D'Aix: a photo essay of Aix
May 3rd, 2022, 04:46 AM
#22
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As always, wonderful shots, zebec. I especially love the ones with details and reflections.
Many of our impressions of a city are based upon short visits, or worse, a day trip. Rhody waxed nostalgic over the smell of Siena...upon a return, no smell...the bakery wasn't open.
Many of our impressions of a city are based upon short visits, or worse, a day trip. Rhody waxed nostalgic over the smell of Siena...upon a return, no smell...the bakery wasn't open.
May 3rd, 2022, 05:48 AM
#23
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Merci TDude. Olfactory recollections are indeed another sensual way to remember places. Interesting that Rhody recalled Siena that way. Did you have the same smell in your mind too?
Merci Paq, I remember your recent Aix visit, and I also recall your wrapped Arc de Triumphe shot, so unique.
One day, we'll finally learn how to properly digitize analogue fotos (current probs with Nikon Coolscanner), then we'll post some of our old African and South American imagery. My best work was probably done in India.
I am done. the shutterbugz
Merci Paq, I remember your recent Aix visit, and I also recall your wrapped Arc de Triumphe shot, so unique.
One day, we'll finally learn how to properly digitize analogue fotos (current probs with Nikon Coolscanner), then we'll post some of our old African and South American imagery. My best work was probably done in India.
I am done. the shutterbugz
May 3rd, 2022, 08:18 AM
#24
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"One day, we'll finally learn how to properly digitize analogue fotos".... As you know, z, more and more scanners can see negatives. My older Canon CanoScan 5600F has a gizmo for film.
No, the the looks of the piazza grabbed me!
No, the the looks of the piazza grabbed me!
May 3rd, 2022, 09:00 PM
#26
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Thank you for such positive words Gary! Regarding your query elsewhere, Avignon has its charms too but is in fact a small city, not a comfy town like Aix.
Guess wot? They banned me from TA!
I am done. The banning and the shame
Guess wot? They banned me from TA!
I am done. The banning and the shame
May 4th, 2022, 06:33 PM
#28
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Wow!!!!! Zebec, your photos are absolutely gorgeous!!! You make me "homesick" for Aix. Our oldest daughter lived in Aix for a couple years when she first got married. But her husband was working in Compiegne at the time, so they only saw each other on weekends the first couple years. Luckily, he was offered a great job in Provence, so they have been living together ever since then. She moved from Aix to another town/village in Provence. But we used to visit her quite frequently when she was in Aix, and we so enjoyed our visits. I miss it. She's only about 45 minutes away so we'll have to return soon.
I remember seeing wines chilling in fountains in Aix. Just love your photo. Love the photo of the calissons! We had our daughter's bridal shower at our home in Massachusetts, and our daughter brought boxes of calissons with her for the shower as an additional dessert for our guests. I remember carrying home about 40 small bars of lavender soap from Aix to give to our guests, so they had a taste of Provence!
I remember seeing wines chilling in fountains in Aix. Just love your photo. Love the photo of the calissons! We had our daughter's bridal shower at our home in Massachusetts, and our daughter brought boxes of calissons with her for the shower as an additional dessert for our guests. I remember carrying home about 40 small bars of lavender soap from Aix to give to our guests, so they had a taste of Provence!
May 4th, 2022, 08:25 PM
#29
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Thank you very much Allison, I noted very much appreciated your post above.
KW, I recall the exact village 'E' where your daughter settled. Your revelation last year regarding that, got me to thinkin' about what it must be like to live there---good for her!
My childhood friend Ginny had a younger brother who did something similar. During the '80s, he went to Montpelier, where he met a local lady. They got married and established their own family café there. Ginny recently described for us something very telling regarding the realities of Provencal restaurant culture. She once went to visit her aforementioned bro one summer, to lick her divorce wounds and explore Provence for the first time. She had barely unlatched her suitcase upstairs in her room, when her bro entered there to toss her an apron. He then said something along the lines of, "We don't get a single day off during these high-season months, so c'mon downstairs when you're ready to put in a shift!"
I am done. the reality check
KW, I recall the exact village 'E' where your daughter settled. Your revelation last year regarding that, got me to thinkin' about what it must be like to live there---good for her!
My childhood friend Ginny had a younger brother who did something similar. During the '80s, he went to Montpelier, where he met a local lady. They got married and established their own family café there. Ginny recently described for us something very telling regarding the realities of Provencal restaurant culture. She once went to visit her aforementioned bro one summer, to lick her divorce wounds and explore Provence for the first time. She had barely unlatched her suitcase upstairs in her room, when her bro entered there to toss her an apron. He then said something along the lines of, "We don't get a single day off during these high-season months, so c'mon downstairs when you're ready to put in a shift!"
