Today is Thursday, July 24th. I'm freaking out a little as I realize that I only have seven weeks left in Paris, plus two weeks of unplanned travel time afterwards. Time is not going by slowly. As I've spent more time in France, I've become "caught up" in my life here. I think what I enjoy most, is that there is so much to see and do that I never become bored. I remember an old sign that read "The worst day fishing is better than the best day at the office." For me, "the most boring day in France is more interesting than the best day at the office." Oh, right. I'm officially unemployed now that my vacation time has run out. Sing along now... "I'm caught up. I don't know what to do..." next.
For now, I will continue to enjoy my time here in France. Last weekend, I had a chance to return to Montpellier to visit Michael and Hugo. I really enjoy spending time with them as they are both wonderful people. For some unexplainable reason, I always feel more playful when I am with Michael and I laugh more than usual - even though sometimes it may ruin my tee-shirt ; )- Both Michael and Hugo are very sweet and they are wonderful hosts to this "American Boy." [Okay, that was another musical reference to the song by Estelle and featuring Kanye West which is very popular here in France.]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If0lrwEzdBY
Friday evening, after returning from my little trip to Nimes to see the Tour de France, I met Michael and Hugo at L'Estival, a Friday night event during the summer with wine tasting (3 euros for a glass and three tastings) and local cuisine. It was very entertaining and we met up with about 10 of their friends throughout the evening. It is THE place to be on a Friday night in Montpellier.
Saturday, we hung out Chez Michael et Hugo, for the afternoon. They have a lovely home with a great patio and a nice view. 
That evening around 17:00 (5:00 pm or course) we headed to the beach for a picnic. The water was warm and I had my first full dip in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Ahh, the joys of summer in Southern France.
Group photo with Karine, Christelle, Phillipe, Michael and Hugo. Being truly French, it was still too early in the evening and Vannessa and Guillem had not yet arrived.
Vannessa and Guillem arrive with "traditional French" pizza - Okay, you can stay!
Twice, I took the tram into the center of Montpellier to explore this quirky town, one of the few in southern France without a link back to Rome of 2000 years ago. By the 12th century, Montpellier was home to Europe's first medical school, so it was just a late bloomer.
Cool and modern tram. Beats the heck out of MUNI in San Francisco.
Chateau d'Eau (of water) and the Aqueduc de St-Clement. Don't be fooled, as this was built in the 18th century and not by Romans. 
Arc de Trimphe de Montpellier? Mais bien sur.
Wait a minute... that's faux too. It's just paint. Hmmm... no Roman history, painted buildings. What's going on here?
Spiral staircase on the exterior of an old mansion. A fire escape perhaps?
No Parking allowed or you'll crush their little heads..
1 comment:
Hi Dude, I can see that you have a lot of fun in our country. I also see that you enjoyed your stay in Monptellier :-) .... hope you will come back soon for more adventures.
Kiss Stephan
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