Wolves at the Bus Stop

Safely home to my seat for lunch and the newspaper, until it's time for an afternoon stroll.

What is it with old men and the bus stop?  Are there some rules I haven't learned yet? 

It is heart-achingly beautiful here today, so I thought a bus ride out to the St. Georges market would be in order--I wanted some more of the cereal that only they have, and I have been looking for bay leaves because I want to make another pot of beef bourguignon.  I set off at a reasonably early hour so I could be back home in time for lunch here.

I did indeed get the cereal and found the the bay leaves--finally.  I got a few other staples--coffee, filters, because they are cheaper there.  But for my meats and veggies, it's the butcher and open air market for me.  I was finished my marketing in nothing flat and headed back out to catch the bus home

Next thing I know, some old guy is rattling off rapid fire French--he didn't understand the bus system.  It can be a little confusing to people who are used to driving.  So, I explained it to him--can you appreciate the irony--and we began a conversation.  I learned that his Peugeot is in the garage--transmission trouble. He needed some light bulbs, and proceeded to extract them from his pocket and explain to me the difference between the kind that just pushes into the socket and the kind he purchased, which has threads.   He was born in Carcassonne, and except for his stint in the Army, he's lived here in the Aude most of his life.  We were having such a pleasant conversation--by his own admission, he spoke no English, until he wanted to know where I lived (I lied--I never give out that information to strangers), if I was married, or if I wanted a boyfriend while I was here in Carcassonne. He asked for my phone number and I told him I didn't know, (which is mostly true) so could he call me sometime.  All the while flashing his wedding band big as life.  The old goat!

We parted company when we both got off the bus at Andre Chenier.  I swear to God that I am going to pay closer attention to the bus schedule so I don't again find myself with 25 minutes to wait.

But hey-- I got great practice speaking French!