traveltales: ALMOST NO LUNCH

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

ALMOST NO LUNCH

French Sidewalk Cafes

Although sidewalk cafes are popular in many places, and I have eaten in so many of them, perhaps the first place to really popularize them was Paris.

During the lunch hour most stores in France close and tables and chairs of cafes spill out onto the sidewalk or patio, which may or may not be covered. Umbrellas are often present and the same is true for tablecloths and candle center pieces. The French tend to linger as conversation flows over

After a long docent-led walk/tour of Bordeaux, France it was well along, almost after, the lunch hour when we finished. Nearly mid-afternoon my friends and I found a different picture of French lunch time. By the time we started scouting for a lunch location, many tables and chairs had been taken inside leaving the sidewalks bare and the cafes closed.

We wandered a good distance checking various establishments along the way and glanced down many an empty alley. When we finally spied outside tables down a cobblestone alley we hurried to the café to get there before they also took everything inside. Although they were about to close they took pity on four very tired old American ladies and allowed us to eat.

Our gracious hosts did not rush us in any way. We thoroughly enjoyed a delicious lunch accompanied with a glass of very good wine---of course! We indulged in lively conversation. We all felt regretful it had been time to surrender our bikes and we all shared particular highlights of a fabulous trip. It was a lovely warm day and we were in the country known for its sidewalk cafes.

Leaving we all left generous tips and thanked our waiters who had been so pleasant and kind to us.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.