An encounter.

It was just a small caress - a gentle rub as I walked up the slanted street with the claustrophobic sidewalk. The problem was the setting. The problem was the smell. The problem was the fur. The movement - frantic, as only a caress from a rat could be on a hot, sweaty Marseille night. Yes, a rat ran into me in Marseille. I returned to the apartment to recount my tale and found unsurprised faces and rat stories in response. In 2010 Marseille garbage workers went on strike for 7 weeks. Infestation. A friend found her daughter sitting in a sandbox with a rat nuzzling up against her - just wanting some love. Amazing. Etc. I know New York is similar - I guess the rats are just less outgoing.

Light in the South of France.

First, Colette. Then the light - it is to die for.



And of course jolie Marguerite too.

Marseille.

Next stop in France: Marseille. To see: Adrien and Laure, Xavier's cousin and cherie. I will tell Marseille stories, but for now, just stories in pictures.