Bonjour Sweet Friends!

I’m in a happy place tonight! I arrived on Corsica today and it reminds me SO much of Hawaii. Mountains, ocean, rainbows, storms followed by sunshine and clear skies, the smell of salt water and narrow, winding roads through the mountains.

I arrived around 5 PM and it was cloudy and slightly chill with storm clouds blowing in. No sooner had I gotten to my rental car did the bottom fall out and it started to poor. Knowing I had to drive through the mountain to get to St. Florent, I was like, oh great. Rain and unfamiliar narrow, winding roads; and then when I was pulling out of the parking lot, the rain stopped and the most gorgeous rainbow appeared. It was thick, full and vibrant as if someone had painted it with magic markers and left it hanging in the sky. I said to myself, I got this! This is going to be like driving in Hawaii, and sure enough it was. It reminded me of the first time I went to Big Island by myself. All of a sudden it was familiar territory.

The drive to St. Florent was indeed gorgeous. Beautiful valleys with vineyards and farms, brightly colored roof tops gazing up at me; and the roads were narrow with many switchbacks, but are in good shape and easy to navigate. I found St. Florent and my hotel La Florentine without any problem. The hotel is on the bay with a private “beach” that is small and filled with pebbles not sand. But I’m not complaining. They have lounge chairs out there plus a pool and Jacuzzi, so I’m good! I plan to park my happy self on one of those chairs tomorrow and lounge in the sun. Happy place!!!

Something interesting happened tonight. Upon arrival, the receptionist asked that I wait on the terrace while she prepared my room. She asked if I would like a glass of wine while I waited and I said, no just water please. A young man brought me a chilled glass of rose wine and some chips to the table. For a split second, I almost drank it. In that second, I thought several things – no one will know, I’m here by myself and no one will see me, besides it’s free and he’s already poured it. But then as I looked at the glass, I realized it was a dark and deceptive rabbit hole and if I drink it, I’m going down that hole and there’s no going back. So I told him that I don’t drink and would he please bring me a sparkling water. If I ever doubt that I’m an alcoholic, that split second indecision and the thoughts that raced through my head confirm that I am indeed an alcoholic. It was a good reminder, but it’s the first time I came that close to drinking. Kinda scares me, but again, it’s a good reminder of what I am and that I have to stay vigilant.

Speaking of vigilant, there are no vegan restaurants here my friends! Mostly fish and seafood on the menu everywhere, but most places have salad. I just have to tell them to leave off the cheese, the meat, the fish, the egg, the everything! This would not be as difficult if I spoke French, but sadly I do not. So I’m kinda winging it!

Stay vigilant my friends and correct your course when necessary, it’s worth it to stay in your happy place!! Bonsoir!