A Change of Scenery

It’s quite different here in Rogny compared to Begur.  It’s mainly flat, no mountains or ocean, but there is a very peaceful vibe of rolling plains of corn, grasses, and sunflowers.  And then there’s the canal with its seven locks.  Boats move through the canal, and also park there temporarily or permanently.

It’s funny how just crossing over the Pyrenees, there is such different architecture, different landscapes, different food.  On one of my first days in France, I went to the Super U grocery store!  I was looking for chicken broth to put on my dogs’ food.  In Spain, there is a half an aisle of chicken stock, seriously.  At a huge grocery store here in France, none.  In France, tons of varieties/brands of creme fraiche, but in Spain, none.

I usually sleep pretty soundly.  The dogs wake me in the morning to go outside to do their business by jumping, shaking, and generally letting me know it’s time.  But here, there’s the rooster.  OMG.  It cock-a-doodle-doo’s for hours!!  Ah, the peaceful country life!  But it’s part of the quaintness and a reminder of a simple, blessed life.

I thought I knew what it was like to live in a small town, but this town is really, really small.  It’s delightful.  It seems everyone knows everyone and all about each other!  My friend here has friends, so we are keeping busy eating out and eating at friends’ homes (all open air).  It’s great fun.  And I’ve really enjoyed trying out my French.  My favorite thing!  Now I get to say bon jour to folks on the street as I walk, and they smile and say it back.  It makes me so happy!  I’ve always loved studying languages, so this is the pinnacle for me – to get to try it out everyday.  I had to get a special dispensation in high school to take Spanish and French at the same time.  WORTH IT!

The latest news is that a group of airlines is urging the US and the European Union to institute a testing program for passengers to allow resumption of transatlantic air travel.  If and when is an open question, but there’s hope!