To Simply Be

Today's post will be a short one.  It was a day to simply be--I washed a load of laundry, which is drying on the rack as I write, and vacuumed.  Did a little marketing for the apartment; I needed a small skillet, a squeegee for the shower, dish soap.  You know, the kind of things you use in your daily life.

Shopping here is so different. The stores are small and specialized.  Can you imagine--a store that specializes in nothing but e-cigarettes!!! In beautiful cases.  I saw one lady using one in the Place Carnot the other day.  (the case and the e-cigarette)

Speaking of cigarettes, I stopped for lunch at Chez Felix and someone behind me had a cigarette. Oh my God, did I ever want it!  Really.  I can't lie.  I haven't smoked since 1979, but I swear to Jesus, if who ever was smoking behind me had offered me a puff, I can't say I would have turned it down.  It's crazy, I know, but I said earlier that I was going to try to be truthful on these pages.  And today, the truth is that I wanted a cigarette. And the final truth is that I did not have one.  

As an aside, I had the bavette (a piece of flank steak, pounded until thin and tender) with a green salad and some frites (French fries).  The meat was good--I haven't been eating much red meat since I left Brookings.  The portion was just right--not some gargantuan slab of meat; it was cooked just the way I ordered and expected it. I couldn't finish the fries, nor could I finish the piece of baguette that came with lunch. I am eating less and enjoying it more.  It must have something to do with the quality of the ingredients. I am sure that I will continue to patronize Chez Felix, especially since they have indoor seating. 

 

Chez Felix.  The waiters leave you alone and the cafe actually provides newspapers for its patrons

 to read while having un cafe.  

The Fete des Vendages gets into high gear tonight and tomorrow.  There is also a festival over in the walled cite; jousting, battles, jugglers, musicians.  That takes place tomorrow and Sunday.  There was an article in today's paper about protests against the fete--the anti-alcoholism people don't like the glorification of wine. Actually, the festival is more about the vintner's life and work cycle than it is any great call to come and get drunk.  The vintners will sell to the public tonight and tomorrow.  It's a chance for them to show off, and I say good for them.  Not everyone who has a glass of wine with a meal becomes an alcoholic.  I plan on attending both parties--the fete as well as the medieval festival.  

Grapes and the booths are ready.

 Where will the farmers and their produce be tomorrow?  There is room for everyone, I think.