Umbrellas and Stilettos

No Floridian would be without an umbrella. Sure, we have been in a drought for several years, but I still feel reassured with my umbrella.

But I am always losing umbrellas. . . Just this summer I have bought two black umbrellas with bright polka dots. I know I left one at a restaurant and another. . . . I just remember debating whether to take it on a trip. Did I leave it in the back of a taxi?

My sister has the luck. She left one stiletto heel in the back of a New York taxi. A year later on another trip, she had the same driver who remembered her. . . . And he still had her shoe!

Given the recent weather predictions (and the fact no taxi driver has remembered me), I went out to buy another umbrella—this time one with stripes. One day I may find that taxi with a trunk filled with misplaced umbrellas. Or else I may start wearing stilettos. . . .

On Sale - Les Soldes!

Sales take place year round in the States, but in France they are government regulated. Twice a year— January and July. They run at different times in different regions. This year they are running from July 6 through Aug. 9 in the Alpes-Maritimes (Southeast region). During this period of soldes, prices drop each week. At the end of the sale period, clients can take advantage of substantial reductions. . . if they find their size.

Several years ago, we visited sports stores (for those soccer or bike shirts), Galeries Lafayette, Nice Etoile and smaller boutiques. We made a wish list at the beginning of the sales and then returned for more significant markdowns on sunglasses, jewelry and leather bags and sandals.

This year, I had a half day in Antibes at the beginning of the sales. But my daughter went to Cannes in during the second week of sales, which is usually a good time in terms of prices and selections.

The prices were great, but nothing remained in her size. There’s always 2012.

In the meantime, the 2008 purchases are holding out pretty well.

Cats and Macaroons

One of my friends had been posting photos on Facebook of food (bread, and cakes), which got numerous, lengthy commentaries. My photos of historical monuments did not get much more than a “like.”


The other day I posted a photo of colorful macaroons, brought my family who came to dinner. These were not just any macaroons—they came from the Atelier of Jean Luc Pelé in Cannes. Two-inch round sweets that truly melted in my mouth. Fig, lemon, cassis/violet, pistachio are among the numerous flavors.

Needless to say, this photo elicited numerous comments:

"When I walk in front of this store, I close my eyes so I won’t be tempted."--Cathy


"I googled it and found the recipe.”—Jenneine

“Where can you buy these?”-–Mary

“Available at the White Apron.” –Charlie

“CIAO JANE CEST TRES BON LES MACARON SPECIALITEE BORDELAISE GROS BISOUS A BIENTOT.” Francisco

Everyone had a personal experience with macaroons or wanted one.

The next day, I posted a photo of a cute gray cat on FB. Would the cat get as many comments?

At last count, the cat had eight or nine comments compared to the 11+ for the macaroons.

Humm. . . . And what about a cat eating macaroons? If anyone is interested in sharing a macaroon with the cat, she lives at La Boutique (my favorite antique store) in Opio.

This last photo is the window at Aux Delices Antibois, between the Place de Gaulle and the market.

Care Packages of sorts. . .

I took a Delta flight through many cities to get to Nice in late June. My suitcase contained three boxes of Cheez-Its (a special request), Crest whitening strips, Neosporin and coffee coolers—among the few items globalization has not brought to France—along with tango shoes and too many clothes.

It’s never a good sign to have your originating flight delayed. The two-hour time between connecting flights in Atlanta and Amsterdam ended in sprints to make boarding at the next gate. I arrived on time in Nice, but my bag arrived 24 hours later. . . .

The airline travel care package consisted of one large t-shirt and very few maintenance items. The only advantage to a delayed bag is that riding the number 250 bus to Juan-les-Pins was much easier. . . .

De Retour. . .

It’s always good to be back in Juan-les-Pins. 1,80 euros for a café américain (or a larger coffee) on the terrace of the Café de la Plage with a view of the Iles des Lérins. Many of the cafés on the boardwalk have a view that is somewhat obstructed by rooftops of the restaurants below on the beach. But here, I have a panorama. For just 1,80 euros. . .