Since you're now a resident, I'm thinking you picked a good place to discover a little bit more of the 'real' France. I love mid-Spring rain, when the earlier chill has moderated (I'm at home this evening with just such a passing thunderstorm happening as I write). And I have to say, I'm glad you have more "synapses" to spare; I think I've seen all I'll ever have/use. You're quite the brave explorer!!
It must be nice to be growing past the tourist phase. Maybe someday I will stay in a place long enough to feel that. And I'm with you on beaches--one of the few things where I prefer beauty to function.
Reading this was a piece of my evening's entertainment, and it did not disappoint! Thank you, Anne! One of my favorite phrases you used was "streets that seem torn between tourism and reality." Sometimes that gap bothers me, and sometimes I like it. I'm sorry you were deflated in your language efforts but glad to hear of your growing acclimatization and willingness to keep trying. I had to laugh that the public toilet was "grim." I've seen plenty of those stateside, but I'm not sure how they compare to your experience. Ugh! The Calanques pictures were absolutely beautiful! Sounds like the trip was worth making!
Since you're now a resident, I'm thinking you picked a good place to discover a little bit more of the 'real' France. I love mid-Spring rain, when the earlier chill has moderated (I'm at home this evening with just such a passing thunderstorm happening as I write). And I have to say, I'm glad you have more "synapses" to spare; I think I've seen all I'll ever have/use. You're quite the brave explorer!!
It must be nice to be growing past the tourist phase. Maybe someday I will stay in a place long enough to feel that. And I'm with you on beaches--one of the few things where I prefer beauty to function.
Reading this was a piece of my evening's entertainment, and it did not disappoint! Thank you, Anne! One of my favorite phrases you used was "streets that seem torn between tourism and reality." Sometimes that gap bothers me, and sometimes I like it. I'm sorry you were deflated in your language efforts but glad to hear of your growing acclimatization and willingness to keep trying. I had to laugh that the public toilet was "grim." I've seen plenty of those stateside, but I'm not sure how they compare to your experience. Ugh! The Calanques pictures were absolutely beautiful! Sounds like the trip was worth making!