we need to talk about Corsica

Just after I waxed poetic about welcoming autumn, we did the exact opposite and jetted off to Corsica to catch the waning rays of sun and summer.  It was the perfect trip. The three of us, along with Félix's sister met up with Félix's cousin and his cousin's friend.  Can I just tell you that a ratio of 5 adults to 1 child is my kind of ratio? 

Our mornings would begin with the three of us sneaking out of the house for coffee and croissants in the harbor while the other housemates slept.  The citadel of Bonifacio loomed high above the small harbor below.  Sitting outside, sipping our coffee, Clover provided a constant narration of which boats went motoring by past the white limestone cliffs on their way out to sea. We'd head back to the house with croissants for the late sleepers and then we would all head off to the beach. It was a rhythm I could totally get on board with.

We stayed at Félix cousin's place in Spérone, at the southern most spot in Corsica. There was just so much to love about where we were.  It's rugged and gorgeous.

Hadri, Félix's cousin showed us a fun spot, a completely concealed beachside restaurant.  It was totally hidden behind the scrub oak until we were gazing at the sea.  We had a long, lingering lunch in front of that perfect view.  There are so many great hidden coves and secret beaches.

Clover didn't want to go near the water. Even so much as the tiniest drop would elicit squeals of distress. He would happily play in the sand and then all of a sudden on the second to last day he acted as if there was nothing he would rather do more than play in the surf. All fear forgotten. We could not get that boy out of the water. 

Which by the way, can we talk about the water? I've been to the mediterranean plenty but I have never seen it such a gorgeous turquoise, so clean and so clear.  Amazing. And I think another reason why I was so blown over by the place is that it is so close. By plane it's less than two hours but it felt a whole world away when we were there.

It was a fun, quick trip full  of lots of laughs, wonderful family and friends, great food, great champagne, and beautiful beaches, too.  Which really sums up my idea of a perfect trip in the sunshine before the cold autumn arrives.

I can't wait until we find our way back to the cobblestone streets, the golden sunsets and the silky, white-sand beaches of Corsica... Until then, I think it will feel like a dream that we were ever there. 

Do tell, do you have a favorite vacation spot? I find mine is changing all the time.

you can own the night

You can own the night, if you like. However, I'll keep the mornings.  I'm much more partial to them these days.  We caught this sunrise in Corsica the other week.  It was... well, magical. I have to say I am head over heels for the place. Corsica completely captured my heart.

you might want to stand up for this

I can't believe that we are staring down the final days of August.  Where did the summer go? I told Félix, rather urgently, that I thought I needed to up my ice cream consumption for the last of the hot weather. And I totally meant what I said.  We've really made the most of this summer though.  I think that is why it feels like it has gone by so quickly.

This past weekend, we headed to the Lac d'Annecy to do something that's been on my summer bucket list for ages. We tried our hand at Stand Up Paddling.  If you aren't familiar with it, the sport originated in Hawaii.  Waikiki surfers used paddles to get out past the reef break to surf bigger and better waves. Stand up paddling has picked up a lot of momentum all around the world and can be found in both salt and fresh water, now. It is easy to understand the popularity. It is so much fun.

It felt amazing to be out on the water.  The sun was shining. The lake was calm.  It was gorgeous.  We only paddled for an hour, but the time flew by. It was so peaceful.  Although I did get honked at by a lake ferry. I was in my blissful, paddling mindset when I half-wittedly thought the captain could steer his big old boat around me.  The horn blasts easily made it clear who would be yielding to whom. Félix and I braced for the waves while the passengers grinned and took photos. We grinned back.

We are officially hooked on this sport. Once we returned our boards, we strolled over to the old town for sushi in the sunshine. It was a completely dreamy day.  Have you tried stand up paddling? Or, maybe just standing up independent of paddling is more your thing?

In any case, I hope you are enjoying these final days of August!

aurora borealis

video, Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland 2011 from Flat Light Films

On my list of Things I Want To Do is to see the Aurora Borealis. The short clip above gets me excited to do just that. It is filmed beautifully, just amazingly well. But, while I'm waiting to take a trip up north, I'll bundle up and look at the stars outside with Félix while we hold hands. That sounds pretty dreamy, too. Have you seen the Northern Lights?

sweet vita

We had a great time traipsing all around Tuscany. The Mediterranean was bluer than I remembered possible. Pisa was great fun and lived up to the hype. Florence was great as ever. We stayed in an apartment that was part of an old renovated brick factory. The grounds were lovely and I understand why so many people dream of a villa in the tuscan countryside.  It has been hard to get back into the swing of things at home, but I suppose that's the sign of good vacation, right?