Ah, the French café.
A quintessential icon of French life and culture.
When we first moved to France I envisioned spending many uninterrupted hours in our local café, sipping a morning café crème or an early evening apéro while writing, reading and watching the world go by.
It didn't take me long to discover that, other then when I plan to meet friends there, one of the best ways to enjoy the French café is anonymously.
When you live in rural France, you get to know your neighbors. Whether you like it or not.
Eventually you find that when you stop into your local café for a drink and some solitary reading or writing time, an acquaintance or three will stop by to chat or to plop themselves down in the chair opposite you and order a drink, all the while ignoring the fact that you had your nose buried in a good book or were contentedly writing away in your notebook.
I know that the café is a social place, I get that. And I love going to the café to meet friends for a drink.
However, I also really enjoy sitting on my own, not having to talk or socialize.
It is times like these when I miss the anonymity of living in a city. Pin It
5 comments:
So very with you here. Very.
Hmmm. I'm not sure that I feel bad for you. Time in a French cafe where you have to actually talk to French people. But, I see your point. Maybe take along a laptop or pull out your phone whenever you see someone coming. Enjoy!
michelle
I'm sure you do!
Paulita
no, don't feel bad for me. I'm not looking for sympathy. :)
Often the people who sit down uninvited are expats who I've only met briefly and are wanting someone to speak English with.
Funny that you find it hard to find peace and quiet in the country! :) I guess in a way, the anonymity of the city makes it that much more fun when you do cross paths with someone you know.
Camille
Yes, it would make crossing paths much more fun...
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