SHARING

Pomegranate season is waning…much to my sorrow. As we figure out ways to hold onto pomegranates by overwintering them on our balcony and freezing the tender arials in our small overstuffed freezer- I dive into the season of a most misunderstood fruit of all – persimmons.

We visited a farm in the west and as I admire the persimmons tree and fruit, the lady of the house grabs a stick and knocks a few down for me. Suddenly she smiles and I see a light bulb switch on over her head and she runs, literally runs to a tree in the back yard to bring me the fruit of a different - better tree. 

I’m humbled and a little embarrassed by her generosity. The people in the regions outside of Baku are sharers. I’ve heard more than once from ladies in old plastic sandals and glimmering gold teeth that they have little, but whatever they have they share – and they want to share with me. Fact is, she confides a bit later, they don’t really like them much and share them with the birds that pass by. I thank her and the birds for sharing.

Another farm, managed by refugees of the Nagorno-Karabakh War graciously offer tea and their facilities – above. Trepidation yes, but sturdy enough and the view quite nice!

INTERLUDE

We are at the half-way point of our adventure in Azerbaijan. Definitely time for a break, a recess, a pause, a respite – all of the above. 

Our first stop was St. Appolinard, in the north of the south half of France. Honking horns – gone, blaring lights and white noise – silenced, crowded streets and buses – vanished. In its place fresh air deeply inhaled and big happy cows and sheep laying on sloping hills gazing over green pastures. Green pastures in December - crazy!

We spent time with dear friends, Paul got to help build a barn, Ruby relaxed and made new friends, and I got to cook in a big beautiful kitchen with a oven that registers the temperature!

 Our next stop is Amsterdam, city of bikes, dogs, dogs on bikes, canals, great museums and street food.

The Stedelijk Museum of contemporary art (above) - quite cool. The Huis Marseille Photography Museum had a surprising exhibit of paper mache' characters (below).

Ruby took this photo in the butterfly house at the almost 400 year old botanical garden.

Then of course there is the oft-overlooked cow museum where we picked up a few gifts for cow loving friends :)

The street food in Amsterdam was a highlight. Big fat sausages, hearty soup and happy vendors. We spent 4 hours one day walking the streets with the Hungary Birds Street Food Tour and mostly ate but sometimes watched as one of our group ate a whole herring in one gulp! 

We have a new motto - "aways read the overhead sign of the ferry you are getting on before boarding". We had a little detour and passed through "A place beyond belief" (which didn't quite live up to its name) before finally arriving at the Eye Film Institute.

One of the cool activities at the film institute is the ability to make your own film! We made several as there was no line behind us. I think we may have used up our collective 15 minutes of fame!

Finally.... Paris

Ruby and Paul have a goal of seeing all the obelisks plundered from Egypt - here is the one the French got and aptly placed next to a ferris wheel!

The street food binge continues. Can one really eat too much cheese?

Paul...contemplating the 'udders of condiment' at a street food court on the Champs Elysees. 

Walking home to our hotel through the Jardin des Tuileries.