POSTING # 5 -- July 9 - 10
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| FROM THIS . . . |
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| . . . TO THIS!! |
It seems like I have been away from home a very long time -- several lifetimes even. Ireland and Marseille are fading from my mind's eye, as will Albi soon, each segment of this trip seeming like its own, separate journey. I look forward to the road ahead, especially now that I have wheels!
And what wheels! La Petite Grise (gray) is beautiful, and she and I have bonded over the course of this, our first day together. Peter, who breathes fresh life into these groovy cars, gave me a lesson in how to drive a Deux Cheveaux and has entrusted La Petite Grise to me for the next two weeks. And to be sure that I find my way back to return the car, I have "Ken", the Australian navigator, who very patiently guides me through roundabouts and almost always the correct way up one-way streets. I am thinking of switching to "Jacques" tomorrow, however, because he sounds better looking.
Marianne (holding her dog) has handled all of the car's arrangements for me and was most generous with her time. She also introduced me to the nicest people -- an enclave of friendly Dutch who welcomed me into their lives for an evening. The man in the photo below is her husband, Peter (I told you she was generous!) -- though not the Deux Chevaux Peter. I think all the men in Aubeterre are named Peter. Jom, Melody and Nico have a vacation home in Aubeterre, built in the Middle Ages, which I hope to see when I return the car, and I will also spend more time with Gina, the Irish Cloirvoyant who seems to channel Monet when she paints!
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| The Dutch Are Very Friendly! |
You would all be very proud of me. As you can see, I am managing to meet some fun, interesting people. I have had my share of times on this trip when I wished I wasn't alone -- when it seems everyone is in pairs -- like Noah's ark -- everyone but me. But for the most part, I am reveling in being on my own schedule, "going where the weather suits my clothes" (now that I have jettisoned all my wool turtlenecks!), and having the time and the peace of mind to let all these experiences become a part of me.
The music scene has also been a good way for me to meet people. I got to see two nights of the Pause Guitare Festival. The first was an international gathering of musicians -- Arabic electro-jazz funk, Cuban hip hop, African reggae, and a French crooner. I had fun with these cute boys who seemed to like hanging out with the oldest person there!
The two villages where I will be spending the next week are also having music festivals, and one of those nights it will be Ziggy Marley, so the music scene continues!
I had passed by this shop several times, wishing I would be invited to a Royal Wedding so I'd have a reason to buy a hat.
But when I was driving around in my little car with the roof rolled back and the sun beating down, I came up with a reason! I ended up buying it on my way to the concert, so there I was, this big bag with this big hat, wondering if I should run it back to the hotel. I'm glad I didn't! This is Matthew, trying to get me to trade hats with him. His mom and I ended up having drinks during last night's concert. And when Joe Cocker sang "You Can Leave Your Hat On," I put it on and danced, danced, danced! Marianne -- I think the pink will go quite well with La Petite Grise, don't you?
The streets last night were crazy -- full of old people thoroughly enjoying Zhoe Co-keeeerrrrhhhhh. To hear old rock 'n' roll with the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile in the background, and the moon overhead -- it was unforgettable.
Concert lights reflected on the Cathedral Sainte Cecile
It turns out the telephoto lens on my camera makes a great flirtation tool. This cutie (who was watching the concert from the third floor of a building above where I was sitting) and I had some fun from afar.
I will leave you all with this quote from Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence. An older woman is giving the young Lady Chatterley some advice:
"A woman has to live her life, or live to repent not having lived it."
I love you all.
Mom/Sissy/Gaylie
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