French Washerwoman

We have a European washing machine in our apartment, but no dryer. Here's how one dries the clothes a la francais:

A hike around Cap Martin and lunch in Menton

A spectacular day -- 70 degrees, full sun, and breezy; nicest day we've had on our February trips to France. We had a lovely walk around Cap Martin, a peninsula sticking into the sea east of Nice, on a path below the homes of the rich and famous. We took the train to the beginning of the walk (tickets for old age pensioners, a mere 3 euros each), walked around this beautiful peninsula and into Menton.  Menton backs up to the Italian border and is reputed to have the warmest climate in France. After walking 5 miles or so, we had lunch in a sidewalk restaurant looking out on the sea. Linguini with mussels and clams was the main attraction. Mmmm! Then back to Villefranche by bus. Then a nap.  Old age pensioners need their rest!

Nous sommes arrivés

After what seemed a long night that was actually five hours short by way of a 5-hour time change, we arrived yesterday in Villefranche to our sweet little apartment, across a pretty square from the village church. Remember the song you sang as a kid -- frere Jacque? And the bit about "sonnez les matinas?" And the "ding, dong ding?" Well, I now understand it too well as they ring "les matinas" every morning at 7 am, right across from our apt, and they get pretty enthusiastic about it. Of course, the bells also ring the hours and half hour. Blessedly, they pause from 10 pm to 7 am. Local color and very atmospheric.
Here are a few pics of our front door, the square we look out on, and our little "street". None of the roads in the old town are big enough for cars, too narrow and too many steps. Another blessing from another era.













More later

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Place Félix Poulan,Villefranche-sur-Mer,France

Last day in France

Of course, our best weather in 6 weeks was our last day in France: beautiful sun and temp in the high 60s. We took the RER out of town to an island in the Seine where they were holding the annual ( for 300 years) antiques and ham fair. Food and wine booths from all over France, and tons of antique dealers. It was fun in the lovely weather and we ate well - roasted ham hocks and fries (good thing we're coming home!)
Some pics










Ham hocks roasting




Ham hock about to be eaten.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lightening strikes twice

So, we're on our way, by Metro, to our one fancy night out. And both Tom M and I get pickpocketed. This time I lose about 150 Euros; Tom lost credit cards drivers license, etc. We both had our wallets securely in front pocket. What a huge pain! Two picked pockets for me on one trip! At least they dropped my wallet (not Tom M's) on the floor and didn't take my new ATM card.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Finally, a warm sunny day in Paris

Sunshine and reasonable (50s) temps. We walked through Montmartre, walked through Parc Monceau, took the bus to Trocadero to see the Eiffel Tower, and bussed home. Dinner tonight at Au Trou Gascon, a michelin one-star resto specializing in food of the (French) Southwest.




Montmartre street scene




We discovered where babies were made.



Merry-go-round in Parc Monceau.



Parc Monceau




Can't not take the picture!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ah, Paris

We've been in Paris almost a week. Home in 5 days. We're staying in a lovely apartment in the Marais with Georgetown buddies, Sheila and Tom McCandless.
Some misc pics:




A favorite restaurant on the Isle St. Louis.




We're staying in a popular gay area. This street is just around the corner. Go figure.




Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone