Through the lens - Sisteron, South East of France



Sisteron, South East of France - Stunning place to go swimming!



10 tips to survive a long haul flight

Should we learn from nature? Does he complain? 

I have started a list of items which I think will help us get through our next long flight. We are flying to New Zealand and the duration of the flight is going to be 24 hours (touching down for 1 hour only after 12 hours).

We are going to take off in the evening which is probably good since it will give us a chance (hopefully) to get some sleep during the first few hours of the trip. But after that, how do you keep yourself occupied?

Our list so far:

1. Books: I am planning to take a variety of books (Serious one for the beginning of the flight when the concentration level is still high and not so serious one for the end). I will also have a guidebook for New Zealand. This time will be perfect to plan our itinerary.

2. Games: Still wondering what to bring with us. Booklets of games like Sudoku are really good and do not take much room.

3. Music / short films: The IPod will be charged but will not last for the whole flight. We will probably have to save it for the end when the journey feels never ending.

4. Snacks: I found that we tend to eat a lot of unhealthy food while travelling. A mixture of healthy and not so healthy snacks should keep us going.

5. Work tasks: It is not good to take work with you on holiday but I am tempted just this once.

6. Exercises: We must remember to get up on a regular basis to get our legs moving. Apart from walking up and down the aisles, the options are limited.

7. Sleep: I have purchased ear plugs, eye mask and a neck pillow. I am hoping to get a bit of sleep but it depends which seats we will be allocated. We will aim to arrive early at the airport to get a chance to choose our seats. The seats near the emergency exists are always a good option particularly for tall people, as long as they are not close to the toilet.

8. Writing: This is going to be a test for me. I have launched my blog this year and I need to start writing more regularly. So I am hoping I will get some inspiration once in the air.

9. Getting to know fellow travellers: You can meet really interesting people while travelling. And when you can't sleep, you can chat to people gathered around the drinks trolley.

10. Relaxation: When do you get the chance to do nothing at all. I am the type of person that finds it hard to stay still. So, I am hoping I will be able to relax and enjoy doing nothing for a little while.

What do you do on a long haul flight to make your journey enjoyable? I would love to hear your ideas and recommendations.

Christmas traditions from the Provence, South of France

13 Christmas desserts, no less!



French people do have a bit of a sweet tooth. For Christmas, the main meal is serve on the evening of 24th before going to midnight mass. And in the South East of France, in a region called La Provence, an old tradition exists whereby 13 desserts are served on Christmas eve in reference to Jesus and the 12 apostles sitting at the last supper.

They are not 13 individual desserts as such. The list includes dried fruit, frest fruit, sweets etc...

So, here is a list:

• Les 4 mendiants (the 4 beggars):

         - Hazelnuts or walnuts

         - Dry figs
         - Almonds

         - Raisins

• La pompe a huile (the olive oil pump): Flat yeast bread made with olive oil such fougasse.
• les 2 nougats: White and Black nougats
• Dattes (sometimes stuffed with marzipan)
• Calisson d'Aix en Provence ( a sweet made with marzipan)
• Quince fruit paste
• Fresh white grapes
• Christmas melon
• Fresh oranges

This list may vary slightly from one region to another.

Do you have any Christmas traditions in your country? Which one do you still follow?  

Through the lens: La Drome, South of France

Teyssieres, Drome region - this is where I grew up