I found an honest to goodness laundromat today and, you're sitting on the edge of your chairs, yes I did a load. Finding them has become a bit of a game.
I also deposited the bicycle with a shop. Although there was someone in the shop who spoke English, my problem apparently didn't rate that level of management. I know my place in the world.
I explained that I needed for them to box the bike for shipping and that I'd return on the 23rd or the 24th. (Oh god, I didn't say what month.) What could go wrong?
I gave them a business card with my French cell number (which he stapled into a diary) and a vague promise was made to have it done early. Boxed or not, I'll be happy to ever see the bike again. No receipt was offered, not even a hand shake. The good news is that reviewers say good things about the place on Google and they also sell honey. Who the hell knows why. You can't get coffee where they sell bread and pastries but you can buy honey in your bike store. This is France and it's pointless to ask why. I also have this vague recollection that bees will only work for the truthful. Someone please fill me in on this, or did I make it up?
Also on the positive side, it is a tidy, well stocked and ordered shop. With at least four working, they must have sufficient volume to remain in business, although the markup on honey may be better than bikes. The bees do all the heavy lifting.
I also consolidated and rearranged the packing and found a backpack for our trip to Italy.
Linda arrives on the 12th. Not sure when John arrives but it may be after we get back from Italy. All will become clear in the fullness of time.
Yes, there are translucent full sized plastic people sitting on platforms atop poles.
Mom and kid are talking to an after hours pharmacist through a window. Something to do with the kid's knee. I guess in a large town they rotate 24 hour duty. What a good idea.
