Week 5

I’ve had a quiet week, swimming, reading and enjoying video chats with friends in Canada.

Joys

Strange timing, I suppose, but two joys this week are related to Christmas.

• When I was deciding what to bring to France, a few sentimental things were at the top of my list, including my Christmas ornaments. They fit into a box a little larger than a shoebox. It took up too much room in my suitcase so I decided to mail it to myself (see also Learnings). I was unable to track them once they left Canada so I knew I was taking a bit of a risk. They arrived this week, intact!

• On the same day the ornaments arrived, I booked 10 days in Morocco over Christmas and New Years. Some of you will remember my fateful Morocco trip a few years ago when I got sick and had to leave early. I’m returning to Essaouira for a few days on my own, then will join two friends who are also arriving in Essaouira. I’m excited to go back!

• Last week I talked about the pigeon on my balcony. There’s been a lot of lovin’ going on out there and this week I discovered two eggs. This isn’t an unusual occurance here in Pezenas but it’s new for me. In approximately 18 days, I expect to see some babies. Watch for the big news in a few weeks.

• Every September, all of the associations in Pezenas gather on the main street for one evening to try to attract interest. I looked forward to the Pézenas Forum des Associations this year and it didn’t disappoint. Sports and fitness, music and theatre, photography clubs, a billiards club, a chess club and so much more. There were 108 tables – so many options! I’ve been thinking about how best to get involved and now have a stack of brochures to pore through.

Challenges

My challenge this week is all about food.

I am, unapologetically, not a foodie. Not even close. When people ask about my favourite meal while travelling, what comes to mind is a delicious bowl of tomato soup I had in Lisbon. Beyond that, I don’t remember specific meals.

Predictably, a lot of people are asking about the food in France. Seafood is plentiful but I find myself intimidated by it. Ditto the cheese. Of course there are the tempting baguettes, croissants and other baked goods. I indulge once in a while but it’s far from a daily occurence.

When I was planning my move, I decided that retirement, and living in France, would be a good time to reset my eating habits. I pictured myself making fish every evening but I haven’t gone there yet. First I need to memorize the phrase: Pouvez-vous, s’il vous plaît, enlever la tête ?

For now, I’m eating simply but, at some point, I want to start cooking food that challenges my mind, my palate and my olfactory system. Maybe next week. Or the week after.

Learnings (or maybe just reminders)

• When I was doing my research about France, I occassionally came across forum discussions about import taxes. Specifically, having to pay duty on packages sent to France. I knew there was a possibility that I would have to pay when I shipped off my Christmas ornaments. I naively dismissed it as unlikely. When I picked up my package at the post office this week, I had to pay a bill of over €33 (nearly $50 CAD). So … note to friends – no care packages, please!

Next week my first guest arrives. I’m excited to share this beautiful town and explore the region of Languedoc with them!

À bientôt !