two months

It's funny how time seems to crawl by so slowly and then all of a sudden it's March! In two months time I have fallen in and out of love with France so many times it has been hard to keep track of exactly where I stand on the matter. But in the past week, since I've moved into the main house, every day just keeps getting better and better and every day I find myself falling in love with France, specifically Saint Tropez, all over again. If there is a God, it would probably be a good idea for him to send me some kind of sign if there is ever a place more perfect than this; otherwise I would never believe it. Unfortunately, the entire world thinks the same thing and come summer, despite the rumors of how magical the Riviera is between July and August, it might be a good idea to skip town. That actually works out for me since I'm coming home sometime in June. That's only three months from now though and as I've started to feel more at home here, I can't help but think that it is too soon.

Saturday, I went to Saint Tropez by myself for the first time. I was on a mission to buy a swimsuit since it was going to be 15 degrees (60 Fahrenheit) the next day, a sure sign that Spring was on its way. At first I was really nervous, because I was afraid that everything would be too expensive and that I would say the wrong things and instantly be labelled as a foreigner. But finally I got up the courage to go in Kiwi Saint Tropez (a swimsuit shop), and I walked out with a white bandeau bikini with red flowers for only 30 euro! After that, I seemed to find my footing and ventured in some other small boutiques. I'm still semi-terrified of the high-fashion boutiques like Dior and Chanel (Louis Vuitton has a big hulking security guard/bouncer guy who freaks the bejeeezus out of me), but soon enough I might try my fancy there as well (not that I would ever be able to buy anything). But boutiques like Brigitte B. and Manoush (my absolute favorite), are much less intimidating and super cute, although still way out of my price range. At the end of the day, I had the swimsuit from Kiwi, a light rose sweater from The Earth Collection, a bundle of post cards and the March edition of Vogue Paris (for 4 euro! much better deal than the 16$ I spend on each issue at home).

Sunday, 15 degrees and SUN! for Saint Tropez. I decided to take Christine's bike out in the afternoon, mosey through town a bit and then hit the beach for a late lunch (ham sandwich= baguette with ham). It was a delightfully pleasant day. I parked my bike at the port before wandering the more familiar streets. Everyday it seems that there are more and more people in Saint Tropez but it isn't too bad yet. Still, it got to a point where I wanted a bit of isolation. So I made a little game, every time I saw a person, I had to turn down an empty street. Saint Tropez is surprisingly small but that makes it virtually impossible to get lost. But it was actually on one of the more crowded streets that I found a small alley that led to a hidden cove. There was one other family on the beach but there were some rocks that I jumped out on where I sat to have my lunch. It was so warm and peaceful and perfect, I felt like I could have just sat there in the sun forever. When I finished eating, I resumed my meandering through Saint Tropez before deciding it was time to head back. About five minutes into my ride home I changed my mind and decided to stop at another beach for a little bit. I locked the bike, ran down near the water and set my bag down in the sand. It was then that I came up with the brilliant beyond brilliant idea to go swimming, I was wearing my new swimsuit after all. It wasn't too cold, but it still took me about five times running in and out of the water before I finally took the plunge and submerged my body. I didn't get my head wet because even I have enough sense to know it was too cold for that. After drying off in the sun while reading another chapter of the Satanic Verses, I finally made my way back home. I knew the ride back was going to be difficult because on the way to Saint Tropez, in 14th vitesse, I hardly had to touch the pedals on the bike. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but once I got to Cogolin centre ville, I slowed down significantly and struggled the rest of the way back up the hill. I'll get used to it eventually. From now on I think I will ride my bike to Saint Tropez on weekends when I have nothing else to do. I have to drive during the week though since I have to pick up the kids from school.

The kids are finally back in school as of today (thank god). So in addition to the free weekend I had, I now have plenty of free time during the week too. It is significantly colder and windier than it was this weekend, but it's work-time anyways. I have to go register at the language school so Christine and I can finish the documents for my dossier-- for some reason I have to get a new Visa. It's all bureaucratic stuff I'm sure I could get by without, but it's probably better to do things the right way. Anyways, my French keeps getting worse and worse since I hardly speak it at all anymore and the language school will be something to do during the week. Also I might go get a guitar or ukelele from the toy store today, just for kicks. There are just so many things that I want to do, I feel like I'll never have time for all of them. Oh well, I have to start somewhere.

Bisous!