France (March, 2022) – Airline travel has certainly changed over the last few years; I used to find solace looking out the passenger window feeling a connection to the nuts and bolts, watching clouds curve over and under the wings with the velocity of flight. These days though with masks and mandates it doesn't have the same sense of calm and excitement. Alas; I'm safe and sound back in the comforts of the jungle oasis, joyfully reminiscing of my adventure overseas despite the added nasal swab.

France (March, 2022) – We landed back in France after a much delayed return to the familiar. With luck, our arrival coincided in time for pandemic restrictions to ease and for life to reanimate with the blossoming of spring. Our excitement led us to a wondrous exhibit at Musee Maillol; we roamed around the large photographic impressions with listening devices, as McCurry's voice gave emotive descriptions of the happenings beyond the image. 

France (March, 2022) – Anyone who's spent any time in Paris and the surrounding suburbs knows that the easiest method of transport is the extensive train systems. From my cousin's cul-de-sac; we raced to meet the train and a friend for lunch, before a whirlwind walk around some old haunts in the city centre.

France (March, 2022) – After a family foray into the immersive world of dancing Kandinsky's, we lingered through Paris's converted green spaces and impressive play-grounds. Despite the majestic modern structures, it seems the delicate tangled tree provided just as much fodder for the childhood imagination.

France (March, 2022) – We exited the train station in Colombes; pushing the stroller through the maze of passageways towards freedom and green space. The Sahara sandstorms from a few days earlier, still evident on the lift windows; casting a dusting of sands on most exterior surfaces. We danced around the waiting passengers; en route to the next sinking shuttle, towards our final destination. 

France (March, 2022) – It's become a routine; the special event, the little joie de vivre that is an essential part of the visit back to the motherland. I spent the day; galloping around with a giant - over indulging in memories and foods from my childhood. We ended the culinary adventure with a stop for gelato at the famed Berthillon after parading for hours on a glorious spring day. 

France (March, 2022) – It's been an interesting week, being back in the ancestral lands. Clearly things have changed, France is still struggling with its politics, its protests and restructuring due to the pandemic. We took the train into the city centre, peregrinating past the new facade admiring the distorted reflections of the art nouveau architecture across the street on our way to lunch at Chez Gladines.