While I travel a fair amount, I don’t always feel a kinship with the places I go. But sometimes, there’s just this jolt, this realization that this place is somewhere magical. Somewhere I could be. San Luis Obispo (let’s just call it SLO, shall we?) is one of those rare places for me.
If you ask me what one city you should visit in southern France, I’m going to say Nice. It’s a beautiful coastal town, metropolitan without being overwhelming, and full of things to see (and eat).
Welcome to my friend, Gibi’s, mountain retreat. It’s an hour hike from the town that captured my heart years ago, Saorge. If you’re hardy enough to make the climb, he’ll welcome you with a glass of homemade grape juice or wine that he toted in his backpack on one of his jaunts up the mountain.
When I arrive in a new city, I make a beeline for the nearest outdoor market. It’s a great place to check out local produce (and buy it, if I’m renting an apartment and can cook on my stay), get a quick lunch, or buy a souvenir.