Slept great. Had a lie in today. Woke to the sound of birds... yet again. Really noisy ones. I parked under some trees because I’m a little unsure as to how the camper will stay up in a strong wind. The winds get much stronger south of Clermont Ferrand. “You want to park THERE??” the lady said to me the previous night, while eyeing me suspiciously. Why not I thought? Oh there was a good reason why which became apparent a few days later.
Regardez (verb) – to regard
I opened the door and stepped out into a group of pot bellied French men regarding my vehicle. ‘Bonjour!... como ca va?’. This is not uncommon, although I can only guess at the conversations they are having... “what do you think it is?”... “I don’t know... see how a pipe extends from underneath belching smoke”.... “Unnatural I tell you... what kind of mad man would own such a contraption?” ... “look! It is plugged into the electric! Do you think its safe?” ... “I don’t know but the zip is opening... let’s say bonjour and move away slowly”
Gnarly old buildings
Again I had breakfast and showered early at the camp and walked the short distance into town. I explored briefly last night so knew my way around a bit. This town is probably the most beautiful, picturesque town I have ever visited, and I have seen a few. Its beautiful not only because of the ancient timber framed buildings that are everywhere to be seen but also because these building are not museum pieces, everyone is used,... a house, a bar, a coffee shop, a patisserie... still used like they were intended to be used 1000 years ago. It is like stepping back in time and it is what I have been looking for!
Office du tourism
I went to the office to get a map so I can’t get lost again like I did last night. Charlotte the stunning information girl seemed very bashful. I used my sexiest French accent on her. Its not obvious but speaking in what would seem to us an over-exaggerated French accent really helps you to be understood... and makes you feel sexy at the same time. Every time she looked at me she blushed and giggled (she was only young) but hey.. I thought... that god damn French sausage really works!!!
Steak tartin
I stopped for lunch at a lovely cafe in the heart of the town with tables outside sheltered from the sun by the awning that all French cafes have. I’ll blow £10 on the ‘plat du jour’ I thought – always the cheapest means of eating out. You just have to find the cafe that is serving what you want as the plate of the day, on that particular day. With so many cafes to choose from this is not a problem.
I am quite adventurous when it comes to food, having eaten everything from locusts in Thailand to guinea pig in Peru. However the cold raw minced steak topped with a raw egg yolk was disappointing only in that it didn’t actually taste of anything at all. I have to say this is an extremely unusual occurrence in France. Unfortunate that it was my first eat out lunch.
Oh and remember to ask for a ‘GRANDE’ cafe otherwise you get one the size of your thumb!
It was while I was taking a picture of my coffee that I caught sight of my reflection and realised I had something in my beard. Now I realised why Charlotte struggled to look at me without smiling. I felt I should remove the offending frothy coffee and go back to the office du tourisme and show her how sexy I can be when I really put my mind to it!!
Lunette du soleils
I seem to have misplaced my sunglasses. Think I might have left them in David and Lyns motor home. Fortunately the narrow twisting main road in the centre of Auxerre seems to be optician street. No kidding, at least 10 places all within spitting distance. Unfortunately lunettes are counted as luxury goods and luxury goods in France are very expensive (min 40 Euros for a cheap plastic non polarised pair). Can’t justify the cost so I think I’ll wait.
Parlez francais semblable a un idiot (talking French like a berk)
Learning to speak French badly is good fun and makes people laugh. Its a good way of breaking the ice. For instance today I bought some milk in a super-mache. I meant to say ‘I would like some milk’, judging by the giggles I got from the cashier I think I walked in and announced ‘I LIKE MILK!’. If I ever get good at speaking French I think it won’t be as much fun.
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