Administration headaches are universal

Welcome to the famous French administration,,,, Was told to be at a location at 8 AM,,, Yet it opens at 8:30... No big deal, yet once there and having waited for 3 hours I am politely told I was not sent to the right local.. It is imperative to be heard prior the weekend. I left, hand written note in hand to the new location which of course will only open after 2:30 PM....I am there, oops, closed on Thursdays... Arrrghhh... See you on Friday at 8:30 then. After making my mind to go to my grandmother's funeral, the French government decided otherwise. C;est la vie..........

Seafood Place

After more then a month I finally the best seafood place around.  Chez le pecheur,  16 rue Subleyras, located in a quiet small street, a ten minute walk  Olivier, the owner an ex- professional fisherman, welcomed me with a broad smile and was eager to help me with his knowledge. I opted for this morning fresh lined caught mackerel which he filleted  on the spot. not omitting his favorite preparation: on a really, really hot pan, 2 minutes on each side to be drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper. Perfect.....

Fresh, reasonable, and welcoming, what more can a fish lover as I am can ask for? Unfortunately my next trip will have to wait 10 days, he will be closed next week. 

Ooops, I am in trouble.  August 1st starts tomorrow and already, my fish monger and baker posted the infamous sign, Ferme pour conge anuel. (Closed for Annual Leave,) will be back August 28.  All are allowed to go on vacation yet can't a business run without its owner?  For the next month more than half of my neighborhood stores will be closed. I will resign myself to the supermarket chains.  Ahhhh the French and their conges payes, this entitlement of paid vacation of at least 5 weeks a year. In a very thick French accent a la "I Love Lucy" by a man with a funny mustache, I can hear, "But it is a trrrradition Monsieur, we all go on vacation in August..."

Cafe

8:45 AM.  Such an early morning.  I decided to have my breakfast at a local terrace, "Le cafe de la Vieille Porte." 51 Rue de l' Université, A small coffee, OJ and a croissant for €2.60.  The coffee was bitter, the croissant old and the OJ.... Well lets not call it OJ.  The waitress was as bitter as my coffee. Strike one. Not to worry, there are plenty of other places to try around my neighborhood. Lets see what the rest of the day brings on such a sunny and warm summer day.