Tag: travel

France, Day 3 – Provence

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/110 sec, ISO200
 “French Breakfast” Venasque, 2024

We started the day with croissants and yogurt (so good!) and then drove to the town of Gordes, a small town built on the side of a hill. We toured some of the restored underground buildings and learned about life in the old days. Fascinating!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1900 sec, ISO80
 “Gordes” Gordes, 2024

After that, we went to Lacoste and ate at Café de France, which was made famous to Japanese people because it was the location of a novel (according to my wife). The food and drinks were lovely, as was the view!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO640
 “Bonnieux” Lacoste, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/430 sec, ISO80
 “Drinkies” La Coste, 2024

We walked around town, and toured the Château de Lacoste, which had some nice artwork and was the Château of Marquis de Sade. Very cool!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2200 sec, ISO80
 “Old Boulangerie” La Coste, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/850 sec, ISO64
 “Lacoste” Lacoste, 2024

After that, we drove to our B&B in Lourmarin and rested for the evening.

France, Day 2 – Provence

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1150 sec, ISO80
 “Boulangerie” Ménerbes, 2024

Today we took an early TGV train from Paris to Avignon, then rented a car and started our Provence trip. Our first stop was the town of Ménerbes, where we enjoyed a yummy lunch. The duck was amazing!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/70 sec, ISO1600
 “Perfect Egg” Ménerbes, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO500
 “Duck” Ménerbes, 2024

Next, we drove to Roussillon and walked around the charming town, then relaxed at the outdoor cafe and enjoyed an afternoon coffee before heading to the town of Venasque where we would stay the night.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4600 sec, ISO80
 “Square” Roussillon, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/70 sec, ISO100
 “Blue” Venasque, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/6.4, 1/1500 sec, ISO640
 “Eglise de Venasque” Venasque, 2024

We stayed at Les Remparts, which also has an excellent restaurant. So far, all the meals we’ve had on this trip have been stellar!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/35 sec, ISO640
 “Appetizers” Venasque, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/50 sec, ISO1250
 “Degustacion” Venasque, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/45 sec, ISO1250
 “Beef with Goat Cheese” Venasque, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/50 sec, ISO1250
 “Red Mullet” Venasque, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/20 sec, ISO1600
 “Baguette” Venasque, 2024

France, Day 1 – Paris

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/16, 1/1600 sec, ISO640
 “Place de la Bastille” Paris, 2024

I arrived in Paris around noon and met up with my wife and son at his apartment. He’s studying here for a semester, so it’s the perfect opportunity to visit France! My wife decided to rest today, and my son had class, so I took a walk to Place de la Nation and then to Place de la Bastille. It was a great time, and the weather was lovely!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/8, 1/1600 sec, ISO640
 “Place de la Nation” Paris, 2024

For dinner, Mariko and I went to Kalank and enjoyed some delicious French cuisine. I am not familiar with French food, so I was excited to try! We ordered the Menu Dégustation (tasting menu), and everything was absolutely incredible.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/25 sec, ISO1600
 “Leek” Paris, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO640
 “Mussels” Paris, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/35 sec, ISO800
 “Duck” Paris, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/25 sec, ISO500
 “Pear” Paris, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/35 sec, ISO640
 “Kalank” Paris, 2024

International Driving Permit

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/12000 sec, ISO50
 “Driving Permit” Austin, 2024

I got my international driving permit today from my local AAA branch. It was quick and easy, and only cost $28, including photos! Now we’re all set for renting a car when in Europe. Should be fun!