In case we haven’t yet been in touch, we are back in Albuquerque, arrived Thursday evening. We left France the 26th June and had a quick visit in Jamestown. Then we rented a carvto drive to Ithaca to visit a dear friend we hadn’t seen in too long.

It’s good to be home. Our yard is a veritable jungle. We hear that there was quite a bit of rain in June,  plus Ed had hooked up soaker hoses.

Before we leftpruned the Mexican Bird of Paradis in a rather heavy handed manner. I should have taken a photo. They were stark. Before leaving we did see signs of life. Upon return,  I was delighted to see them in full form.

Now I’m thinking about how I want to be here. What are my priorities? Currently,  I’m on the front porch watching the finches angle for a space on the bird feeders. We also have a new cat in the neighborhood who loves to skulk around in our yard as it affords multiple hiding places from which to stalk. She’s quite social with us. Easing into life in Albuquerque is how I’m approaching return.

Here are some observations that haven’t made it into previous posts:

Euro bills:

I love that each is a different color. Also,the size of the bill corresponds to the amount. So, the five note is smaller than the ten, which is smaller than the twenty. There are no one or two Euro notes, just coins, which can get pretty heavy. For some reason,  the one Euro coin seems like play money, when it’s more than a dollar.

In most places the hot water is scalding.

Kabobs, tacos, and pizza are often sold at the same location.

Since the weather was grand we always sat outside. But the interiors of even the more modest bistros were classy.

Cafés/tabacs will often fill a wine bottle from a boxed wine. It was always good.

Tabacs seem to most frequently be the hangout for men.

Steak in France has generally been a disappointment.

Some of our best dinners were on the Chemin and home cooked meals or at a small town hotel. The Chalet Hotel in Genholac comes to mind – and it was the only place open for dinner.

You can’t beat France for inexpensive-oh-my-goodness-this-is-great pastries. Well, maybe you can, but not that I’ve experienced. Would love to know where you’ve been for same…Korea? Vietnam? Italy? Turkey?

Looking forward to seeing you!