A Year in Provence

Right before Borders closed in September, on my last trip I picked up two books: The Sweet Life in Paris, and A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. After sitting on my shelf for a few months, I finally got around to reading A Year in Provence last week, and finished it over the weekend.

I won't get into too much detail about it for those of you who haven't read it and wish to, but it was one of the best books I have read in awhile. Peter Mayle is a FANTASTIC writer, and I felt that I was right there in Provence, learning and experiencing everything with him. The one thing I really wish I could have enjoyed was all the delicious food he mentions! It all sounded delish.

Overlooking a vineyard in Provence. The wine was the most delicious wine I ever consumed.

As I read about all of Peter Mayle's adventures during his move to Provence, all I could think was "I wish I could do that." I'm not sure I could move somewhere permanently, but I think a temporary relocation abroad would be one of those amazing, once in a lifetime things that you just never, ever forget.

I think the greatest thing, besides being abroad, would be the chance to really be immersed in the culture and to "live like a local." From learning the culture, the language, and of course all about the food, it would be a great chance to do all those things you wish to as a tourist, but just don't have the time for on a typical visit. 

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to move to another country? Where did you have in mind and of course, what would you do while you were there?