Just to keep everything in perspective, the above is a montage of images that NASA posted on Instagram of the JWST’s pictures of the “Sombrero” Galaxy, ngc 5494, (It gets its name from its unusually large central bulge and its perimeter of dust that gives it a profile resembling a sombrero) 30 million light years (approximately 360 septillion miles) from Earth in the constellation of Virgo. It is 60,000 light years (approximately 360 quadrillion miles) across (just slightly smaller than “our” Milky Way Galaxy).
November has been an “interesting” month. What will come from all that has happened the last thirty days will play out in the months and years ahead; but November was also an exciting month for Bonny and I right here in Montpellier. And when I say “here” I mean the “ici-est of ici-s”: No. 506 Higher Roch! My “report card” is attached, I hope you enjoy it.
Prelude to November
On 31 October Bonny and I took a taxi to L’Oulivie, a 10,000 olive tree estate about nine miles and thirty or so minutes to the northwest of us in Saint-Gely-du-Fesc where our tour guide, Mylene (L) informed us about the history of L’Oulivie (C) and the production of olives from tree to boƩle along with samples of their products. Behind her is one of the machines used to extract the oil. The goat (and other livestock) are essential partners in making L’Oulivie organic and sustainable.
After the tour we did a bit of shopping, and then enjoyed a rustic dinner under the stars, where, uniquely, every course was €5 for which you purchased as many €5 tokens you thought you would need and they refunded any you didn’t use. There was a twenty foot log on which there were at least ten different kinds of ripe and green olives to sample, and some of the cooks sang while tending the fires cooking meats and seafood- and bien sûr, frites.
Holiday Magic
There’s a chill now in the air at night in Place de la Comédie and the illumination of the new fountains in the adjoining Esplanade Charles de Gaulle reminds everyone that Christmas is coming soon. Thanksgiving isn’t observed in France, but Black Friday [sic] (pas le vendredi noir !) is very much “a thing” here, so reminders of what will be here before you realize it have begun to crop up.
When we were in La Grande Motte for la fête du quatorze juillet (Bastille Day) we met Marjorie when she was maitresse d’hôtel at Entre Terre et Mer, but now she has a new position as the manager of Maisons du Monde at their newly renovated store in Polygone. Here she is with her staff, at the ribbon cuƫting and with Bonny at the grand re-opening; the store, completely themed for the holidays with lots of gift ideas and home furnishings.
Tour Guides Extraordinaires
Our friend, Susan from Pennsylvania, came to visit us for a few days very close to her birthday, so what beƩer way to celebrate the occasion than to give her a “grand tour”. (from upper left) Susan with our chauffer extraordinaire, Hike –
L’EssenƟel on Promenade du Lido in Sete, where we had lunch – the Mediterranean from L’Essentiel – in Saint-Guilume-le-Desert, Bonny photographing, map, fountain, Place de la Liberté, a view – Susan’s surprise at Le Petit Jardin.
Celebrating Our First Hundred Days in 506 Higher Roch*
And what better way to celebrate than to have an Open House and invite your friends?
Well… we decided it would be best if we limited our invitations to just our friends here in the Montpellier vicinity – only because of space limitations. These are pictures are of some of the 27 of those who came. We really enjoyed having everyone who did, and if or whenever you are here in Montpellier, please drop by – we’d love to see you!
- The one-hundredth day occurred on 7 November, but that being a week-day, we chose to celebrate it on the 17th
.
Bonny’s Birthday Bash
As much as we love having a house full of friends enjoying themselves, or going out to celebrate, sometimes we enjoy just being together sharing a special treat. And two of our favorites are caviar and Champagne. Of course, it is traditional to serve caviar with vodka, but our tradition is Champagne.
And the next day we were off to Le Corum for a matinée performance of The Nutcracker, a particular favorite of Bonny’s, followed by dinner at Hôtel Pinard (another particular favorite) and a few more bubbles.
Ta da!
But Wait, There’s More!
One of the many pleasures that comes with dining at Benjammin’s and Szabi’s Hôtel Pinard is striking up conversations with fellow diners, just as we did that Saturday evening. Steven (on the leŌ) and Simon are visiting Montpellier, and being betrayed by their American accents, we soon struck up a conversation and discovered they are visiting from Philadelphia! What better way to show brotherly love than inviting them for cocktails on Sunday evening chez nous. They
brought the beautiful bouquet, we provided a few goodies, and bien sûr – Champagne ! (Except in this instance it was our excellent local Crémant de Limoux sparkling wine, methode champenoise and absolutely delicious.)
Ici et là à Montpellier
Montpellier never ceases to fascinate me – (l to r) Higher Roch from Le VerƟgo atop Hotel Pullman next to Polygone, an egret on the bank of the Lez, Orlando Furioso (and his cheval très fatigué) by Apel.les Finosa (1899-1988) Esplanade de Europe, a giŌ of pansies on our balcony, Les deuceux du Bitume, Rue Ballard, Gambetta, another denizen of the Lez, an enigmatic handprint in the pavement (that must have hurt!) signed “M” –Ce sont parmi mes souvenirs que je collectionne ici et là dans le cadre de la vie à Montpellier.
À bientôt !
La Vie de Montpellier 
Leave a comment