I am done. the reality check
May 6th, 2022, 07:16 AM
#32
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Zebec, you are an amazing photographer! You know me… I stand by you regarding Aix! It is such a perfect combination of charm, small town vibes and LOTS to do and see. Have you found other towns in Europe that remind you of Aix?
Meanwhile I’ve been visiting family around the US and need to get back to my own trip report. I think I left off after Week 2.
We will definitely go back to Aix some day.
Meanwhile I’ve been visiting family around the US and need to get back to my own trip report. I think I left off after Week 2.
We will definitely go back to Aix some day.
May 6th, 2022, 07:44 AM
#33
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We see TrophyWife gesticulating with an elderly shopkeeper in a store on the outskirts of Aix. The old shopkeeper is scratching his head, while squinting at her.
TW (frustrated, been at it awhile): "OK um, lets try this again. Um, uh... (deep sigh) JE SHERSHAY POOR LE 'PINK SAND'. AVEZ VOO LES PINK SANDS POOR LE CLASSROOM err, POOR ECOLE?!"
The shopkeeper stares at her. Then turns to look at his dog in the corner, the one pictured wearing the cap in the above poster. The dog flexes its shoulders then shakes its head as though to say, "Sorry, I haven't got a clue what she's trying to say."
I am done. the inside joke and smoking dog
TW (frustrated, been at it awhile): "OK um, lets try this again. Um, uh... (deep sigh) JE SHERSHAY POOR LE 'PINK SAND'. AVEZ VOO LES PINK SANDS POOR LE CLASSROOM err, POOR ECOLE?!"
The shopkeeper stares at her. Then turns to look at his dog in the corner, the one pictured wearing the cap in the above poster. The dog flexes its shoulders then shakes its head as though to say, "Sorry, I haven't got a clue what she's trying to say."
I am done. the inside joke and smoking dog
Last edited by zebec; May 6th, 2022 at 07:50 AM.
May 6th, 2022, 07:58 AM
#34
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Merci Lydia,
So you were an Aix renter too. Great choice to do so in that town. Our rental was OK, but a 3 am storm on our final night resulted in some significant water damage. We rushed around with buckets and rags, but the TV/stereo was directly below the main ceiling leak. The following morn, both of us were perplexed by the attitude of the owner family. They apparently saw the damage as less of a big deal than we did.
I am done. the Noah's ark
So you were an Aix renter too. Great choice to do so in that town. Our rental was OK, but a 3 am storm on our final night resulted in some significant water damage. We rushed around with buckets and rags, but the TV/stereo was directly below the main ceiling leak. The following morn, both of us were perplexed by the attitude of the owner family. They apparently saw the damage as less of a big deal than we did.
I am done. the Noah's ark
May 6th, 2022, 08:31 AM
#35
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Folks, be sure to also check out Irice's great TR/photo essay about Aix:
A Month in Aix-en-Provence
As for your excellent question Irice, yes we have some similar places to recommend, mind you as always, choices can be subjective:
In Umbria, we favor Bevagna. Great place to base, with proximity to a wide range of Aix-cellent daytrips. Will post our Bevagna TR/fotos further down the road.
In Sicily, Siracusa might fit the bill, in the sense of its 'je ne sais quoi' vibe (how do we say that in Italian?).
In Shnrelb, the main port Zeebekia could suffice, but the compulsory draft for tourists turns off many.
In Spain, maybe Arcos de la Frontera? Not as popular as other more A-list places in Andalusia.
Back in France, I think that Figeac (Aveyron/Lot) comes close to the same atmosphere as Aix.
Let's hear other travelers' views in this same regard. Please don't hesitate to post below.
I am done. les amis d'Aix et comme ca
A Month in Aix-en-Provence
As for your excellent question Irice, yes we have some similar places to recommend, mind you as always, choices can be subjective:
In Umbria, we favor Bevagna. Great place to base, with proximity to a wide range of Aix-cellent daytrips. Will post our Bevagna TR/fotos further down the road.
In Sicily, Siracusa might fit the bill, in the sense of its 'je ne sais quoi' vibe (how do we say that in Italian?).
In Shnrelb, the main port Zeebekia could suffice, but the compulsory draft for tourists turns off many.
In Spain, maybe Arcos de la Frontera? Not as popular as other more A-list places in Andalusia.
Back in France, I think that Figeac (Aveyron/Lot) comes close to the same atmosphere as Aix.
Let's hear other travelers' views in this same regard. Please don't hesitate to post below.
I am done. les amis d'Aix et comme ca
May 6th, 2022, 11:30 AM
#36
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Originally Posted by zebec
We see TrophyWife gesticulating with an elderly shopkeeper in a store on the outskirts of Aix. The old shopkeeper is scratching his head, while squinting at her.
TW (frustrated, been at it awhile): "OK um, lets try this again. Um, uh... (deep sigh) JE SHERSHAY POOR LE 'PINK SAND'. AVEZ VOO LES PINK SANDS POOR LE CLASSROOM err, POOR ECOLE?!"
The shopkeeper stares at her. Then turns to look at his dog in the corner, the one pictured wearing the cap in the above poster. The dog flexes its shoulders then shakes its head as though to say, "Sorry, I haven't got a clue what she's trying to say."
I am done. the inside joke and smoking dog
TW (frustrated, been at it awhile): "OK um, lets try this again. Um, uh... (deep sigh) JE SHERSHAY POOR LE 'PINK SAND'. AVEZ VOO LES PINK SANDS POOR LE CLASSROOM err, POOR ECOLE?!"
The shopkeeper stares at her. Then turns to look at his dog in the corner, the one pictured wearing the cap in the above poster. The dog flexes its shoulders then shakes its head as though to say, "Sorry, I haven't got a clue what she's trying to say."
I am done. the inside joke and smoking dog
May 24th, 2022, 07:22 PM
#38
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Photos are magnificent, Z. You have a wonderful eye for photography. We all notice different things, especially those that help us recall special moments or the ambiance of an area. Personally, I love your use of light, shadows and reflections. You see things that many don't notice. Thanks so much for sharing.
Others have mentioned previous photo essays you've presented. Now I have to search for those.
Others have mentioned previous photo essays you've presented. Now I have to search for those.
May 24th, 2022, 08:54 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by frenchaucoeur
Thank you for these gorgeous photos. After four prolonged stays, including one two-week visit, and innumerable day visits, Aix remains my favorite place in France for reasons I can't quite explain--the sheer beauty of it is a big part of it, of course, and the human size and pace are others. Add in culture and history, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, the easy access to the coastal towns I love, and that should be enough reasons. But mostly it's just something ineffable, and I've given up trying to understand it.
I know Aix doesn't get that much love on Fodor's; people tend to find it boring and inconvenient and to prefer Avignon, a place I have always disliked intensely. Go figure. But the pandemic and other factors have kept me out of France (we canceled our 2020 trip and haven't planned another), so to see these glorious images was a true joy.
Merci mille fois!
I know Aix doesn't get that much love on Fodor's; people tend to find it boring and inconvenient and to prefer Avignon, a place I have always disliked intensely. Go figure. But the pandemic and other factors have kept me out of France (we canceled our 2020 trip and haven't planned another), so to see these glorious images was a true joy.
Merci mille fois!
Zebec, Love the photos.
May 24th, 2022, 10:27 PM
#40
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Clousie and Sassafrass, merci beaucoup! Very glad to hear about your return visits. Btw, those other TR/Photo essays here include:
-Passage to China
-En Pays Villefranchois (Aveyron/Lot)
-Cuckoo for Cucuron (new)
-Metaxi Mas: a 5-parter featuring Athens, plus islands Patmos, Samos, Santorini and Folegandros.
-The Return of the Son of Isabel's Italy (Venice)
-Vancouver island (I've forgotten the title)
Later this year, we'll try to post similar reports about Mexico, Costa Rica, California, more France (Lourmarin, Uzes, Avignon, Burgundy, Riviera, Dordogne, Paris) and England. Many many more await our preparation, a ton of which are old analogue imagery.
CC, we've long had a plan to self-publish a travel memoir just for fun, not for profit. Title: A Couple Travels (get it?). But the cost of reproducing color photography can be a serious expense and besides I am still completing the second edition to my musical memoir, another time-consuming self-publication project.
I am done. The end.
PS an idea for a new thread later this summer: 'travel photo tips and advice' to share with all
-Passage to China
-En Pays Villefranchois (Aveyron/Lot)
-Cuckoo for Cucuron (new)
-Metaxi Mas: a 5-parter featuring Athens, plus islands Patmos, Samos, Santorini and Folegandros.
-The Return of the Son of Isabel's Italy (Venice)
-Vancouver island (I've forgotten the title)
Later this year, we'll try to post similar reports about Mexico, Costa Rica, California, more France (Lourmarin, Uzes, Avignon, Burgundy, Riviera, Dordogne, Paris) and England. Many many more await our preparation, a ton of which are old analogue imagery.
CC, we've long had a plan to self-publish a travel memoir just for fun, not for profit. Title: A Couple Travels (get it?). But the cost of reproducing color photography can be a serious expense and besides I am still completing the second edition to my musical memoir, another time-consuming self-publication project.
I am done. The end.
PS an idea for a new thread later this summer: 'travel photo tips and advice' to share with all
