Dear Marissa,
We had a moment in which the
universe split into multiple fragments, each rolling and tumbling along its ill-defined
and random pathway.
We couldn't remember what day it
was!
All is better now.
Harvey
Sometimes travel
is like this. The days merge into each other. There are few timetables to keep
up with and one follows the rhythm of the internal clock despite phones, wifi
and the unrelenting news feeds. Harvey had to call Tshirt in the states, just
to make sure. We weren’t even drinking yet.
 |
| Entry to an apartment at the villa Bernis |
Nimes is
sometimes referred to French Rome. The Arena, The Magne Tower, The Temple of Diana, and the Masion Carree, all incredible examples of Romanesque Building.
The spring which
supplies the fountain is central in the park. The boulevard which leads to the
park, has a large flowing river in the middle of the embankments. Once in the
park, the channel becomes a large circular enclosure. Looking down into it, the
water is clear and you can see the ionic columns holding up the pathways.
The park was renovated in the 1700’s and was the first civic park in France. It’s pretty gosh darn, fancy with Baroque statuary throughout. Swans float past (boy howdy, they are large, large birdies) on the large body of water. I don’t believe I have every seen a swan up close and personal. In a knife fight, they would win.
The park today
was full of locals, school children, joggers and everyone who had a dog.
The ruins of the
Temple of Diana are adjacent to the spring. Up the embankment, stands the Magne
Tower and octagonal tower, built long before the Romans called Nimes home.
Later in our day, we began our stroll down the boulevard, that will be the main route of the Feria, ending in the large courtyard beside the Arena. We spy a young hipster, playing a bass ukulele. Even if he is busking, it’s worth a conversation with him.
Guiseppe is Italian. He is on an extended journey thru Euroupe with his beautiful instrument. The front of his uke is intricately carved. He is playing an Italian song. All of his possessions are on the seat next to him. He’s not busking, just resting and playing and hoping to meet new friends. He speaks pretty good English and has arrived to the Feria, for the music. He is besides himself when we tell him about the gypsy fete in Saint Marie and states he will be there! His excitement is palpable.
We wish him a bon
journey and continue. I spy a post card store and enter to purchase more cards
to send back home. One of the beautiful and traditional souvenirs of Provence,
are bees.
I doubt anyone does not understand the
importance of bees in agriculture. Here they are a symbol of plenty. The
ubiquitous Provencal bee has its origins in the old 1st century Merovingian
dynasty. Childeric I, the father of the French hero, Clovis I, was the first
French king to use the bee as a symbol. The bee is believed to be one of the
oldest symbols of French royalty. I buy a couple
and look to Harvey for the bag he is carrying twhich contains bread and dessert
for tonight. He does not have it any longer!
“You left it when
you sat down next to Giuseppe – go back and see if he is still there.”
I have no doubt
that Giuseppe is long gone, but it’s worth a try. As I finish my purchase,
Harvey returns empty handed. It is not matter – just a lost bag and some delicious bread. I know where the bakery is that we bought if from, so we
decide to retrace our steps and buy another loaf.
Crossing the
public square behind the Arena, I spy Giuseppe where we left him, still playing
his Uke.
“Where did you go
to look for him Harvey?”
 |
| Le Chat de Bernis |
Harvey is puzzled
and not quite sure what direction or where he went off looking. We greet our
Italian friend – the bag still beside him. He say’s he already looked thru it.
Ha. We offer him the apple tarts we had intended for dinner. Giuseppe is
thrilled as are we, to have our daily bread back.
I hope we meet up with Giuseppe in SMDLM. We
will buy him a beer
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