It's Me, Sara Louise

{12th century church from my bedroom window}

Staycation 2012 began on Wednesday, 12th September when my mother (aka Eilo) and Godmother arrived at the TGV station in Aix-en-Provence, followed a couple days later by their cohorts; the two Texan sisters, Miss Vicki and JoDelle.  

You know what’s the best part about having Americans come to visit? All of the American goodness they bring, like; Mac & Cheese, Hidden Valley Ranch packets, and so many magazines that I’ll have to take a couchcation just to get through them all (including the People with naughty Prince Harry on the cover… Kate can have William… I only have eyes for Harry, that wee scamp).

When Americans (or anybody really) come to visit me and The LPV, there are certain things that I think are absolute must do’s and must sees.

The first must see is of course Fifty. He has to be acquainted with any visitors as soon as possible. Sniffing and licking new arrivals is an absolute must in Fifty’s book. And even though he hasn’t seen his Grandma Eilo for two years (except on Skype), I’m happy to report that he recognized her right away and it took all of two seconds before he was on his back showing off his furry belly (Fifty would sell his soul for a belly rub).

The next must do is eating. Traveling all of the way from Texas to The LPV is not for the lighthearted and the best way to restore one’s constitution is with some classic French Bistro fare prepared lovingly by moi. In this case, eggs on horseback (it’s just a fried egg on top of a hamburger with a butter and caper sauce… not a horse in sight), served with Petit Chablis for the white drinkers and a bottle of Haut-Médoc for the red.

After a good night’s sleep (aided by all that Petit Chablis and Haut-Médoc), a tour of The LPV is in order.

Visiting the house that’s been eaten by a tree is definitely a must-see in my book (that thing is right behind my house… C R E E P Y). And after climbing the steep path to the 12th Century church that’s tolling bell will ensure that you never, ever sleep past 7am (it’s The LPV’s alarm clock), you will build up quite an appetite just in time for the next must-do… Le Bar au Vin.

And after a jet lagged evening spent sipping Champagne, nibbling on tapenades, fois gras, and ham infused with truffle oil (it’s like angels dancing on your tongue), while playing with the Sommelier’s toddler daughter and her cat, Balthazar (both live above le bar au vin), there is only one must-do left for the day… sleep.

bisou