Distinguished Visitors
Distinguished Visitors
Lots of fun stuff since I last blogged so let’s start with distinguished visitors. To be clear, ALL our visitors are distinguished, and these just happened to be here in May / June of 2026.
I’ve blogged about the amazing time I spent in Paris with my manager of many years (Anders and his wife Jennifer.) But late spring also brought the opportunity to visit with my friend Ilene and my cousin Steve and his wife Leigh.
Ilene
Ilene was the mastermind behind an annual conference that I attended yearly during my LexisNexis tenure. We sponsored the event in no small part because of Ilene’s expertise in providing an extremely valuable experience. And bonus point, Ilene and I became friends.
So, when Ilene came to visit, it gave me the opportunity to thank her by putting together an itinerary with the goal of having the best time possible in Montpellier. The agenda included touring the Ecusson or old town quarter and attending the Thursday coffee at Café de la Mer.
THE CAMARGUE
My friend Martha joined us for a magical day touring the Camargue, home of white horses and pink flamingos. Sebastien, our guide from a local tour company WISUD, was extremely personable and informative.
ARLES
Ilene and I had the chance to experience what is billed as the largest marché in France. Arles is also Van Gogh central — he created over 300 paintings and drawings during his intense 15-month residence there. We managed to not see a single Van Gogh related thing, so Arles goes back on the bucket list.
NIMES
On Monday, Ilene’s last day here, a trip to Nimes came with torrential downpours. We beelined for a museum, lunch and then beat a hasty retreat to dry digs in Montpellier.
After a week of great fun, it was time to wish Ilene safe travels home.
Only Child…
Being an only child, cousins have always been extra special in my life. Now that all of our parents are gone, cousins provide a powerful connection to our past. To say that I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to share my world with family is an understatement.
Nimes, Part II
A Return to Nimes…
After practically drowning Ilene during our Nimes adventure, avoiding torrential rains was the key objective for my visit with Steve and Leigh. Fortunately, the weather gods were most kind to us!
Montpellier
Steve and I took a walking tour of Montpellier which included the opportunity to climb to the top of Montpellier’s Arc de Triomphe. It can’t be beat for views of Montpellier.
Safe travels
Steve and Leigh’s presence in Montpellier was a highlight of my time living in France. Being honest, I’ll admit to a few tears upon their departure. But the good kind of tears, those of time well spent.
Next up: Royal Ascot
Steve and Leigh’s presence in Montpellier was one of the best adventures during my time living in France and I’ll admit to a few tears upon their departure.
Steve and Leigh’s presence in Montpellier was one of the best adventures during my time living in France and I’ll admit to a few tears upon their departure.
Such good times! The exploration continues…an endless selection of interesting things to see & do with friends & relatives! I hope to make my way there at some point (the world will not wait 🙃)
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s always enjoyable to see your blogs Leslie! As always, it looks like a grand time was had by all!!!
Hello Leslie, I am so happy that you are enjoying your life! By the middle of next year, I plan to be able to come visit you for a few days. Keep you and your family safe. Linda
Leslie
Your blog always makes me smile! Your pictures are so beautiful — as are you! I hope one of these days to have a “Leslie squared” adventure.
Cheers
The other Leslie
Leslie
Your blog is amazing. Your pictures are so beautiful — as are you! I hope one of these days to have a “Leslie squared” adventure.
Cheers
The other Leslie