Driving in France

Judy was very kind in her comments about my driving. The car is a bit bigger than I'd prefer but we need it to carry us around. Our little trip to Avignon was about 600 km. according to the trip meter and as exciting as can be. The car is diesel fortunately and gets mileage accordingly lucky for us. It is a 6 speed with, believe it or not, speed control! On the A9, we went the speed limit and were passed all over the place. The limit is 130 km/hour and since the trucks all drive in the right lane, I preferred the middle lane, but not unfrequently the trucks would pass one another, forcing me to pull into the far left lane to pass them. The French seem to use the left turn lane light but not the right one to signal pulling back into the right lane. Also, they follow very close and pull back in very fast which is dangerous according to my driving standards. Oh, well, it's all part of learning a new system. Judy did panic at times when I really did know what I was doing, but now and then she had a good point. I guess I should have let her drive, but she was such a good navigator. Driving around in the walled city of Avignon in that large car was a real nuisance particularly since we had no hint of where we should be going. Finally, she said in total frustration that we should just leave and go home. At that point, I saw a sidewalk cafe and insisted we pull in and eat something and do a bit of cooling down and call the hotel. We did, and I went in and asked the bartender to call and got an English speaking fellow named Mike and he explained that he knew just where we were and it was only a 3 minute walk from there. He advised a leisurely lunch, 2, not one glass of wine with it and told us how to get there from where we were. Judy did the 3 minute walk which turned into a 6 minute walk, of course, and located him just where he said. We parked and enjoyed a lovely stay with him. We had a small courtyard and visited with a gal who is a flight attendant for United, based out of Los Angeles who'd done a fascinating trip as a Vacation Volunteer and recommended it fully. She also lent me a copy of Steve? travel book and I read where he suggests that to visit Avignon, one stays in Nimes and takes the train in rather that fight the difficulties of parking within the walled city. It is according to him only a 20 minute train ride, so far other visitors, this could be a major hint. The rooms certainly would be cheaper and not much difference in time. Once you've gained a parking spot, one keeps it and goes by leg or cab after that. Because of my back, I insisted we use cabs which works just fine. The real treasures have all been moved to Rome, so all there is to see is a thriving walled city...one of the finist I've seen, in fact. Like a large French Quarter in N. O. all walled in by an ancient wall. Charming. Very narrow, one way streets. They have put metal poles to prevent the habit of parking on the sidewalk, so one is committed when one turns into a street. Quite a feat to get around. They do seem to honor the handicapped card issued by the state however as we've never gotten even a reprimand for parking in Handicapped places. Mike, the hotel owner indicated that it was done all the time by visitors.

It occurs to me that I haven't fully explained the speeding on the French 'Autobahn'. 130 kph translates into about 93+ miles per hour and most cars travel at 150+ mph with no sign of gendarmerie in sight. Don't know how they'd catch them anyway!

We found one market open and Judy found just the linens she'd been hunting and I believe the selection was better and more select than we'd have found in a regular market earlier in the day. The pastries were as usual...scrumptious!

Suddenly the next morning, after we'd made arrangements to leave our things until we finished, she looked at me and said, "Let's get outta town and back to the country". I was shocked, but the place we are is really seductive, so off we went back home.

I developed a small cold and felt I'd get over it with more sleep (MORE?) and tried to throw it off, but yesterday decided that was why I'd been given antibiotics in case I needed them, so began them and will continue the 5 days. This is not when I want to be sick and I am running a small temperature, so today is a day of rest and peace. Tomorrow should be a lot better. The sleep here is wonderful. We all are having problems just getting up in the morning. The mornngs here are slow to come, the French are slow to open their stores...at least 10 am and then take a 3 hour break for lunch, then stay open until 7 pm at least. The early morning is always cloudy, so it takes at least until 10 to see what to expect of the day. It's the most relaxed I've ever seen Judy in our 8+ year friendship. She and Winn are the most delightful traveling companions one could wish for a sojourn of this sort. What a pleasure this all is!

Judy posted a picture of me with my friend Mena, a gorgeous unknown mix of creature who is so loving and has picked me out for her special friend. She has the strawberry color of a poodle, and a few features of one, but is clearly a king's mix otherwise. She has a lovely temperament. Some of you may remember her from last year. She's hard to miss!

Yesterday we met Leslie, Tony, Ellie and John for lunch at Esme and had a thorouly delightful time. The food was spectacular and the company even better! Ellie's work is so changed and her book she had made is absolutely wonderful! I'd love a copy, but none is available. What a great idea it is. I hope to be able to talk art with her before we leave. Leslie is just as sweet and dear as I'd thought from her posts. Tony is a 'hunk' in my opinion.

Oh, I forgot to mention the wonderful Greek style yogurt. It is wonderful with homemade applesauce and some of the honey Winn bought! What a luscious b'fast or lunch! I wish we could get something similar at home. John and Ellie both say their cholesterol dropped when they moved here even tho' their way of eating didn't. The creams, butters, etc are divine. It will be interesting to see what mine is like when I get home!

Well, for now, that's all that pops into my head. More probably later. Pictures too.

Pat