Lacoste

AB leaves for Paris today, she’s taking the TGV from Avignon at 14:15. We arrived Sunday and time has passed quickly. The Mistral was blowing when we arrived, but it apered off yesterday. Will experience the first day in the saddle after returning from the station. All supplies and crates have been unpacked. Pictures downloaded, AB is getting a set so she can post what she needs on Facebook.

Sunday we drove down from Annecy, took the scenic route and avoided the enormous tolls (peages) on the A(insert number here) highways for the most part. Drove past Grenoble, down past Gap, and stopped for a forgettable lunch in Sisteron. AB’s was worse than mine, but at least the café creme was good. The road was curvy at times but not too nauseating. It was a good choice. Went through Foucalquier and Apt before arriving in Lacoste. AB met Century Rider. He and J and A were nice enough to feed us. It was appreciated. Had dinner with the others at Flambee, and met CR, J, and A for drinks at the café in Bonnieaux. It was music night in France, every café and bar had music, mostly live, going on until the early morning. There was a traditional jazz band, older and unassuming, and the sound was good. AB and I had a Café Creme late night faux pas, but so what. It’s what we wanted.

Monday was morning meetings. AB enjoyed the apartment. It has a terrace with a view to the valley. Hopefully there will be a considerable amount of painting done there over the next eight weeks. We hiked to Bonnieaux to meet CR at the Terrace Café. A good walk, AB did not have the best footwear, but it was good enough. There was a moment when things were in doubt, but it all turned out well. Brambles plus sandals don’t mix. We got a ride back to Lacoste, and drove to Apt to purchase AB’s train ticket at the SCNF office (pleasant experience, much elementary French used), then we bought essentials at LeClerc (France’s answer to WalMart), and then stopped at the Bio store to get the essentials for cooking this quarter. I need options. Dinner at CR’s, assembled the ride, and ended with a Scott Walker listening party. Laughed until it hurt. Good times.

Tuesday was driving tests, AB once again made good use of the apartment. Drove to Aix after noon. Saw the Picasso/Cezanne show, heavy on Picasso, light on the Cezanne. Walked to Cezanne’s studio. Had a quiche epinard and a salade exotique on the way. Both good. The studio was a good walk, but a little overpriced. We were glad we did it though. Stopped for fresh juice on the way back. AB had Poire, Fraise, and Citron. I had Pomplemouse Rose and Menthe. Just what we needed. Checked the wifi when we returned. Wifi problems in the apartment, hopefully they will be resolved. Dinner in Menerbes with the team. AB and I spilt the Salmon with salad, etc. and a crème brulee. It was good.

Today taking pictures for the portraits. Driving to Avignon. Vacation officially over. On the clock.