Heatwave Update

Colorful bracelet with stones from the African country of Mali.

As the world knows, Europe is experiencing a life sucking heat wave. Here in Monflanquin, France, we shut the shades, turn on fans, and for those like myself who are privileged, delight in our air conditioning, a home improvement decision I so wisely made a couple of years ago after too many summers of suffering.  Monflanquin is located in southwestern France where heat waves love to settle. Because the village sits on a hill, the sun beats down on us creating a heat dome.  The hottest part of the afternoon from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.  can feel unbearable.  Despite my "to do" list, I can't bring myself to go outside. I tell myself the car will feel like a furnace. Can't the "to do" list wait for tomorrow morning? It always does. So I read, watch a French movie,  and do some chores around the house. Yesterday I assembled a luggage rack.  The luggage rack legs could be backwards, but it will support a suitcase. Assemblage is not my department, but assemblage guy Bill is not here at the moment.

On Saturday, needing a change of scenery, I drive to Villereal, a town about 15 minutes away. Usually, I head straight to the Farmer's Market, but today I set out to find the Hippodrome or Race Track.  I'd seen an attractive flyer announcing an Afro-Caribbean Festival at the Hippodrome. Somehow I miss the sign for the Hippodrome, and Blanche, the name of  my GPS, clearly suffering from heat stroke, directs me out into the countryside which is friendly and  beautiful and worth the detour.  Finally, I do find the Hippodrome but cannot find the Afro Caribbean Festival. Where the heck is it hiding?  In the distance, I spot tables set up for meals, and guide the car in that direction.  The possible festival greeter is hanging out near there. He tells me I'm too early although it is  10:00 AM, opening time according to the flyer. He explains that the vacation people sleep late, that the people who regard the Coupe du Monde  won't leave their TV sets, and the vendors will show up shortly. Okay, but I'm here now, and there is no way I am leaving the area after my wild goose chase to find it.  I proceed cautiously into the supposed festival area. Straight ahead are several African jewelry vendors. One in particular catches my eye. The Monsieur sells necklaces and bracelets made from unusual stones. Monsieur hails from Mali. We discuss the beads, where he gets them, how he chooses them etc. Despite his native accent, I understand most of what he explains. I buy the bracelet  shown in the photo above.  It took me a long time to decide on this particular one, but it suits me perfectly and goes with everything.  Not a large purchase, but a purchase none the less. Will anyone actually find this festival without signage? Hopefully, yes for Monsieur who told me he goes around the world selling his stones. He agreed to come to little Villereal as a favor to his sister. Nice guy. Really nice guy.

Not ready to return to Monflanquin, I hit the Villereal Farmers Market. It features a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, clothing, table cloths, hair accessories etc.  More shoppers speak English than French.  a typical July phenomenon. This means the absurd challenge of where to speak French  in my little part of France begins for me now. A big thank you to the Monsieur from Mali for our  recent  French conversation. 

I spend most of the time at the market looking for my favorite pastry shop. It is located on a narrow side street.  Once inside, I spot a pastry with an unusual name, Lady Mum, perhaps a wink to all the English women in town. Described as a lemon and lime confection, it sounds appealing.  You can see what it looks like below. It does not disappoint.

Lady Mum