IT'S STARTING TO HAPPEN
And a Provençal tomato tarte
It’s been nearly a week since we arrived back in the Netherlands. The drive here was dark, rainy and cold. A world of a difference from the beautiful Mediterranean weather we left behind. Yesterday I was looking through some photos we took there and realized how much more appealing they look than anything I’ve ever taken here, even on the sunniest of days. Hans, who’s a photographer, pointed out that it was simply the light. Everything in Provence is so much more intense. More vibrant. Life is more vibrant.
It’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago, I could never have imagined how my French dream would suddenly return, and just how amazingly it did. Some things can’t be called coincidence. Vaison-la-Romaine has it all, and then some. What a surge of energy, life and creativity I felt there, in a way I’ve never experienced before. And that last apéro with Madame and Monsieur Avias. Their kindness, hospitality, exquisite home, tales of Provençal culture and warmth, shared over a bottle of wine and toasts with homemade black olive tapenade (the best I’ve ever tasted). How this all touched me so deeply. How I know, in every fiber of my being, that this will be my home. I am getting emotional just writing this. The timing wasn’t right last year, but my heart never changed. And life, fate, God, whatever you want to call it, had better things in store for us.
It’s been quite the whirlwind since we arrived. From meeting with our agent again (she was quite surprised we called) to trying to find the right person to help us with the move (and even the movers, for that matter, yes, we made a list yesterday of what stays and what goes), to reading up on how to set up our businesses, get insurance, find an accountant, etc. And in between, I’m juggling deadlines and feeling a little overwhelmed.
Our estate agent was very honest and told us that selling our house may not be as easy (or as profitable) as it was two years ago. However, we may get lucky as she has three buyers who are looking for a house like ours. We still need to dot the ‘i’s’ and cross those ‘t’s,’ though. There’s a ton of paperwork we need to fill out, and we need to schedule an appointment with the photographer who’s going to help market the house. But I have faith. We will sell this house. Soon, and well.
Things are moving very fast now. I wonder where we’ll be in the process by this time next week.
For now, I’m trying to not only keep a positive and hopeful attitude (thank you to everyone who’s written in with words of support!), but I am also putting all the inspiration I gained to good use. In a previous post on Nyons olives, I promised to share a recipe and here it is!
The recipe, as well as exclusive pictures of our time in France (in the post that will follow), are only available for paid subscribers. A paid subscription will also entitle you to a FREE copy of my upcoming cookbook with French and Italian recipes as well as special discounts for my cooking lessons and culinary walks in France.