In the kitchen

Taking a break from making risotto. Have to cook for the helpers, or 'the boys' tonight as Julia and Maureen are going out.
It's been ridiculously hot today, I started work early to avoid the mid-day sun and finished my 5 hours by lunch time. I was cleaning windows, finishing the kitchen steps and labelling sheets so they don't go amiss when taken to the launderette. The work's not very excting atm, as Julia is getting ready to head back to the Uk for the summer and just needs a hand tidying up. Tonight's my last night here, I'm going to hit the local bar I think.
So, I haven't written about Provence at all. It seems like ages ago now. Leaving chateau brandeau was pretty hard, as it's probably been my best experience in France. The helpers were great company and the work satisfying and fulfilling. Made me feel useful and even though monotonous, working under the sun surrounded by vines is... well, you can't really beat it. So after that, spending a couple of days in Provence on my own with no work on my hands was quite a change. I'd always heard Provence was very beautiful and was keen to follow the steps of Van Gogh and Cezanne, but it was a bit of a disappointment. I think it must have changed a lot, I just found it pretty touristy and the countryside did not blow me away. Perhaps my expectations were too high. The towns advertise Van Gogh walks and all sorts, but it's just a marketing plot to attract tourism. The Cezanne walk was following metal tiles all around the Aix en Provence, no information pannels, no samples of paintings.. Look, Cezanne walked on this pavement. And the main museum only has a couple of his paintings, the curator didn't want to make a big deal of Cezanne. Bad curator. I guess the hospital Van Gogh was interned at in St Remy is worth a visit, really nice courtyard, but again, its walls have been completely covered in VG prints and it's lost its feeling of authenticity. My favourite was the city of Avignon, where I stayed for 2 nights. It's pretty small, so you can get to know it quite well, and it has an enchanting feel about it. Lots of old buildings and secret squares. Cobbled streets and hidden wine bars. Busy during the day and quiet when the evening comes. Lots of people-watching and good shopping too. The problem with thse sort of places is that, apart from walking around, there is not much to do except spend money. It's all about cafes and restaurants, there not much else to do. This was not so wonderful when I was on my own; I was pretty much the only young single young female sitting at a table, and bars and terraces are more enjoyable as socialising spots, in company of other people. So I went to Aix and stayed with Elly and Jenny, the American girls who I met at Chateau Brandeau, and who were renting a flat in Aix. I had a great time with them, we had a very relaxing time, just sitting around the table chatting over coffee, we watched a film on their little patio with duvets, wine and candles, we tried hiring bikes, but the machines wouldn't accept out cards, and we went to the beach in Marseille. I was so glad to spend time with them after my time in Avignon. I'm going to be joining them tomorrow at the cheese farm for a couple of days, until Friday or Saturda, when my parents will be coming to spend the weekend and take me back home!
Mixed feelings about this, it's going to be really hard leaving France. It;s been my home for nearly 3 months now and boy, what adventures have I had. So many wonderful people and so many learnt skills. Although, I should take a break from the drinking - I'm sure drinking every day for 2 months and a half can't be good. But wine here is like water. Doesn't count as alcohol then.

My next entry will be from the cheese farm. Let the milking begin!