Hello everyone! How's this week going? Today, why don't we head off to sunny beaches along the Vendee Coast to bathe under the sun. This part of France is very sunny, so it was called Côte de Lumière which means Coast of Light. I am surprised by the amount of sun and heat this summer. Ah-huh and that's coming from someone who survived 45-50 degree Celsius summer heat in the Middle East. 

Exposure to sun during walks and hikes, I have been called french toast, brown sugar and bronzée on social media lately for my big change in skin tone. I don't mind though and this change was in spite of using sunblock regularly. All of my friends back home must be shaking their heads right about now, ready to spread sun block lotion SPF 100 (yes they exist) all over  their body like jam on a toast while under a huge umbrella for fear of the sun's rays causing a dent on their naturally or artificially light complexion.  Note to self, I need to buy myself a hat at least and this explains why I see "chappellerie" or hat shops at the town centre's market street.

Our walk begins here..

Hello! Hope you guys had a lovely weekend. Today, I'm sharing a photo blog post of what brought me happiness this week.  For those following me on Instagram, you must have already seen this.  A lovely day, a stroll by the sea, walking through streets like this one with the scent of roasted chicken and sautéed potatoes wafting through the air before lunch on a Sunday. I thank God for these beautiful moments.  

"If seashells are love letters in the sand, then let's spread that love on the walls." I was walking one bright sunny evening along the coast of Les Sables d'Olonne with my parents-in-law and we stopped by the corner of L'Ocean Cafe to take a small alley that leads to Quartier de L'ile Penotte. 

Flabbergasted, the work of art on the walls of every house and street corner brings joy to any passersby.  Quirky, colorful and definitely creative, the local artist, Dan Arnaud-Aubin transformed these alleys not only as a tourist attraction, but a source of happiness and beauty. I think this is what Art is really all about. Creating something that brings us profound joy while sharing beauty and love with others. Allowing them to see what once existed in our mind, unexpectedly touching their hearts and soul.

Every morning after breakfast, I push the stroller and enjoy a 2 kilometer walk to buy freshly made baguette. On our way to the rose garden, I spotted this boulangerie and asked the family if we could try their bread one day. It wasn't the usual bakery they were buying from but for a change, why not? So off we went and ordered un Pain ordinaire, un Pain de Chef et une baguette a l'ancienne. O la la...what we got was a crunchy on the outside, melt in your mouth goodness.