Lauren’s Pink Absence

In spectacular detail, three people were drawing some of the well known Italian master art works in Pastels.  It was quite a sight to see.  It lasts a only a few moments but is enjoyed by many in Florence.

How to be a fashionable Italian woman?  Patterned dress, Italian leather handbag (of course), over-sized sunglasses, sandals, black hair and tanned skin.  I think I’ll just take the handbag, sandals and the dress.

In Reggio Emilia the Piazza S. Prospero has a spectacular church which is guarded by four lions.  The Piazza is a great place to be as long as it is not midday.  At this time the stone covered Piazza (with no trees) becomes an oven.  So when in Italy do what the Italians do,  go home at 12 or 1 to sleep and have lunch for a couple of hours, then start again.

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In an average shopping center was a gem.  A gorgeous florist, full of pinks, table settings and decor.  After the absence of such places in Kiev this was a welcomed experience.  The kind of shop guys run away whimpering from.  A.K.A Lauren paradise.

Each day during our drive through provincial France, Paul would stop the car so I could pick the wild flowers buy the roadside.  Each day I had a fresh bunch of flowers to gaze at during our drive.  It was most enjoyable, and a ritual I looked forward to each day.

Every town in France seemed to have a a Bakery (the French really are passionate about their baguettes), and sometimes patisserie with a trained artisan.  In the town of Thiers we found one such place.  So for breakfast we bought a tray of petite pastries and desserts. Each one was magnificent.  The combination of quality ingredients and expertise was a delight to the taste buds.

I was so excited to be at the Louvre. The extensive collection was so special.  It was fantastic to see all of the paintings and artifacts I have seen so often in art books and documentaries.
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