[*If Marseille could just be pronounced the way it is in my head, I could title this “Goodbye, Mar-sigh”.]
I have to give some attention to our youngers who did not do the same France that we did. Dwayne, Kyla, and I took a full day trip to Avignon+, explored many different parts of the city on foot and by scooter, seeing architecturally, historically, and multiculturally interesting things.
Piper and Wes did not. They would actually complain about having to leave their upstairs bedrooms to get to the better wifi downstairs in the tiny, 2-story apartment.
However, if I radically adjust my expectations and standards, and squint a little bit, I can almost see them getting some benefits from this trip.
It really started in Jordan, when the three of us did a full day in Petra, and Piper and Wes were having none of that. We left them some dinars and between themselves, it was decided Wes would do the ordering and Piper would hold on to the money. And so began a damn fine tradition.
By the time we got to France and were within walking distance of heaps of groceries, produce stands, bakeries, and oh yes, restaurants, Wes and Piper had a finely tuned system. They would have a full truce when left on their own, Piper would decide where to go, guide the grocery shopping and carry the money, and Wes would do all the people interactions, regardless of the language, including paying.
I just had to pretend I wasn’t worried about anything happening to Dwayne and me while we were so far away from them.
One of the sweet moments we had was visiting Cathedral de la Major. The kids joined me in lighting candles for two of my good friends, participating in my sadness.
And with that, we finally do say good-bye and pack up for Barcelona!
Needopedia 