to open another hotel in the Provencial countryside a short drive from Avignon. While I cannot give a recommendation, because we never stayed there, if they run it like they did the smaller place, I am sure it will be excellent. To check it out just click THE SUZET. Unfortunately, it's not cheap. So I would spend some time finding other places that have that amazing sense of European quality for less money. I highly recommend staying in Avignon for at least two nights. From 1306 - 1376 Avignon was the center of the Roman Catholic Papacy. This beautiful ancient city has many fascinating historic buildings and, like all places in France, you can have some of the best food you will ever eat. And, like virtually all of Provence, they have numerous small, intimate hotels at reasonable rates.

LA BASTIDE DE MARIE - ROMANCE AMONG THE VINES

We drove the short one hour through the beautiful countryside to one of the most unique places we have ever stayed - La Bastide de Marie. The best description of this fascinating place comes from their web site:

"Nestling in the heart of a 57 acre vineyard, The Bastide de Marie is a haven of peace where life is good. This Provencial bastide comprises 15 guest rooms, each designed with a unique decor, where you will find the perfect coolness and finesse. When in the lounge areas overlooking the vineyards or in the vicinity of the gardens or pools, just go with the flow and be rewarded with simple moments of happiness."

As we drove up to the entrance of this country farmland hotel, there was a man, wearing a Fedora hat, who was the concierge. He reminded me of the famous French actor Maurice Chevalier. He greeted us in English, though he was clearly French. Two bellman appeared from nowhere to unload and take our luggage to our room. As we checked in, we were asked if we would need anything and we said we were fine. Once checked in, we found ourselves wandering around this beautiful old farmhouse that had been restored and converted to a small, intimate country bastide, complete with comfortable beds, big bathrooms and incredible views of the beautiful Provencial countryside. And the price, while not cheap, is not over the top.

This well designed small hotel is perfect for any vagabond that wants to just enjoy a few days relaxing in this artistically influenced environment, drink some great wine and enjoy fabulous food at their restaurant. Sitting on the terrace with the one you love and taking in the views and the essence of this beautiful region of France is truly exceptional. To give you a taste of what the place is like, take a look at the short video below.

So, get busy today - Put this one on your Bucket List. Every vagabond traveler should see Provence and their is no better place to to take it all in than Bastide de Marie.

Grands Voyages Dans Provence

D.L.Stafford
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DO YOU HAVE YOUR BUCKET LISTS READY MY FELLOW VAGABONDS?

My fellow travelers, Christmas is just around the corner. If you don't have your Bucket List of places you have always dreamed of going with your significant other, your current lover, your  family, etc. etc. etc., then you best get busy. Just as Christmas is a mere five-six weeks away. April and May will be here before you can say andiamo (let's go). April-May and September-October are the best times of year to travel, particularly in Europe. Fewer crowds, good temps and cheaper rates.

Travel planning requires a lot of research and time to get it right, unless you have a lot of money and you're lazy. I have an ongoing discussion with some close family members about cruises. If you want to get on a boat with 3,000 of your closest friends, sleep in a room designed for Wizard of Oz extras, land in a port and go shopping for chachi that you could probably get at Walmart or in Gatlinburg, then get on. I must say, in all honesty, I have never been on a cruise. However, I have spent many hours studying that method of travel and every single time I say absolutely NO!!!

My preference has always been to go where Vagabond Souls must go to see the beautiful, the real and the unknown places. Places I have never been or places I fell in love with before and have a need to see them again. And, of course, critical to the success of any travel plan is finding those places to relax and lay your weary head after you've gotten lost numerous times. Taking the road less traveled is always the best policy, even with numerous U-turns. As one anonymous traveler said - Travel is the joy of never actually getting there. That was paraphrased, but you get the point.. This blog will always be about helping you, my fearless reader, figure out where to sleep, where to eat and what to see in your Vagabond searching for meaning. Really, when you get down to it, that's what travel is. It's not just about having a good trip. It's also about seeing different cultures and allowing those cultures, their traditions and their people to change your thinking about the world and life.

So, I thought it would be a good idea to start this little RANDOM BUCKET LIST thing with some places I, along with my wife and soul mate, Susie, and my family have been in the good old USA and across the pond.

FIRST UP - FRANCE
Let's start with the joys, the food, the people and the amazing beauty of the most visited country in the world - France. I must say right up front, do NOT believe all those Ugly Americans that say Paris is a horrible place and Parisians hate Americans. We found Paris, its museums, its architecture and its people to be utterly amazing.

Most travelers to France focus on the great city of Paris. With its history, its museums, its architecture, ancient and modern, its food and its people, it is a city that must be experienced. I would recommend at least three days and nights just to see the big things like the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1889 World's Fair, and was supposed to be torn down after the exposition. It was viewed as the ugliest building in Paris when built, but, became the symbol of this great city.

Other places to see in Paris will allow you to see some of the greatest and most famous artwork ever created. First up - The Louvre. The museum has one of the most priceless paintings by the master Leonardo da Vinci - The Mona Lisa. This painting is considered to be one of the most valuable paintings ever created by the renown Leonardo. And, as you would expect, it has had an existence of controversy and intrigue. Of  course the Louvre has so many great works of art you could spend many days there and never take it all in.

