Most of August I was in France, in Cessy, what is just over the border from Switzerland, only a 20 minute drive from Geneva. We stayed there with my employers family. They all slept in their house, but they also had a caravan. The caravan was surrounded by trees and quite private. Perfect! I lived in the caravan for 2 weeks straight and I absolutely loved it. It reminded me of my childhood as my grandma also had a caravan. The smell, the atmosphere, everything came back. Also it made me realise that you don’t need much. I could easily live in a caravan. Just to have a tiny living space, a simple kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom. It made me feel so happy to
be so close to nature. It’s the small things!

There was a breathtaking view too. Almost every day (sometimes it was behind the clouds) I was able to see the Mont Blanc. And not only a nice view, but also fresh figs of the fig trees every day. Freshly picked fruit really makes my heart beat faster! So amazing! Across the field, only a 5 min walk, there were 2 donkeys and 2 horses.The first day of my weekend I walked to them and I stroked one of the donkeys for almost an hour. She was so nice. She came running to me and then just wanted to be stroked. I loved it! Donkeys are such nice animals. That day I also went to a mall called ‘Val Thoiry’, about a 30 min drive. They had a little car I was allowed

to use, what was so kind and super handy, as it really gave me some freedom to go to things on my own. There was an H&M there, what was so handy as I needed new leggings. When I was getting them I also saw a sun-hat, a simple black one with a little scarf around it. I always wanted to have a hat like that, but I could never find one I liked. They’re so handy, because then you don’t always have to wear sunglasses. I’m so happy I got them, because I can already tell you that I used it a lot and I really liked it. Very useful and it looks nice too! There was also another hat, the ones which are always 100% wool. But this one was 100% Polyester. I really liked it too, but I had no idea how to bring it with me to London. So I figured the H&M here in London would  have them too. Unfortunately I didn’t find them so far. What is such a shame, because I really like to have a hat like this. There was also a very big supermarket: ‘Migros’. And I just loveeee big supermarkets. So I got all my groceries there. Mostly for the week, but also some things what was gonna last longer. It’s quite expensive there, couldn’t believe the prices sometimes. But on holidays I almost get everything I want. So I made it quite expensive in the end. I kept everything very healthy though. Very nice groceries.
The next day I went to Divonne, a village only a 10 minute drive away. In the morning and the beginning of the afternoon there is a market. A lot of french breads, olives, but also some clothes and a lot of other things. I got new elephant bottoms. I always wanted to have a nice pair of those, but as I’m very picky I can never find exactly what I want. But they had a black and grey one and it was perfect, so I got them. I wore it a lot! It was quite a lovely market where I got the most delicious sun dried tomato spread. I got a fresh baguette, grilled some veggies when I got home and that was my dinner. It was so delicious, I could have eaten that every day. In the evenings I did a lot of reading, writing or I watched ‘Orphan Black’, a super nice show on Netflix.
That week we went with the boat on lake Geneva and it was so much fun. We went to the other side of the lake, had lunch there and then went back. In the end everybody jumped  off the boat into the water, but I don’t dare to do that. I need to know what is under me, otherwise I panic. Must be a control thing. It looked so nice though, so in the end I sat on the side of the boat and put my feet in the water, what was amazing! I did get a wet bum as another boat past us and made a lot of waves. It was very refreshing, haha! The water is so clear and has such a beautiful colour. I really really loved it!
The next weekend I went to the supermarket again to get fresh fruit and veggies and food for when my mum was gonna come that week. I also went to a big health store, what was called ‘Satoriz’. It was next to ‘Val Thoiry’ and it was quite a big store and very nice. A lot of vegan products. Though they didn’t know things like vegan mayonnaise and cheese. I got a lot of other very nice things though. Finally some good vegan treats. In the middle of the store there is a cafe. I had lunch there and asked for a vegan meal. They gave me a lovely plate of food, with a mash potato vegetable pie, beetroot soup, a little salad, 2 different dips and some very nice bread. I also had a dessert, some sort of pudding with fruit on top. Everything was very fresh and so tasty, I really enjoyed that. My mum came that Thursday and I was so looking forward to that. First of all to just see her, but also it was nice for me to show her my work and to give her a good idea from what I do. We also went to Geneva together for a few days, what was lovely. We had such a good time. It was so nice of my employers to let her come over. I really appreciated that.
The last week was very busy as I had to work the weekend too, but we did al sorts of nice things with the kids. There is so much to do in the area. Almost every day it was nice weather. Sunny, warm, but not too hot. What a lovely place to spend the summer!

Did you go to this area of France or did you do something similar this summer? I would love to hear it! Please let me know by leaving a comment below. You can also tag me or use #PlanetManel on Instagram. Thank you! X