Gayle Smith Padgett's Blog, page 8

Mexican Magic dans les Montagnes

Mexico City was home during my university junior year abroad. When I wasn’t at class in the Museo National de Antropología, I was traipsing around the archeological sites of Mitla and Monte Albán or playing on the pristine playas of Alcapulco. But I haven’t set foot on la tierra mexicana in decades. Yet in mid-August, … Continue reading Mexican Magic dans les Montagnes

St. Rémy & Passion for Provence Head for the Small (French) Screen

It’s a wrap! Who woulda thunk Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie and its author (moi) would make a French TV travel show? But here I am, after the shoot, with charming Nathalie Simon, (tallest blond), the presenter of Chroniques Méditerranéennes, the delightful crew, plus five of my Francophile friends on leafy … Continue reading St. Rémy & Passion for Provence Head for the Small (French) Screen

Early Spring Scenes in Saint-Rémy

Au revoir winter, bienvenue spring. Last weekend in Saint-Rémy, the sun came out and the town woke up, giving locals their happy feet back. Many paraded, while others made music. Some danced in the streets or rode bicycles through them. Yes, indeedy, hibernation of hiver is officially over, and the promise of printemps has been … Continue reading Early Spring Scenes in Saint-Rémy

Provence to Palm Springs for the Holidays

What December tradition do Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Palm Springs, California, share? Loading a lemon tree with tinsel? Sipping complimentary bubbly at a luxury boutique? Shopping for a candy cane shirt? Entering a raffle for a gourmet yule log? Give up? La Fête de Lumière, mes amis!   In Palm Springs, where we’re spending the holidays this … Continue reading Provence to Palm Springs for the Holidays

Pole-Dancing and Other Autumn Pursuits in Provence

Downpours galore this October delivered ducks a red-letter month around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. I could have used some webbed feet myself to paddle home on more than one occasion when caught sans proper rain gear. But when the skies clear and the sun peeks through, the refreshed region glistens with promise and renewed energy. After being cooped … Continue reading Pole-Dancing and Other Autumn Pursuits in Provence

Boating with Bulls, Swinging on the Square and Boules A-blasting…

There’s no rest for Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in late September. The town hums with a variety of events to delight both town and country types, little shavers to seniors. While most of les taureaux are relaxing after an active summer, many are still stomping and charging–and swimming–during the Fête Votive. The bulls trot along a highway from … Continue reading Boating with Bulls, Swinging on the Square and Boules A-blasting…

Taureaux Time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Olé-olé-olé! Les taureaux roam the roads during many summer heritage festivals in Saint-Rémy. The appearance of stacks of metal industrial-level protective barriers and pyramids of bales of hay on the main square, Place de la République, signal the Feria events involving hefty four-legged creatures—horses, as well as bulls—are comin’ ‘round the bend. Some residents keep … Continue reading Taureaux Time in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Slices of Summer Life in St. Rémy and… Up the Road.

Summer in Provence. L’étè in the south of France may mean vast lavender fields, beach breezes, or a vibrant ville en fête. But no mater what scene you gravitate to, typically you can count on increased levels of two elements–heat and tourists. Visitors are increasing each year, it seems. Recently, tour buses with a “Discover … Continue reading Slices of Summer Life in St. Rémy and… Up the Road.

Summer Celebrations Surround St. Rémy

Summer in the south of France guarantees two things—sweltering temps and heaps of tourists. But, you needn’t get stuck in a never-ending traffic jam or squeeze your towel onto a packed beach. Fun can be found close to home. Some easy-to-access highlights are the Bastille Day celebrations, Avignon Music Festival, Festival les Antiques de Glanum, … Continue reading Summer Celebrations Surround St. Rémy

Portugal Perspectives: Porto to Moncarapacho

If Porto, Portugal, were a water sports enthusiast, it’d be a daredevil kite surfer executing spectacular loop-de-loops over a heaving sea. Moncarapacho would be a mellow kayaker drifting through calm marshes in a nature park. The two areas—one north of Lisbon and the other on the eastern Algarve—offer a delightful study of cultural and geographic … Continue reading Portugal Perspectives: Porto to Moncarapacho