FIELD NOTE 4.30 - A French breakfast.

Since we arrived at Brigette's house some time after 1 in the morning, she was obviously in bed when we arrived and so Sharon and I didn't get the chance to meet her until Saturday morning.

Unfortunately my first meeting with her occurred shortly after waking up as I was trying to find the shower in my pajamas, my hair terribly unkempt after a wonderful night's sleep. Thankfully Bridgette didn't make any indication of my dress or appearance, even being so kind as to make sure that I had clean towels for the bathroom. Five minutes later I exited the bathroom with my hair brushed and smelling faintly of peaches. I made my way into the kitchen where everyone had gathered around the coffee machine - at least this morning ritual I am completely familiar with and needed no help with inserting myself alongside Brigette and Ziming.
After the coffee was brewed and poured, we all made our way into the living/dining room where a table was covered with breads, jams, and fruits. Over the course of the next hour we ate croissants and brioche while telling Brigette the stories of how we both came to France - a story that seems to me to become more threadbare with every telling.
Before any of us realized it all of our coffee cups were empty and the croissants and brioche eaten. We quickly set about cleaning up and making our way out to the car to travel into Paris, telling Brigette goodbye and that we would see her in the morning.