Tuesday evening
The Bar Casa Pepe welcomed us – there was a special welcome – including drinks on the house – for Sean who wore his Arsenal Shirt and scarf. The four or five locals, all men, although one or two women made brief appearances, were sympathique – after all Arsenal boasts three French players and the god-like Arsene Wenger.
As Sean’s harem – three equally partisan women, we attracted some attention, but it was all good natured. There was the man in the orange t-shirt who shook hands with everyone in the bar and then ordered a take away pizza which was delivered by a young man on a scooter. There was the rather strange little man who wanted to talk about rude things! and then Madame who appeared from out back and once over the initial shock of seeing a strange women sat at her bar talked away to me about her love of yoghurt and her diet of salad, potatoes and the occasional banana.
We drank beer, followed by cognac and café in petite black cups and saucers- all very stylish but then that’s the French for you stylish and friendly -despite what people often say about their difficult stand offish nature – it’s not my experience.
It was a good night! It would have been a great night if only the Arsenal had won …
Only if France would I watch a football match. But in such great company it was a treat. I noticed how the men dranl coffee as much or beer or spirits. rather different from a bar in Newcastle don’t you think.
wx
What a delightful place you appear to have found! How I wish I could have sat and people watched with you four over a large glass of chilled wine. I often think when I am out that one could write an entire novel inspired by the clientelle in a bar or cafe and find myself indulging in games of make believe ….
Kate x