France

We found a lesson in contradiction today in the Dordogne Valley, one of our favorite areas in France. Already known for the paradoxical warmth of color in its otherwise cold stone, the valley revealed a bit more of the contrast we seek but only rarely glimpse. In front of a house that - like the car outside it - may have seen better days, a tremendous wisteria vine was defying decay. For an instant, everything there was warmed by a golden afternoon light which the moment before had been eclipsed by a sudden, cool rain.