Thirteen hours, three planes, four airports and one sleepy toddler later, I was finally in Montpellier, France, hugging my sister and resting my head and my body on a real comfy bad, having a real exquisite meal.
I was exhausted, yet excited. I was drowsy, yet couldn’t sleep. I don’t remember how the first day went by, or how I managed to do it all. I don’t remember what I saw, or what I said the first day. I remember Marion, and her beautiful smile, at the airport of Paris. I remember digging my teeth into the most wonderful Pastry I’ve ever eaten. I remember her kindness, her sense of humor, my clumsiness. I remember my daughter dancing in the middle of the airport and playing hide and seek even after such a long trip. I remember my sister crying when she held her niece in her arms for the first time. I remember the gorgeous weather of Montpellier, how I loved having the sun on my face, how I loved the vineyards on the side of the roads and how everything seemed small, organic and earthy.
I remember when I held my niece in my arms for the first time and how I thought she looked a lot like my sister. I love her laughter. I remember Montpellier International Fair we visited that same day; and the following day and the day after. I remember taking Mo’s old Camera, which I’m deeply in love with, and taking many photos and memories with it; memories of my daughter with her cousins running and dancing in the middle of the fair, memories of fruity cheeses, cookies, lanterns, masks, sun dried tomatoes, foreign accents and black truffles.
I still don’t know how I managed to do it all that first day. But if I have to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing; except the airplane seats.
These photos are from the enchanting Italian Hall at Montpellier International Fair. Another destination, dear to my heart, will follow soon.
Until then, I send you some sunshine and a basket of love and laughter from Latte, a beautiful village near Montpellier where I enjoy my days with my family.
