Arles

Hello Everyone,

It's an overcast day today - and the last few days have been a bit rainy, but I'm a good boyscout that has cut their teeth while pleasure cruising off the coast of New England, so it's no worries.

This morning, I camped a few km from the Pont du Gard and that was pretty fun to check out. Left before HOARDS OF TOURISTS took away the magic. I have to digress a bit and talk about French people.

French people? I've found to be just fine.

French people on vacation? While at a supermarche? I'm through with them. They are horrible.

The idea of private space seems so much different in France than here and I haven't yet figured it out. The following scenario keeps playing out:

I'm walking in a very straight path. No one is in *my* way - in fact, I've positioned myself so that I will not be in anyone's way. Sometimes I have a big bike, with loads of Stuff on it, so I take care not to, well, hit someone.

Someone, will, without looking, or thinking, or even caring, GET in my way. Either, they just walk right in front of me, without looking. Or, they'll look, and STILL GET IN MY WAY.

And then, they act surprised.

I have tried all my tricks I learned in high school to repel: I act weird, I act dirty (as in, covered in dirt - like I've spent 3 days straight in the woods), I puff up my chest, I act like I'm going to take someone's skull and destroy it -

none. None of this works.

My only thought is that, it is my obligation to get out of anyone's way. For this, I get to... get in everyone elses way? See? I can't figure it out.

It's horrid at the supermarches and god help me, the hyper marches. Again: Straight, logical path. A man will look at me. A man, standing still, *perhaps* in the middle of an isle. He'll see me, and, as I approach, He'll put out his arm and place his hand on his hip, just as I'm about to pass - so I must SWERVE to avoid him.

I'm a mannered man. I did kick. I don't punch. I say please and thank you and help little old ladies through doors and across streets. But there's some much of this type of passive-aggressive action I ca take before I flip.

Unless, I figure out why it's like this and reveal, the French way of doing things.



And as I sit here, legs very much mush, I ponder why this all is. Is this just France on vacation? They act like they don't have to act correct because it's well, they're time not to be imposed to the rules that they themselves have put forth?

I don't know.

I'm uploading pictures. It will be a happier post next time :) Any help with the above, please, please help.