Lyon, everything I hoped.

We walked so far and saw so much in our two days of sunshine that an hour drifting in a boat on the huge lake in the park was the perfect way to relax, before finding somewhere to eat an evening meal.

Lyon, keep looking up.

Last Tuesday we caught the Eurostar train to Lyon. One train change and on the comfy spacious top deck of a TGV we make our final half of the journey fleeting through the beautiful french countryside, whizzing past vineyards and vegetable crops. After leaving the grey skies of England behind, we stepped out into the hot early evening sunshine.
Our hotel was just a few streets away with a breath taking panoramic view of the whole city. Hotels are for sleeping though, so we dropped off our bags and headed straight out to explore the streets. Tall buildings with shuttered windows, two wide rivers to cross and glimpses of the cathedral up and beyond. Time to seek nourishment in one of the many bustling back street restaurants. Authentic Bouchon or not the food was hearty and tasty, just what we needed for the long walk back.

Marrakech the streets

I reread one of my favourite books whilst away and it lasted from the first day right up until our plane touched down in London. In my mind the perfect memoir for any holiday where local people and the blistering heat take centre stage. Within the pages I found a passage that described the drama unfolding on the narrow city streets of Marrakech perfectly. I am saddened to say I have no pictures of the hundreds of dusty sun tired Donkey's that we saw.

So from the the chapter The world in a wall, from 'My family and other animals' by author Gerald Durrell.

'It was a fascinating area, the cobbled streets crammed with stalls that were piled high with gaily-coloured bales of cloth, mountains of shining sweetmeats, ornaments of beaten silver, fruit, and vegetables. The streets were so narrow that you had to stand back against the wall to allow the donkeys to stagger past with their loads of merchandise. It was a rich colourful part of the town, full of noise and bustle, the screech of bargaining women, the cluck of hens and barking dogs, and the wailing cry of the men carrying great trays of fresh loaves on their heads.'

Marrakech the flavours

Honey drenched pastries, spiced carrot salad, chilled tomato and coriander soup drizzled with olive oil, sweet buttery onion almond and chicken tagine, baked aubergines, delicately spiced tomato and onion salsa, traditional peasant pancakes for breakfast every morning, ice cold milk with dates and orange blossom, marinated chicken and pork skewers with turmeric couscous and many glasses of super sugary mint tea.

Marrakech the Riad

We stepped from our battered Mercedes cab into a dusty street, solid faded red walls on either side small wooden doorways here and there. From the bustling street you would never know such a tranquil oasis of calm was beyond those sun beaten red walls.
A cool courtyard painted in white with pale marble floor, trickling water feature and a tiny excitable tortoise to greet us, stairs led to our room, decorated with shimmering rugs, colourful soft furnishings, topaz blue velvet, feathers and accessories of tarnished silver, antique painted doors cool tiled floors a roof garden with sun drenched splash pool, and to unwind from our journey to Marrakech a pot of hot sweetened mint tea and honey coated Moroccan pastries on the table of our private terrace.

No guide book.

As most of you know I am heading to Marrakech very soon and I would love any tips or advice from any of you who has been there. I always find much nicer places from your first hand experiences than any guide book.

All images Mr and Mrs Smith

Outfits for Marrakech

1 A humid summer evening.
Dress
Bag
Shoes
Scarf
Sunnies


2 Walking and adventuring in delicate florals and bright whites to reflect that sun so high up in the sky.
swimsuit
cardigan
bag
glasses
Trousers
top

I apologise profusely for the fact that I lost the link to where these sandals came from and the floral top seems to have disappeared much to my dismay from the Jigsaw website. I was hoping that one would make its way into my suitcase.

3 Bits and pieces to remember to pack.No expense spared.
bag
Two piece bikini
scarf/sarong
Earrings
sandals
sunglasses

I appreciate some of these items are extravagant but this blog is all about having fun and dreaming plus who knew Roberto Cavalli would design a dress to match my favourite flavours at Laduree?

Ps. all the interior images are from P'tit Habibi our hotel in Marrakech.

Happy Valentines Rose.

Happy Valentines day.

After a major tidy and cleaning frenzy this morning ready for the photographers visit tomorrow, I am now baking a Plum and Almond cake and the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar is filling the air.


Thanks to all who entered my giveaway for two beautiful red striped Cornishware mugs from T.G Green.

The winner is Rose from the blog 'A rose beyond the thames'. I hope you enjoy a cosy mug of something warm as soon as you receive them. If only I could I would send a slice of that cake to accompany your new kitchenware.


Image by Kate wilson found via {Frolic!}

This lovely

Back home now, and oh I do love our sweet little flat, but I would trade up and move to the remote cottage in the black mountains tomorrow.

So peaceful with nature all around. There was so much I loved . . . .

A blue-tit perched on my windowsill in the morning
Stunning views of Autumn all around
Baking potatoes in the fire
The swish of the river outside
Carving a pumpkin
Finding all the houses dotted around the mountains
and choosing which ones I would like to live in, all of them.
Meeting a farmer and his horse on the road
Not watching television
Rain on the roof at night
Playing scrabble

I am counting the days until we can have another holiday this lovely. For any of you who would love to spend a few days away from an overpopulated town and in a rural cottage Under the thatch is such a great company and where we rented this cottage (Pont Esgob) from.