January, a quiet month
The Roamers rest
After the challenging month of December, we needed a little rest, and that’s what we got in January. Still feeling the effects of my December health issues, I mostly stayed home for the first couple of weeks, venturing out only for French lessons. But one morning in early January I was greeted with a lovely rainbow, promising better days ahead.
Rainbow view from our terrace
Staying in afforded me the obligation opportunity to finish the puzzle I’d started in October. I’d neglected it because (a) we were traveling a lot and (b) it was the hardest puzzle ever–and the accompanying poster didn’t match the puzzle! It’s a map of Montpellier, and I bought it thinking it would help me better navigate the city. Weeks of work finally yielded the desired result, and our dining table was returned to service.
The finished puzzle!
In mid-January we joined friends Shelia and Steve for a wonderful birthday dinner (Shelia’s) at Le Pat’Daniel’s, a very special restaurant where most of the food features Jack Daniels whiskey. The jovial, bearded proprieter is the greeter, waiter, chef, dishwasher, and entertainer in this tiny gem. Dressed in a kilt and t-shirt, he found time to chat and make jokes with all the guests–and the food was excellent!
Le Pat’Daniel’s, our new favorite neighborhood restaurant
Last summer we struck up a conversation with Graeme and Eileen, a British couple who spend part of their time in Montpellier, and we quickly became friends. Last time they were here, we hosted them, along with friends Margi and Michael, for dinner, and in January, Margi and Michael hosted all of us. We enjoyed superb company, a delicious dinner, and excellent wines–and Eileen took a picture!
Enjoying our evening with lovely friends
Our friends Dave and Sue never met a stranger, and the language barrier has not impeded their ability to make great French friends. To honor the French people who have made them feel welcome here–relocation advisors, hair stylists, cheese mongers, bakers, language instructors, butchers, and more–they hosted a brunch for about 30 people. We were honored to be asked to help with the party, which was a huge success. I helped cook, along with friends Anne and John, and Phil served as bartender. The spread was fabulous, and everyone, including a couple of adorable toddlers, had a great time.
Dave and Sue’s bounteous buffet
While I was resting, Phil was painting, and one of his works was so beautiful I framed it and hung it in our entry. Now, when anyone arrives chez nous, this gorgeous painting is the first thing they see. And he named the restaurant in the foreground after our granddaughter!
Phil’s painting hanging in our entry
On January 23 we celebrated our third Franciversary with a sumptuous dinner at Ebullition, which serves the best food I’ve had in Montpellier. Our friends Michael and Sara took us there for lunch during their October visit, and this was a great excuse to return. It was just as wonderful as our first time, and we look forward to celebrating many more special occasions there.
Our amuses bouches and Champagne at Ebullition
Finally, on the last day of the month, we joined other Opéra Orchestre supporters at the rehearsal for tonight’s performance of Traversée, with works by Ravel, Barber, and Tchaikovsky, conducted by our new American Maestro, Roderick Cox. It was fascinating to see the rehearsal, to hear Maestro Cox’s coaching, and to understand a bit about how these amazing works take shape. The reception afterward, with Champagne and appetizers, was lovely as well.
The orchestra about to begin rehearsal
And so we bid January farewell. I’m grateful for the time to rest, the time spent with friends, and the opportunity to live in a city with such culture, cuisine, and kindness.
A gorgeous sunset shot from Shelia