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Hometown

Cannes, France

Joie de VIVre

En vacance!

VIV Moment

Brighton, England has always been a place of refuge for my daughter Joy and I. The sea and the sunshine are perfect escapes to the hustle and bustle of our arduous lifestyles. Our intention for our trip, as we told my husband, was to visit my mother, or as Joy knows her, “Nanny Brighton.” The truth was that we both needed an escape from the blustering cold “spring” of Wisconsin. There was no real structure to the holiday and perhaps that was a part of its peaceful brilliance. We had nothing to accomplish other than immerse ourselves in leisure and the comforts of the coast. Therefore, only spontaneous fond memories come to mind when reminiscing. Joy was 14 and I was … old enough, and we were having the times of lives. We took part in the good ‘ole English must-do: super time enjoying ‘Fish and Chips,’ shopping in Harrods, riding on the downs. With the exception of the occasional complaint on Nanny’s behalf, all was light and carefree. After spending a few days with Nanny Brighton, Joy and I took the ferry across the English Channel to France and headed by coach to the South coast. I wanted my daughter to see the beauty of Europe and was keen on opening her eyes to the different cultures and cuisine along the way. We traveled through France until we arrived in Cannes, which is a beautiful seaside town on the Mediterranean where we visited a glorious market. Beautiful flowers shined brilliantly in the sunshine. Pinks, yellows, reds and lilac shades where all around us as we strolled through the marketplace. The smell of French cheeses, brie and camembert filled the air. Sardines, squid and various fish from the Mediterranean Sea where on display too, and the locals spoke loudly and passionately as they bought and sold their merchandise. Joy and I bought some French bread and walked along the promenade in the sunshine. We had a lovely time together. We laughed and chatted enthusiastically at the different sights and sounds that we experienced along the way. My husband likes to argue that this holiday was a waste. We accomplished nothing and spent lavish amounts of money. But I see that in itself as the desired accomplishment. My daughter and I returned home rejuvenated and prepared to embrace the VIV moment we had left behind us.

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