OMO Limoges, France

In advance of our daughter's 5-day school trip, I decided to book myself a short trip abroad to discover a new city OMO (on my own). My low-cost airline options turned up a quick, hour-long flight to Limoges, France. Since I love the how the word "Limoges" just rolls off the tongue, I decided: "Why not?"

Limoges is most commonly known for beautiful porcelain. However, the small Limoges pill or jewellery boxes that I grew up coveting were non-existent in the shops I visited. The real Limoges porcelein consists of plates, serving platters, teacups, saucers and almost any other item you would find on a dining room table. Fine china for Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren and hundreds of other companies are made in the porcelain factories of Limoges.

The city has a rich history and deeply French feel. I didn't hear English spoken, nor did I care to. The grand train station is impressive. While the rest of the town reminds you of an ordinary, real French small city where life exists without tourism, just the occasional visitors.

I happened upon this botanic garden near the museum of art. I loved the plant markings. Each plant had it's own botanical name label.

I found a few porcelain factory stores. One was attached to the factory. www.royal-limoges.fr. The prices were reasonable and I had only wished I was in need of any china. I envisioned a mother/daughter visit (perhaps a future one for me and mine) where selections could be made to begin a married life with beautiful dishes.

I would return to Limoges. I'd stay about 3 night and explore some of the outlying town and villages. Maybe do some hiking in the mountains. I have such positive memories from this solo travel adventure!

An adventure a day...

I've been having a lot of travel adventures both alone and with my family in these past 2 years of my life. Today was a big one. I have been out of my comfort zone here in Skopje, Macedonia. This is a very poor country, though Skopje puts on a proud face with its impressive statues and huge monuments. But when you get right down to it, most people here are poor. Thus, as a fortunate American woman, I have been having a trying time walking around and feeling safe all the time. I've been kicking myself for wearing these diamond earrings and my wedding rings-- all glaring giveaways of not blending in with the locals.
I've been assured that there is very little crime here. But that still doesn't reassure me completely that at any time I couldn't be swooped up and robbed or worse. What I keep repeating to myself is: fear begets fear, so don't have fear. My motto when our daughter was a baby was: sleep begets sleep. So, I generally believe these theories, but I struggle to convince myself fully.
Today I went to Lake Matka. It's a beautiful lake situated in a canyon on the outskirts of Skopje. I put my safety and life in the hands of a local professional private driver. He was a friendly, family man in his 30s. I still had no idea that he wasn't driving me up into the hills of Albania or god-knows-where. I had no cellphone service, only the ability to text. Even then, I had no idea where I was.
Thankfully, the trip was a success. Namely, I'm alive. The driver turned out to be extremely friendly and kind. He brought me to hidden monasteries and a restaurant built into a cavern. He gave me a history lesson in Macedonia and his theories on life in the Balkans. We ended up at the beautiful lake and we even had a traditional Macedonian lunch together.
I may not feel as adventurous as I look. But, the unease hasn't yet stopped me from taking on new adventures.

Skopje, Macedonia Food Market

The Old Bazaar food market in Skopje is a delight for the foodie eyes. Piles and mounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers, leeks, peaches, cipollini onions... and cheerful Macedonian men.