BETWEEN THE BAGUETTES, NUMBER 2
how not to get bored in retirement
In my late teens, one of my favorite band’s anthems was “Fear is Never Boring.” But in Montpellier, no need for fright because there’s always something interesting to do. In the last week, Russ and I dipped our toes into several totally different milieus. This city always has something amazing to offer.
FISE MONTPELLIER 2025
FISE MONTPELLIER 2025 is an extreme sports festival. BMX, skate boarding, break dancing and scooters – and everything else that belongs in the category. About four weeks ago, construction started popping up in our neighborhood:
We had no idea what was going on, only to find out that an international event was booked less than a minute from our front door.
What to do? Get grandstand seats! It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to bring up the average age of a crowd…
What a blast. Our tickets allowed us to attend all days of the festival and Russ returned for another round to observe the goings-on. I confess, I took a nap.
And as FISE MONTPELLIER is taking down its grandstands, Russ spied another events sign:
BANKSY
According to Wikipedia, quoting someone else of course, “Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation.” [1]
I’ve heard of Banksy many times and have a vision of a work with a little girl and a red balloon. But no idea of what Banksy is about or if he is a he or whatever. Anyway, we went to the exhibit.
Whoever Banksy is, it looks like he made his $$$ originally off of doing album covers while maintaining that he kept true to his political beliefs which may or may not be yours or mine. Regardless, interesting style of work, fascinating exhibit to see and expanded my knowledge of the world.
FANFARES DE MONTPELLIER
And just when you think you might get bored, NO, your friends Anne and John suggest an evening out to take part in a music festival, Le 28e festival des FANFARES de MONTPELLIER.
Anne is a one-woman lifeline for American expats arriving in Montpellier and both she and her husband John have graciously extended friendship and much needed advice in Russ and my Montpellier adventure. Last night, they introduced us to the art of attending a street festival and an excellent adventure was had by all.
[1] Holzwarth, Hans W. (2009). 100 Contemporary Artists A–Z (Taschen’s 25th anniversary special ed.). Köln: Taschen. p. 40. ISBN 978-3-8365-1490-3.
So many awesome events! It looks like you’re doing a great job of getting to see what your city has to offer.
Christie, we are enjoying Montpellier and its many offerings! So much to do! We are genuinely lucky.
Thanks for sharing the wide range of activities!
Kelly, not as many as you manage to fit in!
You are having a whirlwind time enjoying all these very cool events! I’d have needed a nap just thinking of it all!
Keep exploring and having fun!!
Ha! Naps are part of the adventure as well, at least for me. Thanks for all your support!
Looks like you two are living the dream! Arts, culture, entertainment a-plenty! Not to mention the wonderful food & wine! Such good times! As always, thanks so much for sharing!
Wanda, we are so lucky to be here! And when you visit, we will have great fun…
So much fun! You have made a good choice, my friend! 🩷
Thank you, Amy! It means so much to me that you follow our adventures!
So excited for you and Russ. I love reading your posts.
Ann, thank you for reading them. It means so much to me!
Wow, Leslie! Crazy bike-flipping guys AND a Banksy exhibit??
So many cool things to do!
Suddenly, my weekend seems so mundane 😀.
Make sure you and Russ wear your helmets when jumping things on your bikes.
Ha! There will be no bike jumping…we are o-l-d! But thanks for thinking we could do it!
So cool and such a variety!!
It’s pretty wild when you think of it! Thank you for reading – I love that you’re along for the adventure!!!
I was just thinking about you guys yesterday and wondering how you were doing. Sounds like you’re doing great! Can’t wait for the next installment.
Life is good! Thank you for reading and drop a line when you have the time!!!
I love that the French consider the city their living room and tend to have very small
Personal Apartments. You hang out at cafes and squares, or at home, by yourselves. Just a really great vibe. Your apartment is amazing, lovely and just perfect! Parfait!
I need a post about your French Language journey—so add that! My true stumbling block 😉
Julie,
I promise a French language post in September! I’ve given myself until then to start lessons again, giving myself time to adjust to the move and retirement in general. I have noticed that I’m less afraid to try to talk, not that I’m always understood! I was doing a lot of it when we were in the throws of purchasing for the apartment but now were more in a socialize with expat stage so the French learning has slowwwwwed down. Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
love you,
Leslie