I am sure the question of what I will miss most about France will be revisited many times in the coming months, but at the moment it is our time that we have spent in Avignon, and specifically La Cave Des Pas Sages.
I went there this afternoon, as I do most afternoons. I told Freda that I was a bit sad because we were leaving in three days. She was moved and said she would miss me/us. She took a selfie with me, and we chatted – moi, I teared up a bit.
This place is such a big part of what tugs at my heart as we leave. I got what I wanted, to be a regular, like a local. Now it is sad to think of leaving, as much as I know it is the right thing to do.
Des Pas Sages has a regular cast of characters, mixed in now and then with tourists. A few of the regulars acknowledge me when I come in, as I do them.
Freda deals with the tourists with pleasant courtesy. Locals get a warmer smile, a chat, and often they get a fist bump or bisous. Thankfully she speaks English better than I speak French.
Edith, the other bartender, much younger is also kind and a joy to talk to, as well as being a wonderful artist. Today I got a hug.
I guess the closest I can relate this place to is Cheers, without the goofy dramas. Will it be possible to find such a place in Portland? I do hope so. Here is a collection of photos and sketches, many already posted so thanks for your patience.
It is the people and places that make travel the wonder that it is.
theTravelsketcher 
Fabulous post about your special place Thank you so much for sharing. Everyone needs a special place, somewhere that always comes back to mind with warm feelings of happy times. One of our special places is La Fragua de Vulcano in Madrid. You can find many good tapas bars in Spain but this brings back so many warm memories of great food, canya’s and people we met. Hold your memories close and look forward to making many new ones.
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Remind me again why you’re going back to the States?
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I will miss Avignon, and France in general too.
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I enjoyed your photo and art montage. Safe travels.
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Thank you so much, it was a great time.
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This was a truly wonderful collection of people and memories if the cafe culture–the real France–that you love. I’m sure those people in your fav new cafe will have memories of you both, as you do of them. I looked up ‘Cheers’ in French: ‘Acclimations’. You will soon find new people places to comprise your new ‘acclimations’/cheers. The memories you have will never fade; you’ll be adding new ones!!!! Cheers, Terry!
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