south of france vlog 🍊🐚 hidden beaches, fruit stands, slow living

Summary

This vlog captures a journey through the vibrant south of France, blending local culture, food, and personal reflection. The creator shares their adventures at the market, tasting unique dishes like 'SOA' and exploring picturesque locations like Eze and Monaco. Along the way, they discuss the importance of slowing down and savoring life’s simple moments, contrasting the fast pace of their New York upbringing. From fresh melons and eggs to hidden coastal spots, the vlog emphasizes embracing a more intentional, present lifestyle while traveling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker enjoys exploring local markets, trying new foods, and experiencing the local culture while traveling.
• 😀 A key moment in the vlog is the discovery of SOA, a specialty dish from the south of France, which the speaker enjoys.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the importance of slowing down while traveling, appreciating the small moments rather than rushing through packed itineraries.
• 😀 The speaker appreciates the freshness and quality of local produce, such as eggs and melons, which taste significantly better than in the US.
• 😀 The vlog showcases the speaker’s journey to the medieval village of Eze, exploring its beauty and hidden gems.
• 😀 The speaker experiences the thrill of gambling for the first time at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
• 😀 A personal tradition of collecting stamps from each location the speaker visits is introduced.
• 😀 The speaker feels conflicted at first with the slower pace of life in southern France but ultimately finds it more fulfilling and less stressful.
• 😀 The vlog explores the beauty of local sunsets and the lively atmosphere of outdoor markets, enhancing the immersive experience of the location.
• 😀 The speaker's journey includes a spontaneous exploration of Monaco, visiting various sites and reflecting on the ease of travel between countries in Europe.
• 😀 Overall, the speaker emphasizes the value of living intentionally and being present in the moment, rather than rushing through life.

Q & A

What was the creator's initial reaction to the pace of life in the place they were traveling to?

The creator initially felt frustrated with the slower pace of life, particularly because shops and services closed earlier than they were accustomed to in New York City. However, over time, they began to appreciate the slower pace and the opportunity it provided to be more intentional and present in daily activities.

How did the creator feel about revisiting required school books?

The creator expressed that they did not enjoy required reading in school, feeling it was more about fulfilling an obligation rather than appreciating the story. As an adult, they decided to reread these books, starting with *The Namesake* by Jhumpa Lahiri, with the intention of experiencing the story in a more meaningful way.

What did the creator learn about the difference between rushed travel and slowing down?

The creator learned that traveling with a packed itinerary can make the experience feel rushed, often causing them to miss out on truly appreciating the moment. By slowing down, they realized they could better enjoy the little details and cultural experiences of a place, which they felt was the true point of travel.

What is SOA, and why was the creator excited to try it?

SOA is a specialty food from either Antibes or the south of France. The creator was excited to try it after seeing a vendor making it at the market. SOA is described as tasting like solidified hummus, which intrigued the creator.

What was the creator's reaction to the local eggs they bought in the market?

The creator was surprised by how much brighter the eggs looked compared to those in America. They also felt the eggs tasted better, although they wondered if this perception was influenced by the placebo effect.

How did the creator feel about the melons they purchased from the market?

The creator described the melons as some of the juiciest and best they had ever had. They were highly impressed with the quality of the fruit from the market.

What was the significance of the creator's visit to Monaco?

The visit to Monaco was significant for the creator because it felt like they were living out a childhood movie fantasy. They experienced the luxury of the Monte Carlo Casino, tried gambling for the first time, and even started a tradition of collecting stamps from every place they travel.

What did the creator do in the medieval village of Eze?

In the medieval village of Eze, the creator and their companions took a taxi up a winding road to explore. They then enjoyed some gelato, explored hidden paths leading to a beach, and discovered a spot where they could enjoy fresh fish by the ocean.

What lessons about life and travel did the creator reflect on in the vlog?

The creator reflected on the idea of slowing down in life and travel. They realized that being busy and rushed is often a choice and that slowing down allows one to be more present and appreciate life's small moments, especially while traveling.

How did the creator’s perspective on travel change during their time in Antibes?

The creator’s perspective on travel changed from focusing on cramming as many activities as possible into an itinerary to embracing a slower, more mindful approach. They became more interested in experiencing the local culture and environment rather than rushing from place to place.