It is Thursday and I haven't blogged since Monday! I've been busy with a visiting daughter, commencement of my kitchen renovation, attempting to learn to speak zee franche, scraping lead based paint and old mortar in the entry and stairwell, enjoying 'al fresco' the first home-cooked meal from my new cuisiniére prepared by my daughter, strolls through the old village with said daughter and other general tomfoolery.
Oh, I forgot to mention the starter died on my car and shortly after its demise, I re-read my letter regarding the next steps for my carte de sejour and discovered my appointment with the doctor was Today instead of Tomorrow. So that meant I needed to get to Bordeaux and I was without transport. And my daughter decided to depart for Paris today for a long week-end with our good friend Lucille.
So, my supercalifragilisticexpealidocious friend and mec extraordinaire offered to drive me. Let's just say that much of the day was delightful. I was introduced to the Latin Quartier which seems to be primarily inhabited by individuals of Arabic descent. We wound our ways through tiny streets packed with spice shops and tea dens. We tumbled out into an old, old place where a makeshift vide-grenier was occurring...with many Arabic men selling goods, or gathered in groups smoking and talking loudly. There were a couple of good deals ... but I decided with everything on my plate for the day, trying to drag a table around was probably not the best idea.
We walked and walked through Bordeaux, admiring the amazing sights and searching for a particular restaurant that, once discovered, was found to be closed. permanently! We continued until we found a spot offering a 9.90 euro menu (the place across the street was 10 euros so I imagine competition was in full swing). The food was delicious!!! We enjoyed the starters of smoked salmon and herbed cheese on toasts; and marinated tomatoes and feta, followed with a mushroom risotto that rocked with filets of dorade in a savory butter sauce and sauteed brussel sprouts that melted in the mouth. Dessert? Profiteroles ... mmmm... accompanied by vin rouge (an extra 3 euros).
If you ever find yourself in Bordeaux, definitely stop at the petite restaurant, nicely appointed, L'Assiette du Vieux Saint-Pierre at 14, Rue des Foussets. Mag-ni-fique!
We panicked a bit when we looked at the time and realized in less than 1 hour my appointment loomed. I had left my dossier in the car, which of course was the opposite direction of the clinic. We power-walked to the car, fed the meter, and power-walked to the clinic.
Now, I expected my companion to deposit me and wander off ... returning later. Instead, he waited patiently and was there when I exited ... extremely stressed. There are actually men who do such things?! who knew!
The whole thing was more and less than I expected. We arrived with time to spare so I waited in line and attempted to breathe myself down a notch or two. Plus I was hot. "More" because I was immediately ushered into a tiny room where I was instructed to 'deshabille'. Well, I removed my shirt and when the nurse arrived I was informed that was not sufficient. I was given a chest x-ray and escorted to another room, x-ray in hand. There I was weighed (down 25 pounds!!! yay for me!!!), eye-tested and interviewed regarding my reasons for coming here and the state of the American economy! (I was asked what my profession was in the U.S., once banking is mentioned, it is downhill from there!) "Less" because, after much worrying about not having proof of vaccinations from the U.S. and expecting to have to be re-innoculated, I was delivered to the doctor (female) where I was asked more questions, like why I didn't have my 'carnet de vaccinations' ... and then told "c'est pas grave" and that I needed to find a local doctor, get boosters and get a couple of moles removed (TMI, I know). The doctor also chatted with me about the differences in French and American life, the reduced stress, etcetera. On the whole, everyone seemed a little more human than the folks at Kaiser! ha! Maybe because they aren't being pressured to find ways to cut corners and deny services ... hmmmm.
After that, I was provided a clean bill of health, in writing, and told I was finished. I was given a large and reassuring smile from said mec, we exited and I confess I then smoked a cigarette!!! ahhhh, tooooo stressful for me. We walked (much more slowly) back to the car ... with a detour at FNCM for a decadent c.d. shopping spree.
On the way home, we danced in our seats to Aretha Franklin, Thomas Dutronc and the Blues Brothers. We made a quick pitstop in Perigueux at a spice shop we've been eyeing ... guess who was delighted to find 'con bawa' fruit (beats me! Looks like bumpy limes, but smaller - I bought one for me to test so I'll let you know). After a slightly testy discussion regarding reimbursement for gas (a resounding NO...), I was returned safely home to my 2 poor little dogs who were waiting for me with legs crossed ... after over 11 hours alone.
guilty sigh.
In addition to my cousin and daughter as visitors, I hosted a half-young couple ... Isabelle and Toby. Isabelle has been a best friend of my daughter since they were 5 years old. I have memories of them playing with My Little Ponies in our little 2 room apartment in the hinterlands of San Pablo, California. I remember going to dinner at her mom's house for my first encounter with phö ... delicious savory soup. Johnelle and "Izzy" have stayed close through the years, attending the same school until high school, working for Whole Foods and swapping tales and now, living in the same apartment building.
