The sun had made an appearance, it had warmed up, there was a buzz in the air. It was early evening, time for a drink at the Vignette and let the week come to an end. On the way there we noticed that Peter's Brezel's, which had started business about about 9 months and stopped trading about 3 weeks ago, was replaced by "Oxygen Homme" promising the aspiring young man a fine selection of clothing. It must have been opening day because some rather important men were in the door.
The Vignette had a few tables free on the pavement and we sat down, the sun shining on our faces, the cars and motorbikes hurtling past. Eventually, the waiter appeared. He could cope with my order of a beer but the request for a Beaune de Venise or similar confused him. Vermouth, Pastis, non.. we didn't want that...a very slight flicker of irritation, barely noticeable crossed his face. Eventually we settled for a vin rosé. He rushed off to the next table.
The important looking man we had seen at Oxygen Homme walked up the street with some side kick. He saw the group people two tables down and stopped. He knew them, greeted each one with a shake of the hand, kissing the women on both cheeks and then sat down on an empty chair, cheerfully talking to the party. It was then that I realized who he was: the newly elected mayor. No pomp and circumstance, no security, just another citizen of the town doing his work and stopping in a café (even if it is directly next to the Marie) and have a quick espresso with some people he knew. This too, could be politics and on a much more pleasant level.
We let the atmosphere envelope us, enjoying the drinks, watching people walk past greeting, exchanging comments, moving on. The patron's dog had settled down at the feet of a customer and was quietly dozing. Madame came out and emptied the "bar toutou" an old used cream container filled with water for the dogs to have a drink as well.
The bar keeper from the Irish Pub came past clutching a few papers promoting something and walked inside. After the time it takes to drink an espresso and have a chat, he walked out again with a bottle of Ricard. The Irish Pub must have run out and the Vignette had a spare bottle to lend. Competition exists, but it is friendly.
And so the time passed. People coming, going, meeting, talking and enjoying the warmth and anticipation that the wetness of April may about to come to an end.
Lazily we paid up, left a few coins as a tip and sauntered off home.
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