No weddings and a funeral.
A.K.A. the post wherein I officially retire from a lifetime of talking shit about the French (yes, this includes Parisiennes). Shocking, I know. Let me explain…
When last we spoke I’d just thrown two young Frenchman out of my holiday abode and was startled awake by a crazy lady the following morning. I guess I’ll eventually get some sleep on the plane ride home…? The last day of the festival was super chill and relaxed. I hung out on the beach most of the day then went for dinner with a new friend before heading home to change for the evening. I was told it’s a tradition to wear white on the last evening so I came prepared!

The last night of the festival was very nostalgic. Gilles (the man who brought us all together) DJed the final set and played a few selections that brought back memories for the crowd. As an American I recognized about 0% of these tunes but it was impossible not to get swept up by the spirit. By the end of the night I was, once again, hot, sweaty and sticky with rose but it was an incredibly satisfying feeling. The walk home that night was a good one. I’d survived my first two festivals and now had so many fun new friends to show for it. Best of all I still had two days left in Sete. Viva la French food! Time to find my eating pants. The last two days in Sete were very chill. I hung out on the beach, I ate mussels, I drank cappuccino. I don’t even like coffee! I also walked around the city and took a few photos.





On the last night we had a final group dinner at an adorable Brazilian restaurant on the beach. It was probably the highlight of my time in France. Have I mentioned what a loving, welcoming, kind, encouraging and amazing group of people I had the pleasure of hanging out with? Seriously these folks are incredible. I’m absolutely coming back next year!! So many new friends AND even a new neighbor. I couldn’t ask for more!



My train to the airport was scheduled for 5 am the next morning. I was a little paranoid about oversleeping and missing it so I decided to stay up all night. Luckily I was in great company for this sort of thing and it wasn’t hard to find others who were up for late night/all night drinks. One of the couples I’d made friends with had an awesome Airbnb so we all went back to their place to drink and listen to music after dinner. It was so fun chatting with them! The number of incredible people living their lives in incredible ways I’ve met on this trip continues to boggle my mind. It’s really made me think about the chasm between the things I want to do and the things I actually find myself doing. I’ve been inspired to make more than a few changes when I get back!
Around 2 am the party started to lull and we all decided to head home. I said my final farewells (really more of a see you later) and started the long walk home. As I neared my block you’ll never believe who pulled up down the street. None other than our young antihero Toulouse! And with his bum ass cousin in tow (does this dude go any where by himself?!). At least this time the cousin was awake and coherent so I have to give him credit for that. They offered me a ride home. Even though I was literally two blocks away I accepted. It was too nostalgic a moment to pass up! 5 minutes after they dropped me off I got a text. Apparently I’d left some make up I’d purchased earlier that day in the backseat. When I opened to the door to find them and retrieve it I found none other than cutie pie Toulouse standing there with my bag in hand. You know I invited them in. We chatted, listed to music, I jokingly offered the cousin another bath. There may have been some making out in a bedroom somewhere. Eventually they took off and got started packing. After checking to make sure I hadn’t left anything behind I headed out for the train.
The station was only 10 minutes from my apartment so I actually ended up having to wait a few minutes for the office to open at 4:30 am. Once inside I was informed by the station attendant that I needed a printed ticket to ride the train. Um, how am I supposed to do this while on holiday?! The RER train system needs to come into the 21st century! There were several ticket machines in the station lobby so I thought I might be able to insert the card I’d used to purchase the tickets and at least verify my reservation. I pull out my wallet for the card and immediately notice that all of my cash is gone. Yes, I was robbed by young Toulouse and/or his sober accomplice. To quote the late, great Amy Winehouse, “what kind of fuckery is this?!” I can’t believe was robbed!
I managed to frantically pull myself together just as my train was entering the station. Without a physical ticket (or any money) I hustled over the platform and boarded the train. They can throw me off if they want. It’s 5 am and I’m officially having a bad day.
Arevoir Sofiane (Yep, that’s Toulouse’s real name. I doubt the French authorities are reading this. If they are, I’d like to apologize for my poor grammar and sloppy story telling. Cut me a break, I’m on holiday and I’ve just been robbed by one of your citizens!!). It’s been real.

R.I.P to my €200
P.S. In other Airbnb related news, I am now officially a Superhost. Heeeeeey! Somebody’s about to raise her prices!! You know I gotta make my €200 back!
