Spanish Proverb

We had made the best of plans. But even the best plans can change.

One week in Aix, the one week in the south of France. Lots to do, lots to see. Lots of driving…

I expected to arrive in Mougins and begin exploring right away. Then we’d hop over to San Remo, Italy for a night and explore that area, then back to Mougins and on to Marseille for the last part of our trip.

I thought I had included enough down time for us—time to recharge our batteries before the next adventure. But I didn’t. Both of us (and by both of us I mean me) are exhausted. Um, aren’t vacations supposed to be restful?

The surprise for me is how stressful I’ve found the traveling this time. Two years ago we were in Paris and didn’t need a rental car—we only rented a car once we were in Provence for 3 days. This time, we’ve had a car the whole time, venturing off to villages and traveling between towns. Navigating the narrow roads, finding any parking, going through toll booths—all have added to the stress even though I haven’t driven at all. (Bless David and his great driving skills!) Ten days in, I needed a break or I was about to break.

We’re sticking close to the hotel today and resting, reading, and drinking wine. We’ve scratched the overnight trip to Italy because there are a number of things we want to see and do around Mougins and Cannes and we don’t want to jam them into a few days.

And even though I’m in France, today reminds me of my favorite Spanish proverb:

How beautiful it is to do nothing

And then rest afterward

It’s good to relax. I might even sit out by the pool…