The Neighborhood! by Barry

Life continues to roll on here.  Just a quick post today to let everyone know we are well and still having fun.  We are excited for the upcoming visit of my parents in two weeks.

I thought today I would do a little update on daily activities and the continuation of our integration into the community.  Above is a picture of the local vegetable and fruit market that Grace, Lily and I visit 3-4 times a week.  The owner is a wonderful man that always has a smile for the girls.  He has had his store here since 1973 so has seen many changes in the community.  I asked him if the opening of the large supermarket on the other side of the remparts 8 months ago has affected his business.  I was surprised at his response.  "Pas de tout."  In Canada the influx of large stores / supermarkets has spelled the end of many mom and pop stores.  Obviously the clientele of this store appreciate the quality produce and the service provided by the proprietor.  He did say that when the hospital was converted to a the University, there was a definite downswing in his business.  His reasoning was that sick people are more likely to purchase fruits and vegetables for their health than university students.  When I see the mad rush to the sandwich bar at lunch I would have to agree.  I have begun to feel like a regular at his store as witnessed by my last visit when I asked him if he had any mangoes.  He replied "I do but they taste horrible and are very expensive."  Needless to say I didn't purchase a mango that day.

Here are Lily and Grace in front of the Café de la Bibliothèque.  Once again the owner (Antoine) is super friendly to the girls always asking Lily if he can borrow her trottinette.  I still haven't been able to transition to a café (a small strong expresso ) from a café au lait.  Ordering my daily creme (café au lait) is a sure fire way to identify myself as a tourist.  Antoine's daily "bonjour" and wave make me feel like part of the neighborhood in a Cheers sort of way.  Friday morning I was quite panicked as we needed to make a cake for the weekly bake sale.  Having only one egg in the fridge I rushed down to the corner store only to find it closed.  Seeing Antoine, I sheepishly asked him if he had an egg that he could spare.  "Bien sûr" he replied and disappeared into the neighboring restaurant, reappearing a couple minutes later with the required egg.

Here are the girls in front of our local boulangerie. Unfortunately our daily loaf of bread from here has definitely contributed to the 2 kilograms that I have put on since arrival.
Love to all and more later.