Vacances d'Été
We’re week one into a two week summer trip and my little holiday treat to myself has been to check out of all news and current events while we’re away, replacing the big things with small things.
Here’s what’s occupied my mind:
If sunset would fall in between cliff-top rocks over the water as I’d anticipated or would the world suddenly skew on its axis for some unknown reason.
Made friendship bracelets that make no sense to anyone but our family.
Broke a toe while climbing on rocks almost immediately after telling my husband I’ve broken quite a few toes climbing on rocks. He didn’t believe me until it turned violently purple and now feels bad about it.
Ignored the fact my children have eaten a ham and cheese baguette for lunch every day for a week.
Judged myself for renting an electric bike but wow - I think this is what driving a Ferrari must feel like. So fast, so effortless, happy to say yes to all the adventures without hesitation.
Accepted that sometimes this is what you get when you order a latte so just drink it and be thankful.
Made sure to fairly buy an item from all the children selling painted rocks/bracelets/artworks in the town square to ensure no-one felt left out.
Took too many photos and had to order more film from the evil online overlords because it’s impossible to buy in stores where we are. Mentally blanking on how much it’ll cost to develop them all because “memories.”
Tried not to be too shouty while sharing a hotel room with my kids. Popped out for quite a few unnecessary errands to support this endeavour.
Very vaguely pretended to be interested in the World Cup to make polite conversation.
Relaxed the rules on maximum ice-cream intake in order to try all the good flavours.
Took bets on how long postcards will take to arrive in Australia.
Got very invested in the workings of the local laundromat.
Wondered whether teaching the kids to play pétanque will result in serious injury.
Worried I’m turning into my mother as I slip just a few perfect rocks into my beach bag.
Pushed the limits on how much pottery you can keep safe during two weeks of travel.
Wherever you are I hope you also have time to let the small things feel big.
Have a great week,
- Emily
The French Edit: Viral Things Not Worth Queuing For
I was trained to queue by the British in straight, orderly lines, where even the hint of impropriety is instantly quelled by tutting, throat clearing or the occasional escalation to “excuse-me.” Frenchies prefer a looser formation, one that leaves you wondering if the person in front is pushing in, was there before you or perhaps is just checking out the scene, so it was with surprise that I began to notice well regulated lines forming all over the city, often with queue-minders ushering people gently along or velvet ropes keeping people on track. What could possibly be important enough to override the gallic instinct to ignore the rules? The answer is nothing, they’re not Parisians at all but tourists excitedly lining up for something they saw on TikTok, Instagram or in another fashion online.
Real Life France Photo
This cactus is called “mother-in-law’s cushion” 😳
Holiday MVPs part 1:
These denim shorts (as predicted), this hat and flip flops.
Uno.
Phyto hair mask (works for my fine hair as wash out and my daughters copper curls as leave in.
My Gorman rashie (bought years ago but they have some others here). If you love colour this brand is for you.
Opinel knife to eat watermelon on the beach.
The Sézane free tote bags. Don’t care if they get dirty as can go in the washer and dryer.
Housekeeping:
💌 Mea culpa to members of the Paris Mail Club for posting a photo of the art here before you receive it. I can see how that spoils the entire point of a surprise in the mail, will wait til you’ve received it next time!
🦠 A few of you kindly checked in to make sure I had indeed got the shingles vaccine because I didn't write it very clearly - yes the first does is done and second one in 2-4 months (it’s in my diary). Zero side effects and hearing your stories I’m so happy I did it.
📚 My local independent bookstore (that many of you also love) The Red Wheelbarrow needs a boost. Please shop there, buy a gift certificate or donate directly to their gofundme.
If you like what you read, you can support my work in the following ways: become a paid subscriber, buy me a coffee ☕ , join one of my Paris tours, book a family photoshoot on film, or join the Paris Mail Club. You can also simply forward this newsletter to a friend!
wonderful as always, I just adore your irony and outlook on life in France.. if I’d had it at 25 it would have made my life less “cringe” during my 2 years in Paris (not pretending I have it now at 80) 😆as an afterthought: if your toe turned purple it might be an also very painful bruise.. (if your toe is indeed broken just tape it to the adjacent one, that’s basically all they do in the emergency room.. been there) hope you continue enjoying all the baguettes and ice creams 😊🍀👋🏼
I’m sorry you broke a toe but you look fabulous! That’s great advice to ignore the news for a week. It would do wonders for my mental health. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. 💜