2018-05-22 SMDLM

 

Main square in front of the Church

Today, the crowd grows, and the music begins to waft in the nooks and crannies of the multiple squares located around the small town. Harvey and I are early risers, not so much Caty. We sneak out for coffee and croissants. Today we expect Elena, who is a CIA agent and Zumba instructor from D.C. and oh, she is originally from Mother Russia.  She will take our place at the apartment. Harv and I will move to another location. Also expected to arrive today is Annette, who we met 15 years ago. Annette lives in Arles, is a Flamenco dancer and she too will spend the night at Caty’s so she doesn’t have to catch the last bus out of town at 5pm.

 

This Video was made the first time we visited SMDLM  - 2010  (Harvey still smoked) It features Annette dancing.

 

Caty and I have spied a special dress store and ditch poor, long suffering harvlah to go shopping. But of course, as we enter the door the saleslady squeals, “Caty, Caty, Caty!” The magic is in repeating the name 3 times. Oy. Hugs are given, introductions made, and dresses are bought.

Time to check in at our new digs. Douglas Adams started out his Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy with the advice to always bring a towel with you. He must had traveled extensively in France before the rest of the universe. Many French rentals do not come with linens or towels.  It is the norm. Knowing this, we have checked the amenities for all of out Airbnb’s very carefully. For our rental in SMDLM, I have checked twice, because if I need to, I will buy towels at the gypsy marche’. 

Open Air- Pop Up Gypsy Marche

Arriving at the rental office, we find out there are no linens provided. I beg to differ. We bring up the rental information which clearly states, towels, linens, beach-towels and un petite desunage. The rental agent is astounded and simply shrugs her shoulders. What is she to do? What are we to do? The town is packed. This apartment was the only thing available on any rental site, as we thought we would be staying in the apartment above Caty.

Rasputin - Rom Gypsy Music

At the last minute we found out that somehow, the arrangements were not made properly. Blame it on the language or lack of. By then, all of our tickets had been bought. We are stuck with this apartment. Trying to make lemonade with lemons – but just not enough sugar.

We had an upstairs balcony

Harv and I agree that we can sleep on the futon without sheets – pretending we are camping, but we absolutely must shower and dry off. We head out to the Marche’ to buy towels.

 

A lovely hotel in town

Perhaps our rental agent knows that she and the owner can be barred from Airbnb when false advertising is involved.  Harv’s second nap is interrupted with a knock on the door and wahlah, sheets and towels are delivered. SMDLM is saved from the fate of our B.O.

Lunch on the street