girl at large

it's been a banner inter-cultural exchange weekend here.
last night i was stopped by Sweet Hair Girl as i walked up to the market. she was excited and animated–after a proper greeting (kiss kiss, ca va?) i understood that she and her two girlfriends (whom i was introduced to!) were telling me that she's left our usual salon! non! she was worried about finding me and Maman again–she knew we lived just down the road, which she wandered up and down a few times searching for us. imagine. thank goodness we ran into each other–i'd not have anyone else do my hair–she's absolutely charming and i really enjoy speaking in french with someone near my age, someone i would be friends with. well, maybe we are friends now–after she's settled in her new salon, opening in two weeks, we're going to go get a coffee!
then this morning, Monsieur Bernard rang the bell at the house with mom's wallet, keys and Carmex (?!) in hand. we had arranged to meet at La Poste because he wasn't familiar with Antibes, but he managed to find it afterall from my inadequate-in-any-language directions. another happy greeting (kiss kiss ca va?) what a charmer! he was expressive and excited to have found Maman. though the cash and cards are gone of course it is a comfort to have the wallet back–and the all important Carmex.
and then, a few minutes later i was walking Ruby down Dog Pee Lane when a small Frenchman started talking to me–i wasn't paying attention at first, but then realized he was complimenting me on my 'picking up'. he did a little dog-poo-avoidance dance to demonstrate how he has to walk down his lane until everyone picks up 'les crottes' like i do. and he smiled.
i can't describe what a triumph a few interactions like this feels like. the frenchies walk about with grim, dour faces on –a wall between themselves and the strangers they are surrounded by. to crack that, to make a connection–especially in their language–is a feat! and when it happens–their smiles are so genuine and remarkable. it makes me feel good all day.