La Belle Vie

By touristy standards, we didn't have a very exciting day.  By our standards, we lived the good life.

We went to the Tourist Information in Tulle to pick up brochures and maps.  We chatted with two very knowledgeable women who gave us tons of information on what's happening in the area, what concerts we might like to attend, and which festivities are happening in some of the smaller villages.  Armed with this info, we'll be able to make our plans.

We then meandered to a cute little bistro next door, the Sommelier Brasserie.  Although it was filled with the local lunch crowd, there were also enough tourists to create an atmosphere of holidays with not a care in the world. 

We started off with a rosé wine for me, a beer for Karl, and a bowl of olives.  It felt very refreshing in this hot weather.  I had the Croque Monsieur, a classy twist to a very common ham sandwich.  The sandwich is made with ham and gruyère cheese, dipped in beaten eggs then fried.  Served with a salad and French fries, it is a filling lunch, and very delicious.  I got ketchup for my fries!  Must be because there are a lot of tourists around since "frites" are usually served with mayonnaise, or even mustard, but not ketchup.

Karl ordered the chicken tagine with oranges on a bed of couscous, and he said it was tender and delicious.  A touch of the Middle East in France.

The bistro filled up with people vying for the outside tables.   You could identify the locals who took calls while eating or read the local papers.  The tourists were busy scanning the menu and trying to decipher what each item meant.  We heard quite a few British accents.  No one seemed in a great rush.

Two thoroughly satisfied people, having just finished a great meal and waiting for dessert.

This crêpe suzette was eaten on behalf of my cousin Rose-Marie, celebrating her birthday today.  I thought the chocolate batonnet looked a lot like a candle.  I promised I'd eat cake, but I'm sure crêpes classify as celebratory fare! Ah, the sacrifices one has to make...  A toast to you, ma chère cousine!

 

Gorgeous 32 degree weather.

 

 

We strolled the streets for a while, then drove home.  It just felt like we had integrated into the French way of life with a lingering lunch, a sip of wine, and colourful flowers along the way.