Wow, good morning from lesMontels near Roujan France. We arrived yesterday, enjoyed gracious hospitality as we were met at airport by Anne Brooks, good friend and travel buddy from Toronto. She came knowing we would need assistance with the luggage. Ha ha. Four us had more luggage than the rental car would hold.
The rental car place had computers down so slowed the process and everything on paper. The patient man, who speaks better Franch than English was most apologetic for the length of time we were in queue. He has followed up today with email … Very kind. I am grateful for so much.
The drive was fun, catching up on stories with my mom. Mr Steve, as Anne refers to him, rode with Anne leading us down the twisty roads and frequent round a bouts. Fabulous. I have somehow traveled through a day and find myself in tomorrow land.  
My eldest daughters birthday today, she turned 31. I remember the day we met as one of the pivotal days of my entire life. I am forever changed by becoming a mother. I do wish I knew then what I know now about what matters and not …..  
So as we arrived, driving in to the sunset on the French countryside region of Languedoc-Rousillion. Farming, vineyards, fine wine. The rolling hills not far from the gentle breezes of the Mediterranean Sea. As we drive up the gravel road to the villa I am in awe of the view, the vista landscapes, the orange sunset, the stone building with lilac trim where we will spend the month. Wow! My breath catches in my throat. And in that moment and ever since, I have forgotten what I was going to write about my journey to this magical place.
In losing the day, I have gained tomorrow. I have arrived, before and without going through all those hours of flight …. Don’t you just love space and time travel by plane?  
The stone villa is situated on a hill overlooking a lush valley of vineyards and greenery, as far as I can see. Green trees, bushes, aloe plants, cactus, palm trees too! A gentle breeze is all we can hear today. Last night we heard the cicada bugs rubbing legs in joy and creating music. Today, breeze, birds and sunshine.  
I look out from the villa, sun room, kitchen area, living seating area, and bedrooms all off sunroom. The design of this place is for living and enjoyment. Wow!  
Last night we had wine, local, red and very powerful and potent for these jet lagged travelers. It was lush, smooth, bold, deep inch red colour and local vintners bottled the scent of this place in the wine. Trois Terasses is the name from Mas Gabriel (farm) locally. Fabulous. And off to sleep we went for almost twelve hours.
Today is a new day and I am ready to head out. In to Pezanas today on the menu, a beautiful village with shops and cobblestone streets. Today is Tuesday and all will be open by 230 pm. Stuff is open during the morning but closes around noon for a while. We missed that by sleeping in … Lol

Bonjours, 
Pamela, of France!  

Long Flight YVR to AMS: Looptail
Squishy seats on KLM …. I decide to listen to an Audible book that I have thought might be inspiring. I was right.
“Looptail” is the title, author Bruce Poon Tip, creator of GAdventures. A Canadian adventure travel company that offers life changing trips around the world. Wow!  
Starting from the wisdom and inspiration that comes from certain spiritual focus on equality, true balance of finance. Redistribution of wealth through travel opportunities. This promises to be a great story.
I am already a huge fan of the company, now to learn the story of the heart behind its inception. As a travel agent it is my duty to research and find fantastic travel opportunities for those who come to me for assistance. The Women’s Travel Club relies on my ethical moral compass to guide our future as we change the lives of women globally.
Update: recently I listened to a podcast that told of this companies recent projects. Included, was the big news story that they were partnering with National Geographic. Another Wow!
Books he read: Great Ocean, about spiritual beliefs of Tibet Dalai Lama.  
His words and phrases:  
Responsible. Sustainable. If you want the comforts of home, then stay home. A huge problem is my opportunity. What I do is a calling, a movement. Our purpose in life is achieving happiness. Our work is integral to the way we live our lives. What matters to us is more similar than different. Passion and purpose. Motivation is to inspire modern businesses in global social movement.  
Be something or be nothing! I am only as good as the people around me. Story telling works in engaging customers to a higher purpose. It’s how I get up that matters. Reimagine group travel….Between mainstream tourism (large bus tours or cruises) and backpacking. Variety, activity and cultural exchange. Changing travel through fearless innovation. Doing what I was made to do, following inspiration. Paying it forward. I am being guided. 
Doing whatever it takes, taking part time jobs to make it work. Giving it my all. Speak wherever I can to whoever will listen. Follow through with promises. Create relationships. Coach. Teamwork. Leadership. Good things will happen when I do good things. Excellence is expected. I can’t teach loyalty passion and commitment. Relationships between travellers as much as where visiting. 
Freedom lies in being bold. There is a compassionate side of business. Meaningful connections. Create a sustainable solution through tourism. 

And the next journey has begun. Arrival at the airport in Victoria Bc in plenty of time for check in and luggage drop off. The sun is shining bright and it is warm today.
Issues : the weather, my luggage and what I am wearing.
It always seems to take so long to decide and select from the clothes and shoes always at the ready auditioning for the next trip. Wanting to be creative and fun, as well as practical and yet stylish. Wanting comfort and matching. The selection made in a last days and I am done. Whatever comes with me, that is it. :). 
Luggage; another item is on its last legs, it’s final trip. Last trip I retired my sticker covered famous carry on grey hard side suitcase. Today I am using my blue carry on size hard sided item for checking. I also decide on the red carry on item. It has a broken handle it seems, since leaving home so it won’t expand all the way. And so it is resting comfortably in a cart now. It won’t likely return with me … I will have to purchase something new.
I have decided also to wear the bulkiest sweater I own, cuddly and warm, neutral beige. This will get some use as I hang out in the villa in south of France. Snugly and warm …. Cozy yet stylin. Done! And matching hat … Once belonging to my mom … Like me, she buys hats and seldom wears them. So this one will be reunited with her. On my last trip my favourite hat was left accidentally in Rome at a sidewalk cafe near pizazza de popolo. Never to be seen or worn again by me.  
Well, off we go. KLM flight direct Vancouver to Amsterdam and then on to Montpellier. Can hardly wait.  
Needing sleep … Safe travels wherever you are!  
Ciao
Pamela