Europeans are a bunch of Animals

PART I

I can recall my very first day in Europe so clearly-walking alone down the streets of Dublin. I can still clearly see  the buildings and people in vivid colors.  In reality it was probably several shades of grey.  But I was like someone freshly in love, everything appeared bright and sharp and wonderful.  Over the next few days exploring, I began to feel a peculiar loneliness.  However, I wasn't lonely for family or friends.  I realized something was missing on the streets and in the park.  Something was missing from the neighborhoods and windowsills.  Then, on day three when a little Westie strolled by on his leash, (West Highland Terrier for you "non dog-obsessed" friends) I realized what was missing. There was a complete absence of dogs and cats save for that one little Westie.  I still don't know why this is, but I do know that while I was aware of the lack of furry citizens, I was even more acutely aware of their presence as my trip continued.

Lunch at the Racetrack

While in Toulouse (my first french city) Elise and I brought our books and 2 ham and camembert sandwiches to the banks of the Garonne.  On the East side of the river there was expansive green grass, a few weeping willows and a long promenade- a popular spot for much of the city's citizens.  While the other bank of the river would get the shadow of the city as the sun dipped into the West, this side stayed warm and buttery.  There were old couples dressed with shiny shoes and little hats holding hands and walking.  There were young people smoking and playing guitar.   There were some African girls with a boom box practicing some pretty impressive dance moves.  But most entertaining of all were the happy dogs allowed to run free.


FREE is the key word here.  The dogs were allowed such liberty that it was impossible to tell who owned them. The owners were not worried or obsessed with what their dog was nibbling on or who he was sniffing or how often he lifted his leg.  The dogs frolicked ahead, or lingered behind or (as I enjoyed most) raced in circles with one another.  They were truly happy and they figured out on their own how to behave with the other dogs.

The dogs would speed past us just inches away.  Then they would check out each other and sniff in the grass.  While I was enjoying this, the girl next to us was clearly uncomfortable.  She kept fidgeting and arranging herself and wouldn't take her eyes off them.  She was clearly afraid of their size and freedom.   Though I should have more sympathy, I found it pretty hilarious.  Especially when I caught these photos.

On another jaunt in Toulouse, I saw this kitty pondering whether his 3rd life was really worth living.  Don't jump!

Les Chats et Chiens du Chateaux 

(The cats and dogs of the Castle)

Carcasonne is a huge and well preserved Chateaux.  A little city of touristy restaurants and shops lie within its walls.  But, I was surprised that also within its walls were some interesting residents. 

This Sharpei had no obvious owner, he just languished in the sun around the outdoor cafes.  Someone should remind him that sun causes wrinkles.  

Buy your very own Carcassone Cat for 30€. (assembly required)

This dog remained still like a Mannequin, even when I approached the window to take his picture.  Waiting loyally for his owner.

Its Good to Invite your Neighbors Over for Warm Milk and Catnip.

In the Montpellier apartment three stories up, we were often visited by the neighbor's girl kitty.  She would hop over from her window terrace and roll around affectionately.  She definitely liked our apartment better.  The neighbor would knock and ask if we'd seen her and sure enough she would be hanging with us. 

Critters of Collioure

In Collioure, here is one of the locals.  Often seen gazing at the birds on the beach, and darting down the promenade-this Border Collie was typical in his high energy.  The three times I saw him, he had a ball (or in this case a pine cone) in his mouth and was concentrated on finding something to herd.   Needless to say, he had no interest in getting pets.  

This old whippet came out to greet me from his shop.  Of course, I went in and actually bought something.  

 

I went hiking above Collioure by myself on a warm balmy day.  

 Here I saw a baby lizard (just 2 inches long)

This sweet Prickly Pear fruit was being enjoyed by three ants.  This reminds me of a great french phrase.  When a body part is tingly and we say "my foot is asleep", the french say "J'ai des fourmis"meaning "I have ants".  It really does feel like that, doesn't it?