Perpignan

One of the delights of traveling solo—or perhaps one of the compensations for the occasional moments of loneliness—is that it opens you to meeting people you might otherwise be tempted to leave alone.  Leaving people alone is not my strong point in any case, but there have been times that my natural gregariousness has been rewarded.  

I stopped in for a couple days in Perpignan, France in early spring of 2024.  Perpignan is a small city, not far from the Spanish border, in the Catalan region shared by both countries.  It has an amazing, rich heritage, and a bright, sunny disposition that warranted a return visit.  My phone battery was at rock bottom, but I found a pub who let me charge it behind their bar, as I hydrated out front.  A young couple arrived and sat near me with their baby.  I was bored, without even my phone to entertain me, and the baby was looking for a little distraction, as Mom and Dad spoke among themselves.  So what are a baby and an old man in such a situation supposed to do?  We started making faces, and babbling incoherently at each other.  

Before long, Mom and Dad realized that our conversation was more interesting than theirs, so we all chatted together.  My French is decidedly sub-conversational (at least by adult standards), but Mom and Dad generously spoke with me in English.  My experience in southern France has never reflected the legendary (often exaggerated) language snootiness of Paris.  I wish I could say that I remember what was said ... but all I retain is the kindness, and joyful mood.  

When enough time had passed that I knew my phone was fully charged, and that it would be better to not refill my class, we got ready to say our farewells.  They kindly assented to let me take their picture.  It always makes me smile, and fills my heart to look at them; it takes me back to that sweet evening at that pub.