I had never been to Nantes. The Barbara song had completely ruined the town for me as it’s so gloomy and depressing.
However, friends had been raving about it and my quest for finding a great spot for a house (requirements: not far from the sea, less than 3 hours from Paris by TGV and affordable! I need lots of space!) took me here starting my exploration of french “province”.
Funny how I know certain countries better than my own.
So far I’m enjoying it, I sense tranquility that no longer exists in Paris.
Aaaaaahhh tranquility. Where has my youth gone?
Ah!*
*Talking about my youth, a funny story happened last night, I was drinking tea in a café in the center of Nantes as Noel & Mike Hogan and Fergal Lawler from the Cranberries came in and sat at the table right beside me. Took me awhile to realize it was them, as I kept wondering what the hell were 3 irishmen doing here, eating omelette. Back in the days I probably would have fainted: I was crazy about this band. Yesterday – I hardly cared. Before they left I told them I had seen them at the Zenith in Paris some time in 1993 – I think, with Dodgy as the opening act. We all giggled as it turned out that was almost 20 years ago. They also gave me tickets to their show (they are playing in Nantes tonight) but I didn’t go.
20 fricking years. Damn.