Had you visited the medieval village of Gorbio (my village) in the last ten years, you would have doubtless met Bouchette, the Basset Hound. A fixture in our main square, and the doyenne of all the village dogs. Park your car, walk down to the ‘place’ and there was Bouchette, probably fast asleep in the sun either alone or cuddled up with her housemate, Galinette, a tiny shihtzu. If you were lucky enough to eat at the beautiful Beausejour restaurant, you may well have had her asleep at your feet—the most comforting digestif ever. The Beausejour was her home, Yvan ..
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Once a year in August, my French village suddenly becomes Spanish!  It’s time for the Festival Flamenco in Gorbio.  Don’t think ‘touristy’ flamenco, this is the real thing, real gitane (gypsy) flamenco with dancers and musicians and singers from all parts of Spain and it’s fabulous!  Not easy to photograph with the fast movement, low light and also constantly changing coloured lights but every year I get a little better at it and love the challenge.    It takes place over three crazy days – we eat paella, we drink sangria, we clap and cheer and during the daytime we meet ..
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Be warned – there is a lot of orange and yellow coming up, so perhaps put on a pair of sunglasses… Menton’s celebrated Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) is in full swing at the moment, which means the town is heaving and it’s impossible to find anywhere to park – but of course it’s all great fun. Each year there is a different theme and this year it’s ‘Broadway!’    Preparations for the floats and static ‘motifs’ began months ago: a metal frame is constructed for each exhibit or float which is then covered in wire netting and each lemon or ..
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(En français à la fin de la page) Hello dear friends, This is fun! Taking photos not through glass but through plastic.   Years ago, I photographed a table of diners in a Menton restaurant through the plastic protection of a restaurant terrace and was surprised (pleasantly surprised) at the distortion this gives to the image.  Often, the eye doesn’t see it at the time of taking the photo but once home, and on the computer, it can have the feel of  an impressionist painting.  And it is just one click.  It’s important though to focus ‘through’ the plastic and onto ..
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When I was young, really young, New Year’s Eve was a big deal. Major dressing up to impress the boyfriend of the day and then, at midnight, would he kiss me first? How important it was that I got the first kiss of the year and if I didn’t – well it seemed the end of the world had arrived. Since living in France, sometimes I celebrate with a few friends or stay at home with my dogs – which suits me fine. That way at least, I know I’ll get my midnight kiss, so long as I stay awake, ..
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