We wake up to the sound of rain pounding on the windows. It follows, then, that we have a lazy morning. I try to brainstorm what alternative plans we can make. I am disappointed that Michael and Tay won’t make it up to the beautiful countryside, but nothing to be done. Decide not to hire a taxi to take us either because the weather is so funky, who wants to hike in it? Not us.
Finally get out of the house around 1, and we walk through the university area where only I’ve been.
We wander up and into an art gallery showing with appealing water colors and sculptures. The old building it was in was even more beautiful. We then head into another part of the building, which houses the Musee de Tapisserie (woven tapestries). They are holding an exhibit on a woman, whose name escapes me now), who is a famous shadow puppeteer. We sat and watched one of her shadow shows, like an old black and white cartoon obviously made from but out forms. The remainder of the exhibit showed us how she created the props for putting on the shows. An incredible amount of work and imagination.
We wandered some more to check out tables of artisan who were explaining and demonstrating their craft. Then down to the other side of the Cours Mirabeau ( the main boulevard in town, which was built wide and lined with trees for all of the formerly grand horse-drawn carriages to ride down). Headed past the bike shop and located the fountain of the four Dolphins. Kind of a let down after the big build up in the tourist guide, but still a great photo op!
Stopped at a cafe, sitting under umbrellas to hide from the sporadic drips. Tartare, anyone? Tay orders more of the awesome European coffee she has heard so much about:
but is vehement in her belief that the French need to discover the word “supersize!”
Headed back home for Tay to pack, then out to dinner at a moroccan restaurant, which proved to be incredible. Lamb tagines – some with artichokes, some with prunes and almonds (guess who had that one?) and one with apricots and nuts. I ordered the chicken pastilla starter, since no one else did, and it was a big hit. Too full, as is becoming all too common, we waddle home, spend some tome playing pimps and hoes on our last night together, then hit the hay.