Taking it slow in Cluny. We did go to Macon the other day, half hour by bus, it's where the TGV (the fast train) station and the regular gare (train station) are located. There was an incredible museum there with ancient roman items from an archaelogical dig in Macon as well as old French historical items, and beautiful art from various periods. It was very impressive for a museum in a town the size of Santa Rosa. There is a major river- the SAONE running through there that they had crew races on and there was a display about the regattas and the making of the bateaux (boats). I feel bad I haven't yet learned how to type some of the lovely accents I've learned, to go with my few French words. We ate at an irregular hour in Macon as the last bus was leaving for Cluny at 7:30. The only restaurant open was Turkish. The Turks present - owner and a couple customers were highly entertained with My few Turkish words. They were perhaps a little homesick and very nice. I may have spoke more Turkish than French there as one of them spoke English and wanted to talk about his latest visit to Marmaris where I went with my dad in '95 so I am of course an expert on the location. When we left they all sat down together to discuss the finer points of Turkey and their longings for home, I imagine. We foreigners brought them all together at the same table at any rate. Before this they were sitting separately and watching CNN Turk.
Macon was quite lively compared to Cluny. We spent most of our time in the tourist area which is a nice little place for relaxed shopping where the voitures don't drive so the personnes do not have to worry about their spastic four year olds getting run over. We may have to go back there to shop before October 30th as it is someone's birthday coming up and we haven't bought her a single item, possibly due to the not so long ago haul of too much stuff from the Netherlands to Cluny, France which was no easy feat and not soon to be forgotten. I am missing California finally. Last but not least in the missing department here. Sofie was first to miss California or perhaps Caleb was, but Sofie was first to admit it. Anja is a regular traveller / gypsy. She and I could travel indefinitely, I think. Of course we would have to return to some places over and over again i.e. California, Michigan, etc...
The business hours are very regular and consistent here. All the stores are closed for a two hour lunch 12-2 every day. This is when the restaurants are serving lunch. Before or after this time the restaurants serve mainly drinks and little snacks or sandwiches. You can only eat the Plat du Jour and other entrees during Lunch and then again at 7 pm or later for dinner. It is amazing how long it takes to get used to their schedule when you are a spoiled convenience- addictted, regular American citizen. We are planning a trip to Paris next, we think.