There are many museums to see in this amazing city of great architecture and art. I would highly recommend The Centre Pompidou. Spending a day in the Pompidou, which displays mostly modern works, will be a completely pleasurable experience.

We flew into Charles De Gaulle Airport, the second busiest airport in Europe, and, in my humble opinion, the most poorly designed and confusing. But, once you're out of the maze of the airport, the beauty of Paris will unfold. It is truly an amazing city. Unlike other big cities, it does not have tall buildings in its center, which makes it a unique place to walk or stop at a sidewalk cafe for coffee or a light snack. The romance of this great city is around every corner. We have a vivid memory of going for a walk after an early evening meal, turning a corner and seeing the brilliantly lighted Eiffel before us - Amazing! Once you walk the famed Champs Elysees and see its monumental Arc de Triumphe you will get some  idea of the artistic influence of this great city.

There are hundreds of small boutique hotels to choose from all over Paris. We stayed at the Hotel Mayet within easy walking distance of The Eiffel Tower and many other attractions. While there, we had the pleasure of eating next door at a small restaurant and sat next to an American pilot who lives in Paris. His take on Paris was fascinating and his love of this great city was evident. This particular hotel only has twenty four rooms. Perfect size for this vagabond. The staff was always friendly and helpful in their recommendations on how to get around and the best restaurants. And, best of all, you can get a room for between 125-180 euro per night. 

That's my take on Paris. If you have never been, add it to your Bucket List today and make your reservations soon. Just to get yourself motivated to visit this fabulous world class city, enjoy an excellent video on the top ten things to do in Paris. Juste Aller! And of course, the rest of France and the always beautiful region of Provence must be experienced as well. In future posts, I will bring you some thoughts on the rest of this magnificent country.

And one last thing, it's only eleven days until December 1, the beginning of this year's Top 25 2019 Christmas Countdown. I have searched high and low to find many new tunes for your enjoyment. In the meantime, GET BUSY - PARIS IS WAITING!!

Bon Voyage!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

SOME VERY GOOD ADVICE FOR VAGABONDS WHO WANT SIMPLE

Since we are heading into serious travel time, I thought my fellow Nomads might want some good advice on what, how and why to use only a Carry- On Bag when you travel afar. This is an excellent article on how to do that and avoid long check in lines and the worrisome trip to pick up your checked bag. If you have ever landed and your checked bag is nowhere to be found, like my bag on our trip to Greece, you know of what I speak. It was really not fun and very stressful. And it costs me about fifty dollars in cab fares to go pick up my bag at the Athens Airport. 

This traveler/writer used only a Carry-On for a trip that included nine countries. In any book, that's impressive. She tells you how to do it from buying the right luggage, what to carry and how to pack all your clothes and other important stuff the modern Vagabond must have.  My guess, it's probably much simpler for men. As usual, the females in our lives have more to deal with. But that's a long and complicated subject for another day. 

So just click below to read one well informed opinion on the simpler way to travel with only a Carry On Bag:

I TRAVELED THROUGH NINE COUNTRIES WITH JUST A CARRY-ON - AND I'M NEVER CHECKING A BAG AGAIN

Happy Trails To You and Pack Light

d.l.tafford
thenomadARCHITECT

And just a quick packing lesson from the one and only Mr. Bean. Enjoy.

A QUICK RANDOM VAGABOND ALERT TODAY - SOME ADVICE FROM A TRAVEL PRO

OK. Travel Season is heating up. So, I found this interesting article with advice from a seasoned veteran of the skies. Checking luggage, reading material, checking into your room? He covers these things and some other itemsfor Vagabonds that carry way too much stuff, etc., etc. etc.!! From Travel & Leisure Magazine in an interview with Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson some things to think about before and during your next trip around the world or down the road.

So just click on the link to get some simple, quality advice from a guy that travels over 200 days a year -

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/marriott-ceo-arne-sorenson-tips?did=357935-20190401&utm_campaign=just-in_newsletter&utm_source=travelandleisure.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=040119&cid=357935&mid=19810731261

In the mean time -  "Don't listen to what they say. Go see." - Anonymous

And for a humorous take on International Travel, here's a clip of Jim Gaffigan doing his thing.



Happy Trails & Pack Light

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

RANDOM VAGABOND ALERT - FOR SERIOUS VAGABONDS AND NOMADS ONLY - A LITTLE HELP GETTING ALL YOUR STUFF IN

OK - If you travel a good bit, you know and I know that you can't ever fit EVERYTHING you need in your Carry On or your Checked Bag. So today's important information is delivered to you courtesy of  Travel & Leisure Magazine entitled You've Been Rolling Your Clothes All Wrong. Here's the Correct Way to Do It.  Just click and watch the video and you will become an overnight packing expert.

It may take a little extra time to roll everything the way the T&L experts say, but, think about how cool it will be if you can get it all in and, when you get to your room, your stuff isn't wrinkled.

