Shared Illusions

We arrived on Sunday, June 1 and leave tomorrow,  the 5th.

The aqueduc: built 1753-1765; 8.5 miles. To ensure enough water for the citizens’ use and for the fountains.

Yesterday we took a train to Sète and then a bus to the beaches. The trip took about an hour all told. As the bus wound its way through Sète, a larger and more crowded fishing “village ” than anticipated (again),  we recognized that we had no desire to spend time wandering its streets.

I got in the water immediately. So cool. So crystalline clear. Little fishes swimming in the shallows. A tiny crab scuttling along the bottom. Soft, fine sand. I sat in the sun reading; took a nap; back into the drink for a swim. More reading with a cool breeze keeping it all comfortable. Ed returned from his exploration – (I’d heard about a chapel the fishermen built, so he took it on. He can write about that experience.) – and we had a refreshing IPA.

Montpellier is the fastest growing city in France. It boasts the oldest medical school in the world and one of the oldest universities. Alumni include Petrach, Nostrodamus, and Rabelais. 360 days of sunshine a year, though we’ve had clouds and very light, off/on, mostly off showers.

It’s a very walkable city, as are all these 12th century towns. Lots of parks and greenery throughout. Our apartment is in the ancient quarter, close to everything.

Ww went to the Jardin des Planres earlier today. It’s affiliated with the University. A large expanse with many paths to wander. Trees and flowers. And birdsong.

We made it to the Saint-Roch church today, where there is this statue of him. On Monday when we went to the Cathedral there was also a statue of him.

We hadn’t seen much of Saint-Roch on this Chemin like we did on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques. I got to wondering if there was a connection between Saint-Roch and Montpellier. Yep! Turns out he was born here.

In my writing about food I forgot to mention a strategy. If in an apartment without oil or vinegar,  buy a small jar of roasted veggies  in oil/vinegar. Use in salad with arugula and other fresh veggies.  Use with eggs. On bread with cheese.

Last night we had rougaille de saucisse bought from a boucherie. The best yet, it had a pronounced flavor of Verveine or lime. Good over rice. With sautéed red pepper, onion, mushrooms,  fresh garlic (which is amazing and not anything I’ve ever seen in the US). And more of the paté de canard avec girolles that is just so good. Then I fell into a food coma.

Creative signage:

Street art:

Really enjoying the exploration…missing not speaking French as much as on the Chemin.  Reading a book in French though that’s a fun time – La Quiche Fatale. Also picked up a Petit Nicolas, one in a series, beloved in France, geared for young readers. The world from a 6 year old’s perspective. Reminds me of the Ramona books. The bookstore: Gibert. 4 floors. Lots of people of all reading ages. Lots of books at reduced prices. My two, just 5€30.

That’s it for today. Think I’ll read for a bit before dinner.

Bon appétit !