I met Carole in Portland when she married my friend and past employee Corey. She was originally from Poitier, but was now married and living in Portland. Like half of marriages, they separated and she moved back to Poitier, close to her family. I always liked Carole, if I was at a party in Portland and she was there, I immediately went over and talked with her. I had planned my visits with Vincent and Stanley (next post), as an after thought I thought maybe Carole lived nearby? Coincidentally they all lived with 100 km of each other, AWESOME!
Vincent and I meet Carole for lunch in front of Notre-Dame-la-Grande,
We walk and talk, it was super great to see Carole and how good she’s doing.
The next day we walk, what feels like, the entire city of Poitier. Anywhere you walk in Poitier it’s hills– everywhere. If you’ve read this blog you know I Love the E-Bike. You wouldn’t bike here very efficiently unless you had an E-Bike. I had suggested we rent an E-Bike, so we called the city sponsored program and all the E-Bikes they had were rented out, to residents. They using a locally manufactured E-Bike, it’s good all around!
Carole’s mom invited us for dinner. I met both her and her aunt during the wedding celebrations in Portland 8 years earlier in 2007. They rented the house next door to me for a month during the wedding visit. They said they actually remembered me, I’m feeling special now.
There is this weird tradition that the French have which is after every meal they have a plate of different cheeses.
Being the American that I am, an after meal desert is something with sugar! and France is the best place to accomplish that.
Visiting people and places is awesome and having a local guide is great too. But the biggest reward for me is to give back to my host. She lived on the 6th floor with a great view of the city but through dirty windows.
I HAD CAROLE TAKE ME TO THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THIS WINDOW SQUEEGEE
(I had to show my best side)
It’s farmers market day, another great activity to do in a new city.
Europe is full of immigrants from all around the world and Poitier is no different.
THESE TURKISH WOMEN ARE MAKING TRADITIONAL VEGETARIAN WRAPS
WE HAD AN AWESOME FARMERS MARKET LUNCH: OLIVES, FRESH APPLE JUICE AND TURKISH WRAPS
When I wasn’t looking Carole bought some turkey for dinner, little did she know that turkey is my favorite meat (if I’m eating meat).
CAROLE IS COOKING A FRENCH DELICACY WE GOT AT THE FARMERS MARKET SMALL QUAIL EGGS
It’s my last day and Carole offers to do a small village tour loop–with the car. After walking up and down hills for 2 days, I’m ready to just sit and enjoy the sights.
THIS IS KNOWN AS SMALL VILLAGE PUBLIC “ART”
CHATEAU DE DISSAY, THIS IS WHY EUROPE IS MORE INTERESTING THAN AMERICA, HISTORY. THIS CASTLE IS 500 YEARS OLD.
IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE, THANKS CAROLE FOR HAVING ME AS A HOUSE GUEST.
Now Carole can get back to the hitting the books, preparing to take the teachers test. Good Luck.
Thanks for reading
Jeff
NEXT? MIICKEY MOUSE LOVER STANLEY IN ROYAN FRANCE
NIce looking place! And you are a really good house guest. I’m sure you will be remembered and always invited back. Cheers!
I think there’s an AirB&B angle to this type of travel. People could travel trading skills for food and accommodation, another million dollar idea, quick someone grab it.
Thanks Jeff for coming ! It was so much fun having you here !
You forgot to tell about your encounter with the President/Governor of my Region !! And all the very fun random chats with strangers in the streets who loved the Trail Blazers !! It never gets boring having you around 🙂
I’ll try to get those stories or at least one of them in the blog, in the morning (I’m dead for now)
Dear Jeff, thank you for postcard from France. Again one new idea for traveling. In the summer we would like to go to GB and Ireland.
Plans are, now is time to colect money, ha, ha.
Have a nice time.
Regards from Ljubljana,
Anusa