The Seattle Times - WHEN MY HUSBAND hinted at taking all his vacation at once this year — during the summer — my first and only thought was the south of France. I had visions of us sipping icy pastis in the evenings while our young son pranced through olive trees. The sweet spice of lavender in the warm breeze. Daily open-air markets with the freshest cherries, white peaches and luscious apricots. In minutes, the romantic in me had orchestrated the perfect vacation.