Finishing up in Provence

 [June 1999]

From Lucca we drove north past San Remo and all the flower nurseries hugging the mountains overlooking the sea. Crossing the border into France we eventually turned north into Provence where we met up with friends at the Mas de Cornud outside St Remy de Provence. It was a wonderful place to relax, enjoy being with friends, old and new, and spend several nights here before returning to Nice and our flight home.

Mas de Cornud

the pool and outdoor eating area

One morning a couple of us rode with our host David into nearby St. Remy -- in a golf cart no less -- to pick up fresh baguette for breakfast. Besides scrumptious breakfasts we ate one of our dinners at Le Gousse d'Aile in St. Remy where we were entertained after hours by the owner and his jazz group playing for the handful of diners who chose to remain. 

We also enjoyed exploring the local open air market at Carpentras, visiting the Roman ruins at nearby Glanum, and of course spent quality time strolling along the Pont du Gard.

Carpentras

Susie and I enjoying our first serious foray into France

Our last meal was a lovely affair put on by hostess Nito Carpito whose culinary talents benefitted all of us.

Italy and France 1999

 [June 1999]

We returned to Italy in early summer of 1999.  This time we also planned to include a few days in Provence as well. In fact, we hoped  to spend two weeks in Siena studying Italian at Scuola Dante Alighieri followed by a few days with friends in St. Remy de Provence tasting and touring the Provençal countryside.

Our trip begin in Nice, France where we picked up our rental car. From there we drove to Italy, stopping overnight in Levanto along the Ligurian Coast at the Stella Maris Hotel.  

beachfront at Levanto

(We had originally planned to spend a couple of nights at the same hotel on our return trip but since the hotel was less than expected we cancelled that reservation. In the end we stayed at a wonderful small hotel just outside Lucca.)

From Levanto it was an easy drive to Siena where we found our apartment at Le Meridiane, a complex of short- and long-term rentals. Located just outside the walls of the city it was close to a bus stop that would take us right into the historic city center. It was also a fairly easy walk as well.

Siena skyline

our building at Le Meridiane

our apartment, behind and at the lower level but with a great view

We spent two weeks at the school which was located close to the fortezza. We had two wonderful teachers for the two-week program, Chiara and her assistant Chicca ("non cheeka" she would always remind us). 

Chiara

the last day of class we gave her flowers

Chicca

It was a small class of some ten or so other students, from as far away as Australia and as close as Switzerland.

both Australian

Swiss

and course at least two Americans

milling around in the school hallway

Next up: Siena strolling!