Out and about in Pau

Exploring Pau has been delightful, although it was challenging in two ways - the weather (unusually cold, rainy and windy), and our own little Hurricane Chloe. She was so terrific getting here and for the first few days, but she has grown progressively grumpy at the prospect of going to yet more new places, only to find that her friends aren't there. If Lola and Vienna were at every destination, it would be no problem to get her out, but alas they are not. Some days she just doesn't want to leave the Villa at all.

So we've fallen into a bit of a rhythm: we spend the morning together, perhaps go to town for lunch and playground, then one of us takes her home for nap while the other explores the town. So, individually Eric and I have covered all corners of the city (when the weather allows!).

I have also spent some mornings with David, either tinkering in the kitchen or exploring some of the local markets.

This is the farmers part of the major local market. Doesn't do it justice of course - the entire market is about the size of a football field. It's about to be torn down to be built anew! They will somehow relocate the vendors to a nearby parking lot - for a year and a half! The market is, of course, fantastic - a foodie's delight. Local produce, fish, meat, chicken, lamb, cow's tongue, honey, baked goods, chocolates, wine...it's all there. Today I bought two tiny bouquets of Lily of the Valley from a very tiny, very elderly lady. I wish I'd taken her picture. Actually I wish I'd snatched her up and put her in my pocket, because she was the cutest thing I've ever seen.

 

This morning we bought some beautiful seafood from this vendor - skate and mussels for tonight's bouillabaisse.

 

 This is the corner market near the Villa - I went there probably ten times in our two weeks here. They have all the standards (except peanut butter, which is surprisingly hard to find!).

One day we stumbled on this carousel from, I think, 1902. We thought it was closed for renovation, but then it suddenly opened! Chloe took two turns on it, then had a major meltdown when she coudn't have a third. Oy vey.


 
Another petite carousel in another park. This one never did open, so Chloe melted down about never being able to ride it. We've left a few parks in toddler tears a-flowing!

 
Just some cool old steps.
 

 
Last week, when Chloe was still more amendable to exploring, we went to his cafe called Le Hamac (The Hammock) almost every day for lunch. It was near the playground, had a great lunch deal, and were very sweet. They had a terrific salmon quiche.

 
One night David and Fernand took us to this great Basque restaurant. I had (vegetarians look away) duck confit, and it was out of this world! And only about $10.

 
Another random outing. Although Chloe has been a little overwhelmed, of course she is still a total champ. 

 
The family birthday shot from my 42nd. So thankful to spend it in this town with such great company!