Random Thoughts on Aix

Our third day in Aix was supposed to include a drive to Arles to visit that city, home to Vincent Van Gogh. However, we decided to stick around town one more day due to jet lag. Neither of us felt like playing tourist—our time zones were off.

We spent quite some time looking for a café that David and I had eaten at in 2008.  This wasn’t an easy feat—the streets in Aix are all narrow and maze-like. It’s easy to lose perspective and direction. David kept saying that he knew the café was just around the next corner. After walking for what seemed miles, I wasn’t so sure.

One of our favorite cafes in Aix.

But it was! We found L’Atelier des Arts sitting right where we left it! So we had lunch there—David had the dish of the day (lamb) and I had an Italian plate. Both were delicious.

Random thoughts since coming to France:

• The man purse (murse?) is pretty prevalent here.  Lots of guys have ‘em.
•  Smoking is also prevalent. I heard today that smoking is what keeps the French thin. I don’t think I’ll test that one.
• Turns out that the horrid art pieces around town are a temporary exhibition by some Polish artist. Thank God.
• The festival we experienced on Sunday on Cours Mirabeau was in celebration of associations in Aix, of which there are about 450.
• Scarves on women’s necks are not as evident as they were two years ago.
• There is no way to put a French electrical plug in upside down.
• Dogs are everywhere—in stores, restaurants, walking outside with their owners. Scoop laws are not necessarily followed.
• Tipping in restaurants must be done with cash—there is no room on the charge card receipt. Typical amount is 5 to 7 percent.
• If you bring the wrong electrical converter and try to plug in your curling iron with just an adapter, your curling iron refuses to work. I’m just saying…
• The local supermarket/store carries curling irons that actually work in French electrical outlets!
• Jambon, or finely sliced Italian or Spanish ham, is really really tasty. And it’s on just about every menu.

We spent day 4 in Aix as well and joined a few other couples for an incredible wine tasting and cooking class event. More on that later. I must finish my rose!

Bon soir!