Allo from Nimes!


And it’s not FREEZING!  Yay!  Up this morning about 8, and packed up and ready to go about 9:30 am. Believe it or not, around the snow piles, there were folks in their own private jacuzzi’s on the patios!  We thought they were crazy, but possibly that’s because we didn’t have one ourselves and we were just jealous … but honestly, I think not!  As Robert reminded me, though, we liked our Altadena jacuzzi best in the wintertime … but not in the snow, believe me!  At any rate, our first stop was to top off the gas at the Carrefour next door, and then we were on our way to Roquefort.  As it turns out, today being Monday, much of France is closed … and the particular cheese shop that we particularly wanted to visit – Gabriel Coulet, was of course, closed on Monday!  Oh well!  So, instead, we went to Societe, where we had visited several years ago, and finally (after much searching!) found their boutique.  We bought a half-wheel of their non-exported Templier Roquefort – their strongest, and our favorite, and back on the road we went.

 


In Roquefort; lots of snow!

Painting on a building!

The cave we really wanted to visit!

Looking up to Societe 

In the Societe Boutique

Bell tower in Roquefort


Definitely a town built on a hillside!

Actually, we took the slow and winding route to Roquefort from Saint-Affrique, and it was beautiful – but way more snow than we had seen before, and there were a great many curves along the way!  Also, today was very gray and dreary to start with.  From Roquefort, we set the GPS to Nimes, and started heading South and East.  As we wound down and down, getting closer and closer to the Mediterranean Sea, the snow disappeared and it got warmer and warmer!  By the time we were through Montpellier and ready for a lunch break at a Peage rest stop, it was up to 14 degrees C and when we stopped, I was actually able to get out of the car without my heavy coat and scarf!  Incredible!!!  Wow!!  R had croissant with jambon et fromage (ham and cheese) and I, of course, was able to get a Big Mac (yes, sadly, again…) and fries.  From the rest stop, we contacted Philip, our landlord in Nimes, and arranged to meet him at 2 pm at the parking lot in Central Nimes close to our AirBnB.

 

It was quite challenging driving into downtown Nimes, but R is an excellent navigator, and between he and Emmy, we made it with no problems at all!  Lots of traffic, of course, but no difficulties, and there was Philip, waiting for us!  Up to floor 3 at Les Halles, and into our reserved parking spot.  Then, just about 100 m. down the street to our flat for the week.  We’ll be here until Saturday.  

  



Entry way of Nimes flat

Office

Looking into the dining room from the hallway

Living room


Me on patio!  In the sunshine!

Interesting flat.  It’s on the fourth floor, but you only take the elevator up to the 3rd floor, exit, walk to the end of the corridor, open another secure door, then walk up to the 4th floor.  Very confusing, but it’s not a new building.  I felt like it was absolutely freezing when we entered, but not that we’ve been here a couple of hours, we’ve got the heat turned on, and it’s getting really nice and warm!  Also, there is a space heater that is heating the office up very nicely, thank you very much!  The apartment has a spacious living/dining room, nice-sized kitchen, office, one bedroom, and a big bathroom.  Additionally, there is a beautiful terrace overlooking the city.  I didn’t think we’d be making much use of the outdoor space, considering the weather, but honestly, we’ve already spent some time out there with glasses of nice red wine, so maybe I’m wrong!


Note towers in the background!

R enjoying a glass of red wine!  Thank you, Nathalie!

Me blogging away!

I got us settled in, while R set up the computer, then I went back to the car (first to see if I could even find it again!) to bring in the groceries and water and cheese that we had purchased yesterday and this morning.  I managed to find the car with no problem, but coming back, I wasn’t able to get into the building!  Turns out, I wasn’t using the right key – there are four different ones, plus a pass code to get in – but it’s very sensitive, and on my 4th or 5th try, voila, I made it, and met R coming down in the elevator to let me in.  So … we’re now in, and getting settled.

 

Tomorrow I’m thinking will be an “in-town” day.  As we are right in the middle of things, I’m thinking we’ll do the Maison Carree, the Arena and at least one of the three museums I want to see then.  Wednesday may be raining, but we’ll see how it goes!  First thing, though, we’re going to Les Halles, just down the street, which Philip says is one of the best food markets in France – open 7:30 am – 1 pm.  Hopefully we’ll be able to get a good roast chicken and some vegetables and potatoes and eat in tomorrow night.  Truly, there is nothing better than French roast chicken, and we’re both looking forward to it very much!

 

For dinner tonight, still not sure what we’re doing!  Again, as it’s Monday, many places are closed, but I’m sure we’ll find something.  If all else fails, we’re right next door to a very nice City Express market, that looked to have some very interesting things … so we’ll see!  More later!

 

m

xxx


Addendum to blog!  Sorry for the second posting, but this will be quick, I promise!  We looked around our flat for open restaurants, and I'm not sure if it's that it's Monday ... or if it's Monday in the middle of winter, or if we were just too early (about 5:30 pm) but basically, everything was closed and we didn't feel like wandering too far afield.  So, decided instead to head to the market next to the apartment and see what kind of picnic we could put together!





Turns out that with a bit of cheese -- Conte and Edam, some ham, Serrano ham and salami and some wonderful French bread, we could have a lovely dinner in no time at all!  Only one photo, but we enjoyed everything immensely.  And, even though it's early I'm heading to bed fairly quickly ... although I did put a load of wash in, and still think it has yet another half hour to go ... definitely nothing quick about washers here, that's for sure!  Our bedroom and the studio are nice and toasty warm; the dining and living rooms a bit chillier, but we'll be fine.  So, more tomorrow as we explore Nimes!!


Much love,

m

xxx


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