We are getting to Springtime, so it's time to get out the Bucket List, plan and just go. We've already planned a three day sojourn to a winery/hotel/spa only four hours  from God's Country in late March. I'll report on what appears to be an amazing winery, hotel and spa in North Georgia when we return. So, in the meantime, get packing and save yourself some time and wrinkles using the expert advice from T&L. Otherwise you may end up like this guy - Non-Vagabond Way To Pack.

Happy Trails and Remember - Travel To New Places Makes It All Better!

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

RANDOM VAGABOND ALERT - LUCILLA SHOW ME SOME LOVE

This quick post is for people within an easy drive to the capital of God's Country - Tallahassee, Florida. I have to share this alert to cool people, foodies and people who will not settle. February 14, 2019 - Valentines Day - I took the love of my life to eat at a great little restaurant that we were impressed with  some months ago. And all I can say, beyond any shadow of any doubt - If you want a great, romantic meal then put this small boutique restaurant that serves passionately prepared food and great wine, with incredible service, on your bucket list. Even the name is cool - LUCILLA, a simple bistro with a simple concept - Serve amazing food with great service.

Just to get your mouth prepared here was our menu:

Bread - Incredible bread hot and tasty.

Calamari - Like I have never tasted with a sauce that only a well educated culinary artist could prepare.

Wedge Salad - So big my bride ordered it for her main dish. She is still talking about it. Most restaurants do not know how to make a really good wedge salad, but these guys are pros.

Fried Oysters - I am not an oyster fan, but, Susie is. Her take - Perfezionare!!! These perfect oysters were served with roasted tomatoes & a killer sauce.

Shrimp & Grits - OMG - I have had shrimp & grits from North Carolina to South Florida and they all fall short compared to the delicately fried shrimp and Low Country Grits in Lucilla's heavenly dish.

Wine - It doesn't get any better than a nice French Bordeaux. We took the small amount remaining home and finished it. If that's not to your liking, they have a nice sampling of other great wines to choose from.

And the prices for this great little culinary experience are not too bad, especially when you are trying to impress the one you love or just having a special meal with family and friends

So, don't ponder - Call, make a reservation and enjoy a meal to die for at this very cool little place serving some of the best food you will ever have.

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf

Eat Well My Fellow Vagabonds,

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

FEBRUARY 14 - THE DAY OF LOVE HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE ANCIENT ROME

It's Valentines Day Week  my fellow vagabonds. And I know that all of the cynics in the world think that Valentines Day is just another marketing ploy to get people, mostly men, to buy stuff for the one they love. Well - Not so fast my friend(s). Valentines Day dates back long before Hallmark and Pro Flowers started making big bucks on this holiday that is celebrated in one of the worst weather months on the calendar. Maybe that's the point. Sharing your love with your soul mate makes you focus on the good and forget about the lousy weather. To keep things simple, here is a quote from Encyclopedia Britannica:

"Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century."

There are many questions that couples have to ask and answer for this blessed day and its importance or lack thereof in our romantic lives.

First and foremost. Are you going to take the one you love and go somewhere? It doesn't need to be far or exotic. Plus, there are many other days in the year that lend themselves to  couples going to the next place on their bucket lists. A recent survey for Travelocity said that 56 percent of respondents currently in a relationship believe that travel for V-Day is a good idea. However, it also stated that only 30 percent of those questioned have ever been on a couples only trip. Doesn't sound like they are taking their own advice does it? We decided against going anywhere for Valentines due to weather and other demands on our time. I know, pretty lame. Sorry, I loathe this time of year here in God's country.

Make sure you at least take your one and only to a great place for dinner and show them how much you love them all day and every day. Or have a serious Valentines Night and prepare a gourmet meal at home with all the candles, music and love that your one and only deserves. . I have written four poems to the most amazing creature in my life. The fourth one will be given to her in the morning. We met and fell in love in 1969. She is way above my station. God looked down and said - OK my son, you are NOT worthy, but, sometimes I help those that can't help themselves. And The Man Upstairs hit a home run for sure. I still have dreams about her and what she has meant in my life. We have two amazing kids who, along with dear old dad,  have absolute proof she hung the sun, moon and stars. 

Living with someone through dozens of Valentines makes you understand what true love really is. I know beyond any shadow of any doubt that I am one blessed man to kiss and say good morning to my one and only Susie.

And, of course, with the technology that is available to us today, you can build some serious romantic music libraries. Following are just some of my recommendations to lower the lights and lighten the mood with that special one that you love with all your heart.

Diana Krall - Amazing chanteuse who brings jazz that will move all lover's hearts.

Michael Buble - Today's current carrier of the torch of the greats from the past.

Frank Sinatra - Speaking of greats. 'Nuff said.

Nat King Cole - Another genius from yesterday.

Steve Tyrell - I just started listening to this cross between Van Morrison & Sinatra. Very cool.

Just pull these artists and others up on SPOTIFY and dance with the one that makes your life complete. Music is the best thing to have as a partner when you're loving the most important person in your life.

And remember. As Charles M. Schultz says:

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

HAPPY VALENTINES

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT