One thing that has struck me from day one are the winds. Even on the hottest day so far (no real numbers, but over 30 for sure) the apartment has felt relatively cool. We have no air conditioning, but the windows all have shutters and are totally open to the outdoors. There seem not to be too many bugs so screens seem to be a non-issue. Anyways, every morning we throw open the windows and the breezes cool out the apartment. When we leave for the morning we close the shutters so nothing flies in, and the sun is mostly shaded out, but the air can still sneak through the slats. Lunch is in the shade and a bit warmer, but still quite manageable, especially with a quick snooze right afterwards! And then when we return from our afternoon outings we throw open the shutters once again until bedtime.
The first night we were a bit freaked out, as there are tons of swallows that swoop by the apartment and cathedral. We thought they were bats and immediately shut everything. We have since learned that they are swallows and that some live under the eaves of the roof. It is amazing to hear their screeches at dusk, and to watch the soars and dives of them all.
But the best of all is to sit in the apartment, on the sofa or at the dining table and just feel the breeze whoosh by. I can’t even really put words to it, but it’s a combination of the physical sensation of wind touching my body along with all of the other signs of human life that waft in with the winds. The smells of dinner cooking in another apartment, the sounds of children playing tag in the courtyard. The sweet trills of opera sailing up from the music festival in the old city. There is such a sense of life being lived and I love every minute of it.
The one bit of the winds that has a negative connotation is the dust that blows in with it. We have been sweeping every day, and mopping almost as frequently, and it is just never-ending! For a woman who prefers not to do housework, this is quite the change. Actually (and for my LLLC book ladies, this is a shout out to you!), it brings me just that bit closer to being a Radical Homemaker! The aspect of time, as an integral commodity, is SO present in our life here. And it allows me to enjoy the small parts of my day, like hanging the laundry on the rack, or washing dishes.
So, I guess, I say, "Winds, bring it on!"
We are having that kind of day here too. Windows open and breezes flying through. Unfortunately it is not like that every day here. I am more envious with every word you write!
ReplyDeleteLara, what a gifted writer you are. I can see, hear, smell, and feel what you describe, and almost taste that neighbour's dinner! Thanks for the wonderful, though brief, transport to the south of France.
ReplyDeleteThe Mistral... lucky you!
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