We have been here a week now and are enjoying the south of France, we even think we are acclimating to the heat a bit; it has been hot – high 90sF. It is even possible the heat is easing some of Tricia’s knee pains, fingers crossed.
Not owning a car is quite common in Europe and France, so we fit in. We did need to get a cart for shopping, when our friend Lisa saw this photo she said I looked quite French. This photo is of the street where our apartment is located.
One of my first purchases here was to get whole bean coffee, sustainably grown in Ethiopia, and a small cafeteria. I brought the grinder along from Normandie.
A couple of days ago we ventured out for more than foraging. We walked to the Palace of the Popes. Oh, my! When we were here years ago there were no crowds, now it is overrun. They even have one of those little “trains” that haul tourists around the narrow streets – I am not a fan.
We took a break before lunch to listen to a saxophone player and watch the people, I did a sketch of a painters stall.
The streets of Avignon are a sketcher’s paradise.
Yesterday afternoon I went out to a small café in the shade by the canal. People walked by and sat in the café. I did a couple of small sketches.
I have been experimenting with using ink, graphite, and watercolor together. I did this one at the café and quite like the results.
A few blocks away from the Palace we found O’Papilles for lunch, and what a find it was. They are dedicated to local and sustainable ingredients which they prepare into some of the best plates we have had. Their Le Grand Aioli won an award in 2023 so it just made sense to give it a try.
Even here there are interesting people on the streets.
It is nice not being a tourist, just living. We feel no pressure to go and “see” something. So Tricia is writing a lot and editing photos. We are both reading. And I am sketching and playing music. Not too bad at all.
Today there is a nice breeze, a relief from the heat which is supposed to “cool off” into the 80s next week, it will be nice.
Hope your journey is going well and you find a bit of joy in each day. As we are getting deeper into fall dig those yellow and red paints out and get ready.
As always thank you for your comments and for joining us on our journey.
theTravelsketcher 
the granny tolley suits you!
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I am guessing that is an UK term, but I see people of all ages with them here. In France they are called chariot de course or caddie. They sure make it easier.
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in French it is a caddie. We used to have one for doing the market when we lived in Paeis.
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I just saw this after I edited my comment.
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Paris*
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I had to laugh at the comment about coffee beans. Rosanne and I could purchase a single coffee bean and it would last our whole lifetime and we’d still be able to leave one to our children when we passed. Soo glad you’re enjoying it all (except for the heat).
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I don’t think you like any hot beverages. I sure don’t need the caffeine but the morning ritual of coffee or tea while reading and such is so important to me.
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I actually like hot tea. But I have not had it in a while. And you and I have shared Hot Chocolate at football games (not to mention it is practically a requirement for watching The Polar Express).
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Well that is true. But what I will miss about France, one of the biggest things I will miss, is the caf culture of ordering a 2€ coffee and lingering there for an hour chatting and watching people.
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Enjoy Avignon
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It’s a delight to see you settling in so happily… it is so well deserved. I covet the shoes on the woman standing in front of Antonelle. If you see her again, will you please rip them from her feet and send them to me? I’ll do my best to get you out of jail.
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Well maybe they serve wine in jail here, soo…
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Sorry you’ve had to endure the heat–but if you’re going to be hot, what a setting! Love the photo Tricia took of you pulling your groceries behind you; yes–very French. I absolutely love your sketch of the painter’s stall. You are always able to capture in sketches what I wish I could–but at least I capture the memories AND can enjoy your lovely work. Keep relaxing and enjoying what is at the moment your nomadic and totally fabulous life!
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Thanks. It is nice to not feel like we have to go out and “see” something everyday as a tourist does, we just live, and that is nice.
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